This medicine is used for the following purposes:
- arthritis
- autoimmune disorder
- inflammation of blood vessels
- skin disease
- cancer
Brand Name(s): Rituxan, Ruxience, Truxima
Generic Name: Rituximab-pvvr, Rituximab-abbs, Rituximab
Instructions
This medicine is given gradually through the IV line.
Protect medicine from light.
Speak with your nurse or pharmacist about how long the medicine can be stored safely at room temperature or in the refrigerator before it needs to be discarded.
This medicine should be given by a trained health care provider.
It is important that you keep taking each dose of this medicine on time even if you are feeling well.
If you miss a dose, contact your doctor for instructions.
Drug interactions can change how medicines work or increase risk for side effects. Tell your health care providers about all medicines taken. Include prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal medicines. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist before starting or stopping any medicine.
Your doctor may prescribe other medications to reduce side effects. Follow instructions carefully.
Keep all appointments for medical exams and tests while on this medicine.
Cautions
Tell your doctor and pharmacist if you ever had an allergic reaction to a medicine.
Some patients on this medicine have developed severe, life-threatening infections. Please speak with your doctor about the risks and benefits of using this medicine.
This medicine is associated with a rare, but serious problem of the liver. Speak to your doctor about the early signs of liver problems and the benefits and risks of using this medicine.
Your ability to stay alert or to react quickly may be impaired by this medicine. Do not drive or operate machinery until you know how this medicine will affect you.
Please check with your doctor before drinking alcohol while on this medicine.
This medicine may reduce your body's ability to fight infections. Avoid contact with people with colds, flu or other infections. Contact your doctor if you develop fever, cough, sore throat, or chills.
Speak with your health care provider before receiving any vaccinations.
Do not breastfeed while on this medicine. You may safely start breastfeeding 6 months after stopping treatment.
This medicine can hurt a new baby in the womb. If you become pregnant while on this medicine, tell your doctor immediately. Your doctor may switch you to a different medicine.
Women of childbearing age should have a negative pregnancy test before starting this medicine.
Women must use reliable forms of birth control while using this medicine and for 1 year after stopping to prevent pregnancy.
Ask your doctor, nurse or pharmacist how to safely discard unused medicines, needles and syringes.
Some patients have serious side effects from this medicine. Ask your pharmacist to show you the information from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and discuss it with you.
Side Effects
The following is a list of some common side effects from this medicine. Please speak with your doctor about what you should do if you experience these or other side effects.
- joint or muscle pain
- nausea and vomiting
- pain near injection site
Call your doctor or get medical help right away if you notice any of these more serious side effects:
- pain in the abdomen
- loss of balance
- bleeding or bruising
- wheezing or difficulty breathing
- chest pain
- changes in memory, mood, or thinking
- confusion
- coughing
- coughing up blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds
- dizziness
- swelling of the face, mouth, tongue, or throat
- swelling of the legs, feet, and hands
- fainting
- fever or chills
- numbness or tingling in hands and feet
- severe or persistent headache
- fast, irregular, or slow heartbeat
- pain in the joints
- signs of kidney damage (such as change in urine color or bubbly urine)
- signs of liver damage (such as yellowing of eye or skin, dark urine, or unusual tiredness)
- mouth sores or irritation
- muscle cramps or weakness
- red, peeling or blistering skin
- sore throat
- slurred speech
- bloody or dark, tarry stools
- excessive thirst
- persistent or unusual thirst
- increased urinary frequency
- difficulty or discomfort urinating
- vaginal itching or yeast infection
- blurring or changes of vision
- severe or persistent vomiting
- weakness on one side of the body
A few people may have an allergic reaction to this medicine. Symptoms can include difficulty breathing, skin rash, itching, swelling, or severe dizziness. If you notice any of these symptoms, seek medical help quickly.
Please speak with your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist if you have any questions about this medicine.
IMPORTANT NOTE: This document tells you briefly how to take your medicine, but it does not tell you all there is to know about it. Your doctor or pharmacist may give you other documents about your medicine. Please talk to them if you have any questions. Always follow their advice.
There is a more complete description of this medicine available in English. Scan this code on your smartphone or tablet or use the web address below. You can also ask your pharmacist for a printout. If you have any questions, please ask your pharmacist.
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More information about RITUXIMAB - INJECTION
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Conditions of Use: The information in this database is intended to supplement, not substitute for the expertise and judgment of healthcare professionals. The information is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, drug interactions or adverse effects nor should it be construed to indicate that use of a particular drug is safe, appropriate or effective for you or anyone else. A healthcare professional should be consulted before taking any drug, changing any diet or commencing or discontinuing any course of treatment. The display and use of this drug information is subject to express Terms of Use.