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B cells are thought to play a role in GPA and MPA

B Cells  

As this process can occur throughout small-sized blood vessels within the body, widespread damage may occur. This process can be particularly detrimental to highly vascular organs, such as the kidneys and lungs.

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Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis, Microscopic Polyangiitis.

Most common adverse events in GPA AND MPA

In a clinical trial, the most common adverse events occurring in >10% of Rituxan-treated patients (n=99) and >5% more frequently than in the cyclophosphamide group (n=98) were: infections (62% vs 47%), peripheral edema (16% vs 6%), and hypertension (12% vs 5%).

Reference
1.
Gómez-Puerta JA, Bosch X. Anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody pathogenesis in small-vessel vasculitis. Am J Pathol. 2009;175(5):1790-1798. doi:10.2335/ajpath.2009.050533.

INDICATION

Rituxan (rituximab), in combination with glucocorticoids, is indicated for the treatment of adult patients with Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis (GPA) and Microscopic Polyangiitis (MPA).

Rituxan is not recommended for treatment of patients with severe active infections.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

BOXED WARNINGS

Rituxan administration can result in serious, including fatal, adverse reactions. These include:

  • infusion reactions
  • tumor lysis syndrome (TLS)
  • severe mucocutaneous reactions
  • progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML)

Warnings and Precautions

Rituxan administration can also result in additional serious, including fatal, adverse reactions including:

  • hepatitis B reactivation
  • other infections including bacterial, fungal, new or reactivated viral infections
  • cardiovascular events

Use of concomitant immunosuppressants other than corticosteroids has not been studied in GPA or MPA patients exhibiting peripheral B-cell depletion following treatment with Rituxan.

Observe patients closely for signs of infection if immunosuppressants other than corticosteroids are used concomitantly.

Common adverse reactions include infections, nausea, diarrhea, headache, muscle spasms, anemia and peripheral edema.

For additional safety information, please see the full prescribing information, including BOXED WARNINGS and Medication Guide.