FAQs
- What is Rituxan?
- Who is Rituxan for?
- Has Rituxan been proven effective?
- How does Rituxan work?
- What should I know about Rituxan's track record?
- When, where, and how is Rituxan given?
- How should I prepare for my infusions?
- Can I take other medicines on the day of my infusion?
- What are the most common side effects of Rituxan?
- Are there financial resources to help me get Rituxan therapy?
- Where can I learn more?
Q & A
- Q.
- What is Rituxan?
- A.
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Rituxan (rituximab) is a prescription medication that is used with glucocorticoids to treat adults with Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis (GPA) or Microscopic Polyangiitis (MPA). People with serious infections should not receive Rituxan. Rituxan is the first and only FDA-approved therapy for adults with GPA and MPA.
- Q.
- Who is Rituxan for?
- A.
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Rituxan is used to treat adults with GPA and MPA. People with serious infections should not receive Rituxan. It is not known if Rituxan is safe or effective in children.
- Q.
- Has Rituxan been proven effective?
- A.
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Rituxan has been proven effective in putting GPA and MPA into complete remission. Talk with your doctor to see if Rituxan may be right for you.
- Q.
- How does Rituxan work?
- A.
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Rituxan works differently than other medications used to treat GPA and MPA. That's because it selectively targets only B-cells, a certain type of white blood cell that is found in the immune system that other treatments don't selectively target. It is believed that B-cells may play a role in GPA and MPA. Rituxan targets these cells and reduces them in the body.
Because Rituxan affects your immune system, it can increase your chances of getting infections. Call your doctor right away if you have a cough that will not go away, fever, chills, congestion, or any flu-like symptoms while receiving Rituxan. These symptoms may be signs of a serious infection.
- Q.
- What should I know about Rituxan's history?
- A.
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Although Rituxan is a new treatment for GPA and MPA, it has been tested extensively and used to treat other conditions. In fact, Rituxan has more than 10 years of clinical experience across all approved uses.
- Q.
- When, where, and how is Rituxan given?
- A.
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Rituxan is given as an intravenous (IV) infusion once weekly for 4 weeks. An IV infusion is given to you through a needle that's placed in a vein.
- First, your doctor's office will set up an appointment for you to receive your Rituxan therapy. Rituxan is given as an intravenous (IV) infusion. That means it is given to you through a needle that's placed in a vein
- The first Rituxan infusion is given at a slower rate than following infusions in order to closely monitor for infusion reactions. If symptoms do occur, they are more likely to happen during the first infusion than during following infusions
- Your first Rituxan infusion may take 3 to 5 hours
- Before each infusion, be sure to review the Rituxan Medication Guide and discuss it with your doctor
- Q.
- How should I prepare for my infusions?
- A.
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A Rituxan infusion may last several hours, so you may want to bring along a book or some music to help pass the time. Also, it may be a good idea to bring along some food, in case you get hungry. Just check that the facility where you are receiving your infusion allows you to bring your own food.
Before every infusion, be sure to review the Medication Guide that accompanies the full Prescribing Information with your healthcare provider.
- Q.
- Can I take other medicines on the days of my infusions?
- A.
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Your physician is your best source of information when it comes to your health. Talk with him or her to see if you may take other medicines on the day of your infusion.
- Q.
- What are the common side effects of Rituxan?
- A.
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Common side effects during Rituxan treatment include:
- Infusion reactions (see "What is the most important information I should know about Rituxan?" in the Medication Guide)
- Chills
- Infections
- Body aches
- Tiredness
- Low white blood cells
Other side effects with Rituxan include:
- Aching joints during or within hours of receiving infusion
- More frequent upper respiratory tract infection
Tell your doctor about any side effects that bothers you or that does not go away. These are not all of the possible side effects with Rituxan. For more information, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
- Q.
- Are there financial resources to help me get Rituxan therapy?
- A.
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At Genentech, we develop medicines for serious or life-threatening medical conditions. We believe they should be accessible for the patients who need them. There are three important programs that can help you get the Rituxan treatment you need:
- Q.
- Where can I learn more?
- A.
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Your doctor is the single most important source of information available to you. If you are looking to learn more about GPA and MPA, you can also visit the Vasculitis Foundation website at http://www.vasculitisfoundation.org. The Vasculitis Foundation is a good source of information for people with all types of AAV.
- The Vasculitis Foundation is neither controlled by nor affiliated with Genentech. Genentech is neither affiliated with nor endorses the Vasculitis Foundation. The information provided by Genentech or the Vasculitis Foundation is meant for informational purposes only and is not meant to replace your doctor's medical advice.