About Rituxan
Safety Information
 

Treating CLL with RITUXAN plus FC chemotherapy

RITUXAN is given with FC chemotherapy for patients with CLL as an initial treatment or when the disease advances (relapse).

In this section:

Read about one patient's experience

Abe

Received RITUXAN plus FC chemotherapy as an initial treatment for CLL

Just before I was diagnosed, my wife, Adrienne, and I both had the flu. We both had swollen glands—but mine didn’t go away. After a visit to my internist and a biopsy, we learned it was CLL. We were prepared for chemotherapy or whatever the treatment might be. But my oncologist said that it wasn’t time for that yet. We monitored my treatment, every 6 months for 3 years. Then, I started feeling exhausted, and my lymph nodes were getting bigger.

Adjusting to life with CLL

Up until that point, I kept living my life. For the most part—other than a swollen neck—CLL hadn’t really affected me. For those looking at me, no one could tell I was sick. Running is my passion, but as my disease progressed, I just couldn’t run anymore. It had gotten to a point where I needed treatment.

Starting treatment

My doctor said RITUXAN with FC chemotherapy was the right treatment for me. The first treatment took several hours. But other treatments took less time. I still visit the doctor every 2 months and check for swollen lymph nodes at home. And I’m still a person who always wakes up in the morning thinking it’s a sunny day and another day of life.

Words of advice

Everybody is different. You’ve got to go to a doctor you trust. I think that’s the most important thing. And it’s also good to talk to somebody who has the disease—someone with a positive mental attitude.

Remember that results are different for different people.

This information does not take the place of talking with your doctor. Discuss with your doctor any questions you have about your medical condition or your treatment.

Next Section RITUXAN Overview

Indications

RITUXAN® (Rituximab) is indicated in combination with fludarabine and cyclophosphamide (FC chemotherapy) for the treatment of patients with:

  • Previously untreated CD20-positive CLL
  • Previously treated CD20-positive CLL

People with serious infections should not receive RITUXAN.

Safety Information

  • RITUXAN can cause serious side effects that can lead to death, including: infusion reactions, tumor lysis syndrome (TLS; kidney failure due to fast breakdown of cancer cells), severe skin and mouth reactions, and progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML; a rare, serious brain infection).
  • RITUXAN has also been associated with serious and life-threatening side effects, including: the return of active hepatitis B virus infection with sudden and serious liver problems including liver failure, and death, other serious infections that can lead to death, heart problems, kidney problems, and stomach and serious bowel problems including blockage and tears in the bowel that can sometimes lead to death.
  • The most common side effects of RITUXAN seen in clinical trials of patients with CLL were infusion reactions and low white blood cells, which can increase the risk of infections. Before starting treatment with RITUXAN it is important for you to talk to your doctor about your medical history.
  • Tell your doctor about any side effect 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.

Please see full Prescribing Information, including Medication Guide, in PDF format.