CVP followed by RITUXAN Ongoing Therapy (for up to 2 years): Lowering the Risk of Progression, Relapse, or Death for Low-Grade Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma
RITUXAN® is indicated for the treatment of patients with non-progressing (including stable disease), low-grade, CD20-positive, B-cell NHL, as a single agent, after first-line CVP chemotherapy.
After treatment with CVP chemotherapy, there may be more you can do to control your low-grade (indolent) NHL. With RITUXAN® Ongoing Therapy, you have a better chance of staying in control. What we mean by control is a lower risk of progression, relapse, or death, as shown in a clinical trial. So what is RITUXAN Ongoing Therapy? It’s when you receive RITUXAN on this schedule after CVP chemotherapy:
- ON for 1 month (1 RITUXAN treatment a week), then
- OFF for 5 months
- Repeat this schedule for up to 2 years
The most common side effects when RITUXAN was given after CVP chemotherapy in patients who responded to CVP were tiredness, anemia, peripheral sensory neuropathy (a condition that affects certain nerves and may cause pain, tingling, or numbness), infections, lung problems, liver problems, rash/itching, muscle pain, and weight gain. The only serious side effect that was more common in patients who received RITUXAN was decreased blood cell counts. RITUXAN can cause serious side effects, some of which can be life-threatening, including progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML), infusion reactions, tumor lysis syndrome (TLS), and severe skin reactions. Be sure to read the Medication Guide and full Prescribing Information before each RITUXAN treatment.
What did the clinical trial prove?
The FDA approved RITUXAN Ongoing Therapy due to the significant benefits it showed in a large clinical trial, including that:
- Getting RITUXAN as an ongoing therapy (after CVP chemotherapy) for up to 2 years significantly lowered the risk that low-grade NHL progressed, relapsed, or resulted in death. In fact, it lowered the risk by more than 50%—compared with patients who did not receive RITUXAN Ongoing Therapy
Watch a discussion about RITUXAN clinical trial results
“I’ve seen some other bad things in my life that I've overcome. I figured this was just another hurdle to jump. I surrounded myself with my family, my new grandchild, and I felt that I might as well live life while it's here to live and appreciate every moment of it.” —David, RITUXAN patient
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.
INDICATIONS and IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION
RITUXAN® is indicated for the treatment of patients with:
- Relapsed or refractory, low-grade or follicular, CD20-positive, B-cell NHL as a single agent
- Previously untreated follicular, CD20-positive, B-cell NHL in combination with CVP chemotherapy
- Non-progressing (including stable disease), low-grade, CD20-positive, B-cell NHL, as a single agent, after first-line CVP chemotherapy
- Previously untreated diffuse large B-cell, CD20-positive NHL in combination with CHOP or other anthracycline-based chemotherapy regimens
Important Safety Information
RITUXAN® can cause serious side effects, some of which can be life-threatening, including: progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML), infusion reactions, tumor lysis syndrome (TLS), and severe skin reactions. Other serious and life-threatening side effects with RITUXAN include: hepatitis B virus reactivation, heart problems, infections, and stomach and bowel problems. Common side effects during RITUXAN infusions include: fever, headache, chills and shakes, nausea, itching, hives, cough, sneezing, and throat irritation or tightness.
Tell your doctor about any side effects that bother you or that do not go away. These are not all of the possible side effects with RITUXAN. Ask your doctor for more information.
Please read the Medication Guide in HTML or PDF versions and the full prescribing information for more information.
