About RITUXAN
After the disease returns (relapse)

Get Low-Grade or Follicular NHL Back in Control

Two studies showed that if low-grade or follicular (indolent) NHL returns after treatment, RITUXAN may help get it back in control. What we mean by control is that the disease does not advance for a period of time.

In one study (called McLaughlin), 48% of patients who received RITUXAN after the disease returned went into either partial or complete remission for a period of time.

And the average response of these patients lasted for close to 1 year.

The McLaughlin study

  • Average patient age: 58
  • 166 patients whose cancer had returned
  • All patients received RITUXAN by itself, 1 infusion weekly, for up to 4 infusions
  • These previously treated patients were in different stages of disease

Did you know?

If you were treated and responded to RITUXAN before and your NHL returns, RITUXAN may work well for you again.

 

In fact, in another study (called Davis), 38% of patients who received RITUXAN again after the disease returned went into either partial or complete remission for a period of time.

And the average response of these patients lasted for 15 months.

The Davis study

  • Average patient age: 56 years
  • 60 patients whose cancer had returned
  • All patients received RITUXAN by itself, 1 infusion weekly, for up to 4 infusions
  • These previously treated patients were in different stages of disease and had responded to RITUXAN during earlier treatments

Important treatment considerations

  • The most common side effects of these 2 studies when RITUXAN was given alone included infusion reactions, fever, low blood cell counts, chills, infection, weakness, and low platelets
  • Please talk to your doctor about the potential benefits and risks of RITUXAN

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

RITUXAN® (Rituximab) is indicated for the treatment of patients with:

  • Previously untreated follicular, CD20-positive, B-cell NHL in combination with first-line chemotherapy and, in patients achieving a complete or partial response to RITUXAN in combination with chemotherapy, as single-agent maintenance therapy
  • 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
  • Relapsed or refractory, low-grade or follicular, CD20-positive, B-cell NHL as a single agent

People with serious infections should not receive RITUXAN.

Important 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 patients with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma were infusion reactions, fever, chills, low white blood cells, infections, body aches, and tiredness. Before starting treatment with RITUXAN it is important 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.

CVP=cyclophosphamide, vincristine, and prednisone or prednisolone; CHOP=cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisone.