"When it came time to switch, I just didn't see the point in trying the same kind of treatment again."
–Bobbi, taking Rituxan since 2007
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION
Rituxan can result in serious side effects, some of which could be life threatening. These include:
- infusion reactions
- tumor lysis syndrome (TLS)
- severe skin and mouth reactions
- progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML)
Other serious, potentially life-threatening side effects are:
- hepatitis B infection that may become active again
- serious infections
- heart problems
- low blood cell counts
Common side effects include infections and infusion reactions. Before treatment with Rituxan, patients should tell their doctor if they have an infection, including one that will not go away or that keeps coming back. If patients experience any symptoms or side effects during or after Rituxan treatment, they should seek immediate medical attention. These are not all of the possible side effects with Rituxan. Tell your doctor about any side effect that bothers you or that does not go away.
Please read the Rituxan full Prescribing Information, including the Medication Guide. If you have any questions about this information, be sure to discuss them with your doctor.
WHAT IS RITUXAN?
Rituxan® (rituximab) is a prescription medicine used in adults with another prescription medicine called methotrexate, to reduce the signs and symptoms of moderate to severe active RA, after at least one other medicine called a tumor necrosis factor (TNF) inhibitor has been used and did not work well enough.
After taking an anti-TNF
Are you familiar with the term anti-TNFs? Even if you don't recognize it by name, chances are you've discussed them with your doctor. You may even be taking one now to treat your rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The brand names of these treatments include Cimzia® (certolizumab pegol), Enbrel® (etanercept), Humira® (adalimumab), Remicade® (infliximab), and Simponi® (golimumab).*
Anti-TNFs are among an advanced class of RA treatments called biologics, and they're usually the first biologic to be given. Many people have had some initial success with anti-TNFs. But it's not uncommon for these treatments to stop working well and for some people to make a change. Sometimes those people will try another anti-TNF treatment, however many have found better results with a different type of treatment, like B-cell therapy.
Consider a treatment that works differently
Unlike anti-TNFs, B-cell therapy targets a type of white blood cell called a B-cell, which is believed to play a key role in the pain, symptoms, and joint damage of RA. Currently, Rituxan® (rituximab) is the only B-cell therapy that treats RA. And it has worked well for many people who haven't been helped enough by an anti-TNF. Learn more about the benefits of Rituxan.
Be mindful of potential side effects
You should know that Rituxan can cause serious side effects such as infections, and people with active infections should not receive Rituxan. For more information about side effects associated with Rituxan, visit the weighing the benefits and risks page.
See Rituxan in action
Watch this video on how Rituxan targets B-cells to treat RA.
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- All trademarks are the property of their respective owners. All treatments are prescription only.
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- Results with Rituxan
