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WHAT IS RITUXAN?

Rituxan is a prescription medicine used in adults with another medicine called methotrexate to reduce the signs and symptoms of moderately to severely active rheumatoid arthritis (RA) after at least one other medicine called a tumor necrosis factor (TNF) antagonist has been used and did not work well.

People with serious infections should not receive Rituxan.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

Rituxan therapy can result in serious side effects, some which can be life-threatening. These include infusion reactions, tumor lysis syndrome (TLS), severe mucocutaneous reactions, and progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML). Other serious, potentially life threatening side effects are: hepatitis B infection that may become active again, serious infections, heart problems and 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 keeps coming back.

If patients experience any symptoms or side effects during or after Rituxan treatment, they should seek immediate medical attention.

For additional important safety information please see the Rituxan full Prescribing Information, including BOXED WARNINGS and Medication Guide.

Print FAQs

Q & A

  • What is Rituxan?
  • Rituxan® (rituximab) is a prescription medicine, used along with methotrexate, in adults with moderately-to-severely active rheumatoid arthritis (RA), who have had an inadequate response to one or more anti-TNF treatments. Simply put, an inadequate response occurs when your treatment either stops working well or does not work well at all. But that could happen for a number of reasons. It could mean that your treatment has lost its effectiveness, that you cannot tolerate the side effects, that your symptoms haven't improved enough, or that you're experiencing new symptoms altogether. Whatever the case, it's not uncommon to respond inadequately to anti-TNFs.
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  • What key benefits does Rituxan offer?
  • Rituxan is:
    • The only treatment that can provide symptom improvement through 6 months with 1 course of treatment (1 course = 2 separate infusions given 2 weeks apart). This can mean fewer administrations over time for you.
    • The first and only treatment proven to protect joints by slowing the damage of RA in people who haven't responded well to one or more anti-TNFs.
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  • How soon can I expect to see results with Rituxan, and how long will they last?

  • In studies, some Rituxan patients have experienced symptom improvement just 2 weeks after their first course of treatment. These patients were also treated with methotrexate and methylprednisolone prior to infusion, which may have influenced results at 2 weeks. However, Rituxan patients showed better symptom improvement than non-Rituxan patients at 8 weeks. And for many, that improvement lasted through 6 months.

    Studies have shown that if you continue to take Rituxan, it can continue to provide 6 months of that same symptom improvement.

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  • How do I know when it's time for my next course of treatment?
  • With Rituxan, you may experience symptom improvement that can last through 6 months. But RA is a chronic condition, and because there is no cure, you will eventually have to be treated again. When symptoms such as stiffness and swelling first begin to return, talk with your rheumatologist. Together, you can evaluate when it's time for your next course of treatment.
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  • How does Rituxan work?
  • RA occurs when the body's immune system attacks the body's joints. B-cells—a type of white blood cell found in the immune system—are thought to play an important role in this attack. Unlike other RA treatments, Rituxan works by targeting specific B-cells and reducing their count in the blood. This limits the immune system's attack, which limits the pain, symptoms, and joint damage of RA. Because B-cells usually help the body fight infection, treating with Rituxan may increase your risk of infection.
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  • When, where, and how is Rituxan given?
    • First, your doctor's office will schedule appointments for your first course of Rituxan treatment (1 course = 2 infusions given 2 weeks apart), which will be given by a healthcare professional at your doctor's office, an infusion center, or a hospital
    • Each infusion could take 4 to 6 hours, so plan accordingly (see "How should I prepare for my infusions?")
    • Your second infusion may take slightly less time than your first, but again, it will most likely last several hours. If you didn't experience any side effects from your first infusion, your second may go just as smoothly. If you did, talk with your rheumatologist and/or the attending healthcare professional about how best to proceed with treatment
    • Before each infusion, you may be given additional medicine to make you feel more comfortable. Seek immediate medical attention if you experience any side effects during or after your infusions with your healthcare provider
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  • How should I prepare for my infusions?
  • A Rituxan infusion may last several hours, so you may want to bring along:
    • A book or some music to help pass the time
    • Some food, in case you get hungry (if the facility where you'll be receiving your infusion allows it)
  • Before every infusion, be sure to review the Medication Guide that accompanies the full Prescribing Information with your healthcare provider.
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  • What are the most common side effects of Rituxan?

  • Common side effects during Rituxan treatment include:

    • infusion reactions
      • hives (red itchy welts) or rash
      • itching
      • swelling of your lips, tongue, throat or face
      • sudden cough
      • shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, or wheezing
      • weakness
      • dizziness or feel faint
      • palpitations (feel like your heart is racing or fluttering)
      • chest pain
    • chills
    • infections
    • body aches
    • tiredness
    • low white blood cells

    If these occur, they usually do so within 24 hours after the first infusion.

    Other common side effects include:

    • aching joints
    • upper respiratory tract infection
    • decreased blood cell counts
    • lung problems

    Although these side effects may not occur as a result of your Rituxan treatment, it’s important to tell your healthcare provider if you experience any of them. For more information, please see the Rituxan full Prescribing Information, including Medication Guide, and discuss any questions you may have with your doctor.

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  • Where can I learn more?

  • If you have any additional questions about Rituxan or your RA, your doctor is your best source of information. You can also call the RISE Support Line at 1-877-474-8892 to speak to a nurse. Hours of operation are Monday through Friday, 8 AM to 11 PM, and Saturday, 9 AM to 1 PM ET.

    For information about insurance coverage and reimbursement, you can contact Genentech Access Solutions™ through the same phone number 1-877-474-8892 or their Web site www.GenentechAccessSolutions.com.

    For additional important safety information please see the Rituxan full Prescribing Information, including BOXED WARNINGS and Medication Guide.

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