A tip from RISE
Calcium can help maintain strong joints. So ask your doctor about adding calcium rich dairy products to your diet.
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.
What to discuss with your doctor
Talking with your doctor is an important step in preparing for your Rituxan® (rituximab) infusions. Being open and honest during your visit will help you get the best results that you can from Rituxan. And you know your health as well as anyone, so your input can help you and your doctor make the treatment process as seamless as can be. Use the following questions to help guide your discussion with your doctor:
Questions to ask
- How should I prepare for my infusions?
- What are your instructions for taking medications before and after my infusions?
- How soon can I expect to see results, and what should I look for?
- How should I keep track of how I'm feeling between treatments?
- What should I do if I experience any side effects?
Points for Discussion
Tell your doctor right away if you have any of the following symptoms or if anyone close to you notices these symptoms after Rituxan t reatment. They could be signs of PML, a serious brain infection.
Before receiving Rituxan, tell your doctor if you:
- have had a severe infusion reaction to Rituxan in the past
- have a history of heart problems, irregular heart beat or chest pain
- have lung or kidney problems
- have an infection or weakened immune system
- have or have had any severe infections including:
- Hepatitis B virus (HBV)
- Hepatitis C virus (HCV)
- Cytomegalovirus (CMV)
- Herpes simplex virus (HSV)
- Parvovirus B19
- Varicella zoster virus (chickenpox or shingles)
- West Nile Virus
- have had a recent vaccination or are scheduled to receive vaccinations.
- are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding or plan to breast-feed
- are taking any medication, including all the medicines you take, including prescription and nonprescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements
- have any other medical conditions
You should also tell your doctor right away if you or anyone you know notices the following symptoms. They could be signs of PML, a serious brain infection:
- confusion or problems thinking
- loss of balance
- change in the way you walk or talk
- decreased strength or weakness on one side of your body
- blurred or loss of vision
Want more tips for talking with your doctor?
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