Rituximab
About
Rituximab belongs to a class of medicines called monoclonal antibodies used in the treatment of non-Hodgkin’s disease and chronic lymphocytic leukaemia. This medicine is also used in treating rheumatoid arthritis in combination with methotrexate and granulomatosis in combination with glucocorticoids. It is also used to treat Pemphigus Vulgaris (PV) and mature B-cell acute leukaemia (B-AL).
Rituximab contains Rituximab, which works by inhibiting the DNA and RNA transcription that is essential for cancer cell growth. This helps prevent the growth and further spread of cancerous or non-cancerous cells. On the other hand, Rituximab works by interfering with the immune system process that causes inflammation in the joint tissues. Thus, it reduces pain and inflammation and prevents joint damage and disease progression over time
Rituximab may cause certain side effects, such as pale skin, painful urination, night sweats, flushing, back pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, stomach pain, mouth sores, peeling of skin, injection site reactions and pain at the site of injection. These side effects do not require medical attention and gradually resolve over time. However, if the side effects persist or worsen, please consult your doctor. Rituximab is a parenteral preparation. A trained healthcare professional will administer it. Hence, do not self-administer.
Rituximab should be avoided if you are allergic to it or any other components present in it. Let your doctor know about your complete medical history, including current medication, to rule out any side effects/interactions. Also, inform your doctor if you have liver/kidney disease, hepatitis B virus infection, cardiac disorders, any active infections, or gastrointestinal disorders before receiving this injection. Rituximab may cause bowel obstruction and perforation, reactivation of Hepatitis B infection, Cardiac arrhythmias, tumour lysis syndrome, and angina in some patients. Hence, careful monitoring should be done during the entire treatment. Inform your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding.
Uses of Rituximab
Medicinal Benefits
Rituximab contains Rituximab, which belongs to the class of monoclonal antibodies. It works by inhibiting the DNA and RNA transcription that is essential for cancer cell growth. This helps prevent the growth and further spread of cancerous or non-cancerous cells. On the other hand, Rituximab works by interfering with the immune system process that causes inflammation in the joint tissues. Thus, it reduces pain and inflammation and prevents joint damage and disease progression over time.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Rituximab
- Pale skin
- Diarrhoea
- Painful urination
- Night sweats
- Flushing
- Back pain
- Vomiting
- Diarrhoea
- Stomach pain
- Mouth sores
- Peeling of skin
- Cough
- Bruising or bleeding gums
- Pain at the site of injection
In-Depth Precautions and Warning
Drug Warnings
Rituximab should be avoided if you are allergic to it or any other components present in it. Let your doctor know about your complete medical history, including current medication, to rule out any side effects/interactions. Before administration, inform your doctor if you have liver/kidney disease, hepatitis B Virus infection, cardiac disorders, any active infections, or gastrointestinal disorders. Rituximab may cause bowel obstruction and perforation, reactivation of Hepatitis B infection, Cardiac arrhythmias, tumour lysis syndrome (tumour cells release their contents into the bloodstream), and angina in some patients. Hence, careful monitoring should be done during the entire treatment. Inform your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interactions: Rituximab may interact with vaccines, antineoplastic drugs (cisplatin), and other medicines.
Drug-Food Interactions: No interactions found.
Drug-Disease Interactions: Inform your doctor if you have kidney or liver disease, gastrointestinal disorders, and pulmonary disorders before receiving Rituximab.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
consult your doctorIt is not known if alcohol interacts with Rituximab. Please consult the doctor.
Pregnancy
cautionIf you are pregnant or planning pregnancy, inform your doctor before receiving Rituximab. Your doctor may prescribe this medicine if the benefits outweigh the risks.
Breast Feeding
cautionIf you are a nursing mother, inform your doctor before receiving Rituximab. Your doctor may prescribe this medicine if the benefits outweigh the risks.
Driving
not applicableRituximab will be administered in the hospital setting. Hence, avoid driving.
Liver
cautionIf you have a pre-existing or a history of liver disease, inform your doctor before receiving Rituximab. A dose adjustment of this medicine or a suitable alternative may be advised based on your condition.
Kidney
cautionIf you have a pre-existing or a history of kidney disease, inform your doctor before receiving Rituximab. A dose adjustment of this medicine or a suitable alternative may be advised based on your condition.
Children
consult your doctorRituximab will be given to the children only if needed. If administered, careful monitoring of the child is needed.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- After your treatment begins, dietary adjustments can help you control side effects.
- Anyone suffering from a chronic illness, including cancer, should consume foods high in protein, healthy fats, whole grains, and vitamins and minerals.
- Plant-based proteins are among the greatest meals to take during chemotherapy or other cancer treatments. They have the highest concentrations of vitamins and minerals, such as nuts, seeds, beans, and legumes.
- Eat a healthy diet and exercise regularly to maintain proper weight.
- Include leafy vegetables, citrus fruits, fatty fish, berries, yoghurt, apples, peaches, cauliflower, cabbage, broccoli, beans, and herbs.
- De-stress yourself by meditating, reading books, taking a warm bubble bath or listening to soothing music.
- Get optimal sleep; rest well.
- Avoid smoking and alcohol consumption.
- Avoid fast and fried food, processed meats, refined carbs and added sugars.
Special Advise
- A blood test should be performed such as liver function test, renal function test, and pulmonary function test, to check for liver/kidney function and pulmonary function.
- Weekly blood tests should be done during the treatment to check for CBC (Complete blood count).
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Non-Hodgkin’s Disease: Non-Hodgkin’s disease or Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma is a blood cancer that affects your lymph system. It causes the uncontrollable growth of cancer cells in the lymph nodes. The lymph system is a part of the immune system which protects your body from disease and infections. Symptoms include lymph node swelling, abdominal pain, chest pain, cough, fever, and night sweats.
Rheumatoid arthritis: It is an auto-immune disease (the body's immune system attacks its tissue) that causes joint pain and damage. It occurs when the immune system does not work properly. Symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis include pain, swelling, stiffness, deformities, and loss of joint function. Rituximab is used in combination with methotrexate for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis.
Chronic lymphocytic leukaemia: It is a type of cancer that occurs in the bone marrow and blood. It increases the number of lymphocytes (a type of white blood cell). The symptoms include fever, enlarged liver, bone or joint pain, shortness of breath, weakness, and bleeding from gums or bruises.
Pemphigus Vulgaris: It is a condition that causes painful blisters on the skin and the lining of the mouth, nose, throat and genitals.
FAQs
Rituximab contains Rituximab, which works by inhibiting the DNA and RNA transcription that is essential for cancer cell growth.
Rituximab may cause bowel obstruction and perforation, reactivation of Hepatitis B infection, Cardiac arrhythmias, tumour lysis syndrome, and angina in some patients. Hence, inform your oncologist about your complete medical history, including current medication, to rule out any side effects/interactions.
