Reditux – Rituximab Injection 500 mg

WHAT IS REDITUX INJECTION?

Rituximab is a cancer medication that interferes with the growth and spread of cancer cells in the body. Rituximab is a monoclonal antibody.

Monoclonal antibodies are a relatively new type of “targeted” cancer therapy.

USES OF REDITUX INJECTION:

Rituximab is used to treat non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma or chronic lymphocytic leukemia. Rituximab is also used in combination with another drug called methotrexate to treat symptoms of adult rheumatoid arthritis. Rituximab is also used in combination with steroid medicines to treat certain rare disorders that cause inflammation of blood vessels and other tissues in the body.

POSSIBLE SIDE EFFECTS:

Rituximab sometimes causes side effects due to the rapid destruction of cancer cells (tumor lases syndrome). To lower your risk, your doctor may add a medication and tell you to drink plenty of fluids. Tell your doctor right away if you have symptoms such as: low back/side pain (flank pain), signs of kidney problems (such as painful urination, pink/bloody urine and change in the amount of urine) and muscle spasms/weakness.

This medication can decrease blood cells, which can cause anemia, decrease your body’s ability to fight an infection, or cause easy bruising/bleeding. Tell your doctor right away if you develop any of the following symptoms: easy bleeding/bruising, black/tarry stools, vomit that looks like coffee grounds, signs of an infection (such as sore throat that doesn’t go away, fever, chills), unusual tiredness, pale skin.

COMMON SIDE EFFECTS MAY INCLUDE:

A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.

Nausea, vomiting, headache, dizziness, joint/muscle pain, weakness, or flushing may occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

People using this medication may have serious side effects. However, your doctor has prescribed this drug because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk offside effects. Careful monitoring by your doctor may decrease your risk.

Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including: swelling hands/ankles/feet, increased thirst/urination, numbness/tingling of arms/legs.

DRUGS PRECAUTIONS:

Before using rituximab, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to mouse protein; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: lung disease, heart problems (such as irregular heartbeat, previous heart attack), bleeding/blood disorders, current/recent infections.

This drug may make you dizzy. Alcohol or marijuana can make you more dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs alertness until you can do it safely. Limit alcoholic beverages. Talk to your doctor if you are using marijuana.

DRUGS INTERACTIONS:

Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/non-prescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not starts, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor’s approval.

Some products that may interact with this drug are: other drugs that weaken the immune system/increase the risk of infection (such as tofacitinib, natalizumab, fingolimod).