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What is Rituxan
 Rituxan
is a cancer (antineoplastic) medication. Rituxan interferes
with the growth of cancer cells and slows their growth and
spread in the body.
Rituxan
is used in the treatment of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.
Rituxan
may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this
medication guide.
General medical information about Rituxan
Rituxan should only be administered under the supervision
of a qualified healthcare provider experienced in the use
of cancer chemotherapeutic agents.
Serious side effects
have been reported with the use of Rituxan including: allergic
and infusion reactions (difficulty breathing; closing of
the throat; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives);
lung problems; heart problems; kidney problems; rashes and
severe skin problems; and others. Talk to your doctor about
the possible side effects from treatment with Rituxan.
What you should find out before taking Rituxan Do not use Rituxan without first talking to your
doctor if you have
- liver disease;
- kidney
disease;
- any type of infection;
- had hepatitis
B or liver problems;
- lung or breathing problems;
or
- a history of heart disease or irregular heart
beats.
The use of Rituxan may be dangerous if you
have any of the conditions listed above.
Some patients
treated with Rituxan have reported reactivation of the hepatitis
B virus (HBV). Individuals who are at high risk of HBV infection
(risk factors include, but are not limited to, having unprotected
sex with an infected person; sharing needles when injecting
illegal drugs; being stuck with a used needle) should be
screened before beginning Rituxan therapy. Carriers of hepatitis
B should be closely monitored during therapy. Talk to your
doctor before taking Rituxan if you have hepatitis B or
have engaged in activities that may have exposed you to
the hepatitis B virus.
Rituxan is in the FDA pregnancy
category C. This means that it is not known whether Rituxan
will be harmful to an unborn baby. Do not use Rituxan without
first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or could
become pregnant during treatment. Birth control should be
used during and for 12 months following treatment with Rituxan.
It is not known whether Rituxan passes into breast
milk. Do not take Rituxan without first talking to your
doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
How should you use Rituxan Rituxan should only be administered under the supervision
of a qualified healthcare provider experienced in the use
of cancer chemotherapeutic agents.
Rituxan is administered
intravenously (into a vein).
Your doctor will determine
the correct amount and frequency of treatment with Rituxan
depending upon the type of cancer being treated and other
factors. Talk to your doctor if you have any questions or
concerns regarding the treatment schedule.
Your doctor
will probably want you to have regularly scheduled blood
tests and other medical evaluations during treatment with
Rituxan to monitor progress and side effects.
Your
healthcare provider will store Rituxan as directed by the
manufacturer. If you are storing Rituxan at home, follow
the directions provided by your healthcare provider.
If you miss a dose: Contact your doctor if you miss a dose of Rituxan.
What happens if you overdose: If for any reason an overdose of Rituxan is suspected,
seek emergency medical attention or contact your healthcare
provider immediately.
Symptoms of a Rituxan overdose
tend to be similar to side effects caused by the medication,
although often more severe.
What should you avoid while using Rituxan There are no restrictions on food, beverages, or
activity during treatment with Rituxan unless otherwise
directed by your doctor.
Possible side effects of Rituxan If you experience any of the following serious side
effects from Rituxan, contact your doctor immediately:
-
an allergic reaction (including difficulty breathing; closing
of the throat; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; low
blood pressure; or hives);
- lung problems (difficulty
breathing, shortness of breath, increased coughing, or chest
pain);
- heart problems (irregular heart beats, chest
pain);
- little or no urine production (may indicate
kidney problems);
- fever or chills; or
-
a rash or skin reaction.
Other, less serious side
effects may be more likely to occur. Continue taking Rituxan
and talk to your doctor if you experience:
- nausea
or vomiting;
- weakness;
- headache;
-
flushing; or
- dizziness.
Other side effects
have also been reported. Discuss with your doctor any side
effect that occurs during treatment with Rituxan.
What other drugs will affect Rituxan
Other
drugs may interact with Rituxan. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist
before taking any other prescription or over-the-counter medicines
including vitamins, minerals, and herbal products during treatment
with Rituxan. |
