Rituximab
What is Rituximab?
Rituximab is a targeted cancer drug and a type of biological therapy that is used to treat certain types of lymphoma or leukemia (1). It works by attaching itself to all the CD20 proteins it finds. Then the cells of the immune system attack and kill the cancer cells that have the CD20 proteins on their surface (1). Rituximab is also used to treat autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, vasculitis, and dermatomyositis (3). It is available only with a doctor's prescription and is administered by a healthcare professional in a medical setting.
Dosage
The dosage of rituximab depends on the condition being treated, the patient's weight, and other factors. The drug is given as an intravenous infusion, which means it is injected into a vein over several hours. The first infusion is usually given slowly to monitor for any allergic reactions. The dosage and frequency of administration are determined by the patient's doctor.
Side Effects
Rituximab can cause side effects, some of which can be serious. The most common side effects include:
- Infusion reactions, such as fever, chills, and difficulty breathing
- Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea
- Headache and dizziness
- Fatigue and weakness
- Skin rash and itching
Less common side effects include:
- Low blood pressure
- Infections
- Liver damage
- Heart problems
- Kidney damage
- Lung problems
Interactions
Rituximab may interact with other drugs, including vaccines, and may increase the risk of infections. Patients should inform their doctor of all medications they are taking, including over-the-counter drugs, supplements, and herbal remedies.
Time of Day and With or Without Food
There is no specific time of day that rituximab should be taken. It is administered as an intravenous infusion in a medical setting.
Human Studies
Rituximab has been extensively studied in clinical trials for the treatment of various types of cancer and autoimmune diseases. The drug has been shown to be effective in treating certain types of lymphoma and leukemia, as well as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, vasculitis, and dermatomyositis (1) (3). However, the drug can cause serious side effects, and patients should be closely monitored by their doctor during treatment.
Summary
To summarize, Rituximab is a targeted cancer drug and a type of biological therapy that is used to treat certain types of lymphoma or leukemia. It is also used to treat autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, vasculitis, and dermatomyositis. The drug is administered as an intravenous infusion in a medical setting, and the dosage and frequency of administration are determined by the patient's doctor. Rituximab can cause serious side effects, and patients should be closely monitored by their doctor during treatment.
Citations:
(1) https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/treatment/drugs/rituximab
(2) https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a607038.html
(3) https://versusarthritis.org/about-arthritis/treatments/drugs/rituximab/
(4) https://www.rituxan.com
(5) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK564374/
(6) https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/rituximab-intravenous-route/side-effects/drg-20068057?p=1
Rituximab used in MS
https://multiplesclerosisnewstoday.com/rituximab-for-rrms/
