Rituxirel 500mg injection contains the active constituent rituximab. It is used for several different disease conditions in adults. It is used alone or with other medications to treat non-hodgkin’s lymphoma (cancer affecting white blood cells called B-lymphocytes) and chronic lymphocytic leukemia (a most common form of cancer that affects B-cells). It is also indicated to treat moderate-to-severe rheumatoid arthritis (a type of disease where the immune system attacks the body cells of its own joints) in combination with methotrexate in adults. Other uses include granulomatosis with polyangiitis or microscopic polyangiitis (inflammation of blood vessels that mainly affects the lungs and kidneys) in adults and children 2 years of age and older. It is also used to treat moderate to severe pemphigus vulgaris (an autoimmune condition that causes painful blisters on the skin and lining of the mouth, throat, nose, and genitals).

Rituxirel 500mg injection belongs to the class of medications called anti-CD20 monoclonal antibodies. Do not take this injection if you are allergic to rituximab or any other ingredients of this medicine, have a weak immune system, or have any severe active infection. Inform your physician if you have heart disease, heart failure, or breathing problems before initiating the treatment. Talk with your doctor if you have ever had a hepatitis B infection because the infection may reactivate again in a few cases and can be severe sometimes. Pregnancy and breastfeeding are not recommended when you are taking this injection.  

Common side effects of Rituxirel 500mg injection include infection of the blood, reduced red blood cells, dizziness, swelling in the face and body, itchy skin, diarrhoea, increased sweating, and low or high blood pressure. Use effective contraceptives during the treatment and 12 months after the last dose if you can get pregnant. This medicine may cause severe infusion reactions during or within 24 hours after administration. Inform your physician or healthcare professional if you face any infusion reactions, such as increased blood pressure, chest pain, headache, breathing difficulties, vomiting, skin rashes, or throat swelling.

• Non-hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL)
• Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL)
• Rheumatoid Arthritis
• Granulomatosis with polyangiitis or microscopic polyangiitis
• Pemphigus vulgaris

Rituxirel 500mg injection is a monoclonal antibody that targets the antigen CD20 expressed on the cell surface of B-lymphocytes (a type of white blood cell). When this medicine binds to the B-cell, it induces cell death in NHL and CLL. The binding action blocks cell activation and growth and causes anticancer effects. It inhibits rheumatoid factor production, antigen presentation, T-cell activation, and proinflammatory cytokine production in rheumatoid arthritis.

It should only be administered by a trained doctor or nurse. Do not self-administer the injection. Before giving Rituxirel 500mg injection, you will be given other medications (pre-medication) to reduce the possible side effects. Your doctor will decide the dose and duration of your treatment based on the disease severity and other factors. It will be given as an intravenous infusion, and you will be monitored carefully for any unwanted side effects.

Common:

Swelling in the face and body

Diarrhea and nausea

Itchy skin

Anemia

Muscle spasm

Headache

Urinary tract infection

Fever, chills, and shivering

Inflammation of nasal cavities

Cough, sore throat

Loss of hair

Serious:

Increased or decreased blood pressure

Chest pain

Hypersensitivity reactions

Hepatitis B viral infection

Memory loss, trouble thinking, difficulty in walking

Inform your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take, including prescription medications, over-the-counter medications, nutritional and vitamin supplements, and herbal products. In particular, tell your doctor if you are taking medicines for blood pressure or other heart conditions. Certain medications may interact with Rituxirel 500mg injection and reduce its effectiveness by causing undesirable side effects.

• Store Rituxirel 500mg injection in the refrigerator (2°C to 8°C)
• Do not freeze
• Keep the injection away from the reach of children and pets.
• If you have missed any dosing appointments, inform your doctor and schedule immediately.

Avoid vaccines before and during therapy. Inform your physician if you have been vaccinated recently because Rituxirel 500mg injection may cause drug-induced immunosuppression. Report to your doctor immediately if you face any symptoms like chest pain, breathing difficulties, stomach pain, and skin reactions. There is limited information available on the safety of this medicine in renal failure patients; inform your physician if you have kidney disease. Vaccination with live virus vaccines is not recommended before or during the treatment for patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Inform your healthcare professional if you have any active infection during the treatment.