• 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 cells). 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 cause anticancer effects. It inhibits rheumatoid factor production, antigen presentation, T-cell activation, and proinflammatory cytokine production in rheumatoid arthritis. 

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.

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.  

Side effects are unwanted symptoms caused by medicines. Even though all drugs cause side effects, not everyone gets them. 

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

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. 

1. HIGHLIGHTS OF PRESCRIBING INFORMATION. (2021). Available at: https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2021/103705s5464lbl.pdf  [Accessed 9 Mar. 2023].
2. ANNEX I SUMMARY OF PRODUCT CHARACTERISTICS. (2020). Available at: https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/documents/product-information/mabthera-epar-product-information_en.pdf  [Accessed 9 Mar. 2023].
3. Ahmed A. Negm & Daniel E. Furst, Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs, Disease-Modifying Antirheumatic Drugs, Nonopioid Analgesics, & Drugs Used in Gout, Lange's Basic & Clinical Pharmacology, 14th Edition, 2018, 642-666