What does rituximab do to your body?

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What does rituximab do to your body?

Rituximab is used to treat certain types of cancer (such as non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, chronic lymphocytic leukemia). It works by slowing or stopping the growth of cancer cells. Some brands of rituximab are also used to treat rheumatoid arthritis and can decrease joint pain and swelling.

What is mechanism of action of rituximab?

Rituximab is a chimeric monoclonal antibody targeted against CD20 which is a surface antigen present on B cells. Therefore, it acts by depleting normal as well as pathogenic B cells while sparing plasma cells and hematopoietic stem cells as they do not express the CD20 surface antigen.

How does rituximab suppress the immune system?

But in some conditions a group of cells in the immune system, called B-cells, cause unnecessary inflammation which damages the body’s healthy tissue. Rituximab works by lowering the number of these B-cells, to reduce inflammation, pain, swelling and joint damage.

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How does Rituxan work on cancer?

RITUXAN targets and attaches to the CD20 protein found on the surface of blood cells with cancer and some healthy blood cells. Once attached to the CD20 protein, RITUXAN is thought to work in different ways including: By helping your own immune system destroy the cancer cells. By destroying the cancer cells on its own.

How many times can rituximab be given?

Administer RITUXAN as a single-agent every 8 weeks for 12 doses. Following completion of 6−8 cycles of CVP chemotherapy, administer once weekly for 4 doses at 6-month intervals to a maximum of 16 doses.

What are the long-term side effects of rituximab?

Does Rituxan cause any long-term side effects?

  • heart problems, such as heart attack or ventricular fibrillation (a type of abnormal heart rhythm)
  • blockage or tearing of your intestines.
  • kidney failure or other serious kidney problems.
  • serious infections, such as shingles.
  • reactivation of the hepatitis B virus*
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What are the long term side effects of rituximab?

Does rituximab deplete all B cells?

Rituximab, a chimeric monoclonal anti-CD20 antibody, causes prompt and nearly complete depletion of peripheral B cells, which do not reappear for approximately 6 months in most patients [1]. Rituximab is effective in reducing disease activity and in slowing the progress of erosions in RA [2–4].

How long does it take for immune system to recover after rituximab?

Immune reconstitution starts usually after six months with recovery to normal between nine to twelve months. Extended rituximab treatment results in a prolonged recovery of B-cells without an increase of clinically relevant infections.

How long is immune system compromised after rituximab infusion?

How long can you be on Rituxan?

Rituxan can provide up to 6 months of symptom improvement from 1 course of treatment (2 infusions given 2 weeks apart). Be sure to talk with your doctor to find out if starting and continuing treatment with Rituxan is right for you.

Is rituximab an immunotherapy?

As an immunotherapy, rituximab is already a “personalized therapeutic” because patients whose tumors express higher levels of CD20 are expected to receive greater benefit from rituximab use.

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Does rituximab lower your immune system?

Yes. Rituximab is an antibody which affects white blood cells. It is used to treat a variety of conditions including rheumatoid arthritis and cancer. It is a long lasting medication which can lower your immune system many months after you receive it. Check with your doctor about how to minimize infections after you receive rituximab.

How Rituxan is thought to work?

Once attached to the CD20 protein, RITUXAN is thought to work in different ways including: By helping your own immune system destroy the cancer cells; By destroying the cancer cells on its own; In addition, RITUXAN can also harm healthy cells in your body. RITUXAN can be an important part of treatment for many patients with NHL and CLL.

What do you need to know about rituximab?

Tumor Lysis Syndrome (TLS):TLS is caused by the fast breakdown of cancer cells.

  • Serious Infections:Serious infections can happen during and after treatment with RITUXAN,and can lead to death.
  • Heart Problems:RITUXAN may cause chest pain,irregular heartbeats,and heart attack.
  • Kidney Problems:especially if you are receiving RITUXAN for NHL.