Drug Index
Rituximab
Type: CD20-directed cytolytic antibody
Therapies & Conditions: Used in the treatment of adult patients including Non-Hodkin’s Lymphoma (NHL), Chronic Lympjhocytic Leukemia, Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA), and Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis (GPA) among other conditions.
Administration: Dosage varies by condition and patient circumstances; typical dose for NHL is 375 mgmg/m(2), and for CLL the typical dose is 375 mg/m(2) in the first cycle and 500 mg/m2 in cycles 2−6, in combination with FC, administered every 28 days.
Method: Intravenous (IV) infusion
Side Effects: Contact your healthcare provider if symptoms including infusion site reactions, swelling of lips, tongue, throat or face occurs, or if you experience chest pain or heart palpitations.
For more detailed information on Rituximab, please visit FDA.gov
Prescribed Rituximab?
Therapuetic Services
Option Care Health treats a broad spectrum of acute and chronic conditions.
New to Infusion Therapy?
This guide will provide an in-depth understanding of what patients can expect from infusion therapy.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is infusion therapy?
Infusion therapy involves the administration of medication through a needle or catheter. It is usually prescribed when a patient’s condition cannot be treated with oral medication. Read more about infusion therapy treatments.
- Is home infusion therapy safe?
Home and alternate site infusion therapy is a proven, safe and effective alternative to hospital inpatient care.[*]Bhole, M. V., Burton, J., & Chapel, H. M. (2008). Self-infusion programmes for immunoglobulin replacement at home: Feasibility, safety and efficacy. Immunology and Allergy Clinics of North America,28(4), 821-832. [*]Souayah, N., Hasan, A., Khan, H., et al. (2011). The safety profile of home infusion of intravenous immunoglobulin in patients with neuroimmunologic disorders.Journal of Clinical Neuromuscular Disease, 12(suppl 4), S1-10. For most people, receiving treatment at home or in an alternate treatment setting, like an infusion suite, is preferable to hospital inpatient care. It can provide comfort and convenience for patients and offers less interruption to their daily activities. It can also be a cost-effective alternative to expensive hospital stays.[*]Home infusion therapy: Differences between Medicare and private insurers’ coverage. (2010, June). United States Government Accountability Office Report to Congressional Requesters. Accessed July 23, 2012: http://www.gao.gov/assets/310/305261.pdf. [*]Einodshofer, M. (2012). A plan for medical specialty medications – increase member access, affordability and outcomes while decreasing plan costs. Presented at: 2012 Pharmacy Benefit Management Institute Annual Drug Benefit Conference; 2012 Feb. 22-24; Scottsdale, Ariz.
- What medical conditions can be treated with infusion therapy?
We work closely with doctors and healthcare providers to clinically manage patients with a wide range of acute and chronic conditions, including but not limited to:
- Infectious diseases
- Nutritional/gastrointestinal disorders
- Cancer and hematological disorders
- Primary immune deficiencies
- Hemophilia
- Autoimmune disorders
- End-stage heart failure
- Pre- and post-transplantation support