Ri·tux·an (r -t k s n) A trademark for the drug rituximab. |
rituximab Warning - Hazardous drug!
MabThera (UK), Rituxan
Pharmacologic class: Murine/human monoclonal antibody
Therapeutic class: Antineoplastic
Pregnancy risk category C
FDA Boxed Warning
• Deaths from infusion reactions have occurred within 24 hours of rituximab infusion. Approximately 80% of fatal reactions were linked to first infusion. If severe infusion reaction develops, discontinue infusion and intervene appropriately.
• Acute renal failure requiring dialysis, severe mucocutaneous reactions, and progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy have been reported.
Action
Binds to CD20 antigen on malignant B lymphocytes; recruits immune effector functions to mediate B-cell lysis (possibly through complement-dependent cytotoxicity and antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity)
Availability
Injection: 10 mg/ml in 10-ml (100-mg) and 50-ml (500-mg) vials
⊘Indications and dosages
➣ Low-grade or follicular CD20-positive B-cell non-Hodgkin's lymphoma
Adults: Initially, 375 mg/m2 by I.V. infusion once weekly for four or eight doses at 50 mg/hour; increase rate by 50 mg/hour q 30 minutes to a maximum of 400 mg/hour. If patient tolerates first infusion, subsequent infusions may begin at 100 mg/hour, then increase by 100 mg/hour q 30 minutes to a maximum of 400 mg/hour as tolerated.
➣ Moderately- to severely-active rheumatoid arthritis in patients who have had an inadequate response to one or more tumor necrosis factor antagonist
Adults: Two 1,000 mg I.V. infusions separated by 2 weeks in combination with methotrexate
Off-label uses
• Waldenström's macroglobulinemia
Contraindications
• Hypersensitivity to drug, its components, or murine products
Precautions
Use cautiously in:
• history of drug allergy or sensitivity
• previous exposure to murine-based monoclonal antibodies
• high level of circulating malignant cells
• cardiac or pulmonary conditions
• pregnant or breastfeeding patients
• children.
Administration
• Follow facility policy regarding handling, administration, and disposal of chemotherapeutic drugs.
• To reduce the incidence and severity of infusion reactions, premedicate patient with diphenhydramine and acetaminophen, as prescribed. In addition, for patients with rheumatoid arthritis, give I.V. methylprednisolone (or its equivalent) 30 minutes before each infusion.
• Consider withholding antihypertensive agents 12 hours before giving drug to help prevent hypotension.
• Give drug as I.V. infusion.
☞ Never give as I.V. bolus or I.V. push.
• Don't mix or dilute with other drugs.
• Dilute in dextrose 5% in water (D5W) or normal saline solution to a concentration of 1 to 4 mg/ml. Invert bag gently to mix solution.
• Administer the first infusion at an initial rate of 50 mg/hr. If no infusion reaction occurs, increase the infusion rate in 50 mg/hr increments every 30 minutes, to a maximum of 400 mg/hr.
• If the patient tolerates the first infusion well, administer subsequent infusions at an initial rate of 100 mg/hr and increase by 100 mg/hr increments every 30 minutes to a maximum of 400 mg/hr, as tolerated.
☞ Be aware that a severe infusion reaction may occur usually after first infusion. This reaction consists of a complex of hypoxia, pulmonary infiltrates, acute respiratory distress syndrome, M.I., ventricular fibrillation, or cardiogenic shock. If such a reaction occurs, stop infusion immediately and treat appropriately.
• If hypersensitivity reaction (non-IgE-mediated) or infusion reaction that is not severe occurs, interrupt or temporarily slow infusion. When symptoms improve, infusion can continue at half of previous rate.
| Route | Onset | Peak | Duration |
| I.V. | Variable | Variable | 6-12 mo |
Adverse reactions
CNS: dizziness, headache, nervousness, hypertonia, hyperesthesia, insomnia, agitation, malaise, paresthesia, asthenia, fatigue, tremor, rigors
CV: hypotension, hypertension, peripheral edema, chest pain, tachycardia, bradycardia, angina, arrhythmias
EENT: conjunctivitis, lacrimation disorders, rhinitis, sinusitis, pharyngitis
GI: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, abdominal pain, dyspepsia, anorexia
GU: renal toxicity
Hematologic: anemia, neutropenia, leukopenia, thrombocytopenia
Metabolic: hyperglycemia, hypocalcemia
Musculoskeletal: myalgia, back pain
Respiratory: dyspnea, cough, bronchitis, bronchospasm
Skin: pruritus, rash, urticaria, flushing, dermatitis, angioedema, toxic epidermal necrolysis , Stevens-Johnson syndrome
Other: altered taste, fever, chills, pain at injection site, hypersensitivity reactions including sepsis, severe infusion reaction
Interactions
Drug-drug. Cisplatin: increased risk of renal failure
Live-virus vaccines: increased risk of infection from vaccine
Drug-diagnostic tests. Calcium, hemoglobin, neutrophils, platelets, white blood cells: decreased values
Glucose, lactate dehydrogenase: increased levels
Patient monitoring
• Monitor closely for signs and symptoms of hypersensitivity reaction.
☞ Stop drug immediately and notify prescriber if patient develops signs or symptoms of Stevens-Johnson syndrome or other severe mucocutaneous reactions (including severe rash).
☞ Monitor pulse and blood pressure throughout I.V. infusion. Stop infusion if hypotension, bronchospasm, or angioedema occurs. Then consult prescriber about restarting infusion at half of previous rate.
☞ Monitor ECG throughout infusion. Stop infusion if serious arrhythmia develops.
• Monitor CBC, blood glucose, and electrolyte levels.
• Assess for signs and symptoms of infection, including fever.
Patient teaching
☞ Tell patient to immediately report signs and symptoms of hypersensitivity reaction or severe skin reaction.
☞ Instruct patient to take his temperature daily and immediately report fever and other signs or symptoms of infection.
☞ Instruct patient to immediately report unusual bleeding or bruising.
• Advise patient to minimize GI upset by eating small, frequent servings of food and drinking plenty of fluids.
• As appropriate, review all other significant and life-threatening adverse reactions and interactions, especially those related to the drugs and tests mentioned above.
Rituxan
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