InjectionClinical Overview
Rituximab Injection (100mg/10ml, 500mg/50ml) is a genetically engineered chimeric murine/human IgG1-kappa monoclonal antibody on the WHO Model List of Essential Medicines targeting the transmembrane CD20 antigen expressed on pre-B and mature B lymphocytes. Binding of rituximab to CD20 triggers complement-dependent cytotoxicity (CDC), antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC), and direct structural apoptosis, rapidly clearing normal and malignant B-cells from circulation. Indicated for Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma (Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma, Follicular Lymphoma), Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL), Rheumatoid Arthritis refractory to anti-TNF agents, Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis (Wegener's), and Pemphigus Vulgaris.
Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients
Verified Clinical References
Usage Guidelines
Administer intravenously as a slow infusion only. NEVER administer as an IV push or bolus. MANDATORY PREMEDICATIONS 30 to 60 minutes prior to EVERY infusion: 1) Paracetamol/Acetaminophen (650-1000 mg oral); 2) Antihistamine (Diphenhydramine 50 mg IV/oral); 3) Corticosteroid (Methylprednisolone 100 mg IV for non-lymphoma/RA indications). Initiate infusion at 50 mg/hr; titrate upward by 50 mg/hr every 30 minutes to a maximum of 400 mg/hr as tolerated.
General Administration Advice: Adhere strictly to the prescribed dosage, frequency, and treatment course. For oral medications, swallow with sufficient water. Never stop antibiotics, psychiatric medications, or antihypertensives abruptly without clinical direction.
Possible Side Effects
Common: Infusion reactions (fever, chills, rigors, flushing, urticaria, hypotension occurring in >50% during first infusion), transient lymphopenia, fatigue, nausea, headache. Rare/Severe: Fatal infusion reactions, severe mucocutaneous reactions (Stevens-Johnson syndrome), Hepatitis B Virus reactivation, and Progressive Multifocal Leukoencephalopathy (PML).
*Note: Individual physiological responses vary. While many patients experience few or no side effects, notify your treating physician if adverse reactions persist or if hypersensitivity (angioedema, skin rash, dyspnea) occurs.
Precautions & Warnings
Black Box Warning: Fatal infusion-related reactions (typically within 30-120 minutes of first infusion); slow titration and premedication are mandatory. Black Box Warning: Severe mucocutaneous reactions. Black Box Warning: Hepatitis B virus (HBV) reactivation leading to fulminant hepatitis and death; screen all patients for HBsAg and anti-HBc prior to initiation. Black Box Warning: Progressive Multifocal Leukoencephalopathy (PML caused by JC virus).
Schedule H (Prescription Required)
This medication is scheduled under statutory drug regulatory frameworks (CDSCO / Drugs & Cosmetics Rules). Dispensing requires a valid medical prescription from a registered medical practitioner. Self-medication or unsupervised dosage adjustment carries significant clinical risks.
Medical Disclaimer: Statutory Clinical Disclaimer: The information provided is for educational and price-transparency purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, oncological diagnosis, or chemotherapy protocol guidance. Cancer therapies require specialized administration under the direct supervision of a registered medical oncologist in an accredited healthcare facility.