Rituximab

Indications

Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma (NHL); Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL); Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)

Dosage

Intravenous infusion only. For NHL=375mg/nv; for CLL=375mg/square meter body surface area the day prior to initiation of FC chemotherapy, then 500mg/m2 on day 1 of cycles 2-6 (every 28 days). For RA=Two 100mg I.V. infusion separated by 2 wks. Rate of I.V. infusion: Initiate @50mg/hr. If there is no infusion toxicity, increase rate by 50mg/hr increment every 30 minutes to a maximum of 400mg/hr. Subsequent infusion : initiated a rate of 100mg/hr, if there is no infusion toxicity increase rate b

Contra-Indications

Hypersensitivity, severe active infection

Special Precautions

If infusion reaction accurs, interrupt infusion or slow the rate of infusion.

Side Effects

Fatal infusion reaction, Tumor lysis Syndrome (TLS); severe mucocutaneous reactions progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML), Neutropenia, Lymphopenia, chills, fever, infection and asthenia.

Drug Interactions

Rituximab is given in combination with methotrexate.