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Rituxan
rituximab · Injection, Solution
Overview
Active ingredients
Source: NDC Directory| Ingredient | Strength | RxCUI | Monograph |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rituximab | 10 mg/mL | 2472327 | View |
Forms, strengths and routes
Source: NDC DirectoryPharmacologic classes are listed in the class section below.
Pharmacologic class
Source: NDC Directory| Class | Type | Browse |
|---|---|---|
| CD20-directed Antibody Interactions [MoA] | MoA | 6 members — no class page |
| CD20-directed Cytolytic Antibody [EPC] | EPC | 5 members — no class page |
Regulatory status
Source: Drugs@FDANDC Directory| Product | Trade name | Form | Strength | Ingredient | Status | TE | Flags |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 103705-001 | RITUXAN | SOLUTION | RITUXIMAB | Prescription | — | ||
| 103705-002 | RITUXAN | SOLUTION | RITUXIMAB | Prescription | — |
Approval history
Source: Drugs@FDA| Type | No. | Action | Status | Date | Review |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Supplement | 5467 | Labeling | Approved | December 17, 2021 | Standard |
| Supplement | 5465 | Efficacy | Approved | December 2, 2021 | Priority |
| Supplement | 5464 | Labeling | Approved | June 30, 2021 | Standard |
| Supplement | 5460 | Efficacy | Approved | August 28, 2020 | Standard |
| Supplement | 5458 | Labeling | Approved | March 13, 2020 | Standard |
| Supplement | 5461 | Labeling | Approved | January 23, 2020 | Standard |
| Supplement | 5459 | Labeling | Approved | November 25, 2019 | Standard |
| Supplement | 5457 | Efficacy | Approved | September 27, 2019 | Priority |
| Supplement | 5454 | Efficacy | Approved | January 25, 2019 | Standard |
| Supplement | 5451 | Efficacy | Approved | October 18, 2018 | Standard |
| Supplement | 5450 | Efficacy | Approved | June 7, 2018 | Priority |
| Supplement | 5453 | Labeling | Approved | April 3, 2018 | Standard |
| Supplement | 5432 | Labeling | Approved | August 12, 2014 | Standard |
| Supplement | 5414 | Labeling | Approved | September 24, 2013 | Standard |
| Supplement | 5409 | Labeling | Approved | May 9, 2013 | Standard |
| Supplement | 5388 | Labeling | Approved | October 19, 2012 | — |
| Supplement | 5367 | Efficacy | Approved | October 19, 2012 | Standard |
| Supplement | 5373 | Labeling | Approved | July 13, 2012 | Standard |
| Supplement | 5370 | Labeling | Approved | April 13, 2012 | Standard |
| Supplement | 5362 | Labeling | Approved | February 17, 2012 | Standard |
| Supplement | 5344 | Efficacy | Approved | April 19, 2011 | Priority |
| Supplement | 5332 | Efficacy | Approved | January 28, 2011 | Standard |
| Supplement | 5343 | Labeling | Approved | January 6, 2011 | Standard |
| Supplement | 5334 | Labeling | Approved | October 6, 2010 | Standard |
| Supplement | 5312 | Efficacy | Approved | February 18, 2010 | Priority |
| Supplement | 5311 | Efficacy | Approved | February 18, 2010 | Priority |
| Supplement | 5299 | Efficacy | Approved | October 16, 2009 | Standard |
| Supplement | 5310 | Labeling | Approved | September 22, 2009 | Standard |
| Supplement | 5291 | Supplement | Approved | September 8, 2008 | — |
| Supplement | 5285 | Labeling | Approved | September 8, 2008 | Standard |
| Supplement | 5256 | Efficacy | Approved | January 25, 2008 | Standard |
| Supplement | 5263 | Labeling | Approved | January 24, 2008 | Standard |
| Supplement | 5262 | Labeling | Approved | September 28, 2007 | Standard |
| Supplement | 5259 | Labeling | Approved | August 22, 2007 | Standard |
| Supplement | 5247 | Labeling | Approved | February 21, 2007 | Standard |
| Supplement | 5231 | Efficacy | Approved | September 29, 2006 | Priority |
| Supplement | 5230 | Efficacy | Approved | September 29, 2006 | Priority |
| Supplement | 5211 | Efficacy | Approved | February 28, 2006 | Priority |
| Supplement | 5209 | Efficacy | Approved | February 10, 2006 | Priority |
| Original application | 1 | Type 1 - New Molecular Entity | Approved | November 26, 1997 | Priority |
Review documents
- 0 · Supplement · December 21, 2021
- 0 · Supplement · December 19, 2021
- 0 · Supplement · December 6, 2021
- 0 · Supplement · December 3, 2021
- 0 · Supplement · December 3, 2021
- 0 · Supplement · July 1, 2021
- 0 · Supplement · July 1, 2021
- 0 · Supplement · September 4, 2020
- 0 · Supplement · September 1, 2020
- 0 · Supplement · March 17, 2020
- 0 · Supplement · March 17, 2020
- 0 · Supplement · January 24, 2020
- 0 · Supplement · January 24, 2020
- 0 · Supplement · January 10, 2020
- 0 · Supplement · December 3, 2019
- 0 · Supplement · October 1, 2019
- 0 · Supplement · October 1, 2019
- 0 · Supplement · October 1, 2019
- 0 · Supplement · February 13, 2019
- 0 · Supplement · January 28, 2019
- 0 · Supplement · October 23, 2018
- 0 · Supplement · October 19, 2018
- 0 · Supplement · June 14, 2018
- 0 · Supplement · June 12, 2018
- 0 · Supplement · April 5, 2018
- 0 · Supplement · April 4, 2018
- 0 · Supplement · August 14, 2014
- 0 · Supplement · August 13, 2014
- 0 · Supplement · August 1, 2014
- 0 · Supplement · September 27, 2013
Prescribing information
Source: openFDA Drug LabelingReproduced verbatim from the Structured Product Labeling submitted to the FDA (effective 20250106). This is the manufacturer's labelling text, not a summary and not advice.
Boxed Warning
openFDA Drug LabelingWARNING: FATAL INFUSION-RELATED REACTIONS, SEVERE MUCOCUTANEOUS REACTIONS, HEPATITIS B VIRUS REACTIVATION and PROGRESSIVE MULTIFOCAL LEUKOENCEPHALOPATHY WARNING: FATAL INFUSION-RELATED REACTIONS, SEVERE MUCOCUTANEOUS REACTIONS, HEPATITIS B VIRUS REACTIVATION and PROGRESSIVE MULTIFOCAL LEUKOENCEPHALOPATHY See full prescribing information for complete boxed warning. Fatal infusion-related reactions within 24 hours of RITUXAN infusion; approximately 80% of fatal reactions occurred with first infusion. Monitor patients and discontinue RITUXAN infusion for severe reactions ( 5.1 ). Severe mucocutaneous reactions, some with fatal outcomes ( 5.2 ). Hepatitis B virus (HBV) reactivation, in some cases resulting in fulminant hepatitis, hepatic failure, and death ( 5.3 ). Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) resulting in death ( 5.4 ). Infusion-Related Reactions RITUXAN administration can result in serious, including fatal, infusion-related reactions. Deaths within 24 hours of RITUXAN infusion have occurred. Approximately 80% of fatal infusion reactions occurred in association with the first infusion. Monitor patients closely. Discontinue RITUXAN infusion for severe reactions and provide medical treatment for Grade 3 or 4 infusion-related reactions [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) , Adverse Reactions (6.1) ]. Severe Mucocutaneous Reactions Severe, including fatal, mucocutaneous reactions can occur in patients receiving RITUXAN [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) ] . Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) Reactivation HBV reactivation can occur in patients treated with RITUXAN, in some cases resulting in fulminant hepatitis, hepatic failure, and death. Screen all patients for HBV infection before treatment initiation, and monitor patients during and after treatment with RITUXAN. Discontinue RITUXAN and concomitant medications in the event of HBV reactivation [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3) ] . Progressive Multifocal Leukoencephalopathy (PML), including fatal PML, can occur in patients receiving RITUXAN [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4) and Adverse Reactions (6.1) ] .
Recent Major Changes
openFDA Drug LabelingIndications and Usage ( 1.1 ) 12/2021 Dosage and Administration, Important Dosing Information ( 2.1 ) 12/2021 Dosage and Administration, NHL ( 2.2 .) 12/2021 Dosage and Administration, Premedication and Prophylactic Medication ( 2.8 ) 12/2021 Dosage and Administration, Administration and Storage ( 2.9 ) 6/2021 Warnings and Precautions, Infusion-Related Reactions ( 5.1 ) 12/2021
Indications and Usage
openFDA Drug Labeling1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE RITUXAN is a CD20-directed cytolytic antibody indicated for the treatment of: Adult patients with Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma (NHL) ( 1.1 ). Relapsed or refractory, low grade or follicular, CD20-positive B-cell NHL as a single agent. Previously untreated follicular, CD20-positive, B-cell NHL in combination with first line chemotherapy and, in patients achieving a complete or partial response to a rituximab product in combination with chemotherapy, as single-agent maintenance therapy. Non-progressing (including stable disease), low-grade, CD20-positive, B-cell NHL as a single agent after first-line cyclophosphamide, vincristine, and prednisone (CVP) chemotherapy. Previously untreated diffuse large B-cell, CD20-positive NHL in combination with (cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisone) (CHOP) or other anthracycline-based chemotherapy regimens. Pediatric patients aged 6 months and older with mature B-cell NHL and mature B-cell acute leukemia (B-AL) ( 1.1 ) Previously untreated, advanced stage, CD20-positive, diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL), Burkitt lymphoma (BL), Burkitt-like lymphoma (BLL) or mature B-cell acute leukemia (B-AL) in combination with chemotherapy. Adult patients with Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL) ( 1.2 ). Previously untreated and previously treated CD20-positive CLL in combination with fludarabine and cyclophosphamide (FC). Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) in combination with methotrexate in adult patients with moderately-to severely-active RA who have inadequate response to one or more TNF antagonist therapies ( 1.3 ). Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis (GPA) (Wegener's Granulomatosis) and Microscopic Polyangiitis (MPA) in adult and pediatric patients 2 years of age and older in combination with glucocorticoids ( 1.4 ). Moderate to severe Pemphigus Vulgaris (PV) in adult patients ( 1.5 ). 1.1 Non–Hodgkin's Lymphoma (NHL) RITUXAN is indicated for the treatment of adult patients with: Relapsed or refractory, low-grade or follicular, CD20-positive, B-cell NHL as a single agent. Previously untreated follicular, CD20-positive, B-cell NHL in combination with first line chemotherapy and, in patients achieving a complete or partial response to a rituximab product in combination with chemotherapy, as single-agent maintenance therapy. Non-progressing (including stable disease), low-grade, CD20-positive, B-cell NHL as a single agent after first-line cyclophosphamide, vincristine, and prednisone (CVP) chemotherapy. Previously untreated diffuse large B-cell, CD20-positive NHL in combination with cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, prednisone (CHOP) or other anthracycline-based chemotherapy regimens. RITUXAN is indicated for the treatment of pediatric patients aged 6 months and older with: Previously untreated, advanced stage, CD20-positive diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL), Burkitt lymphoma (BL), Burkitt-like lymphoma (BLL) or mature B-cell acute leukemia (B-AL) in combination with chemotherapy. 1.2 Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL) RITUXAN, in combination with fludarabine and cyclophosphamide (FC), is indicated for the treatment of adult patients with previously untreated and previously treated CD20-positive CLL. 1.3 Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) RITUXAN, in combination with methotrexate, is indicated for the treatment of adult patients with moderately- to severely-active rheumatoid arthritis who have had an inadequate response to one or more TNF antagonist therapies. 1.4 Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis (GPA) (Wegener's Granulomatosis) and Microscopic Polyangiitis (MPA) RITUXAN, in combination with glucocorticoids, is indicated for the treatment of adult and pediatric patients 2 years of age and older with Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis (GPA) (Wegener's Granulomatosis) and Microscopic Polyangiitis (MPA). 1.5 Pemphigus Vulgaris (PV) RITUXAN is indicated for the treatment of adult patients with moderate to severe pemphigus vulgaris.
Dosage and Administration
openFDA Drug Labeling2 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION Administer only as an intravenous infusion ( 2.1 ). Do not administer as an intravenous push or bolus ( 2.1 ). RITUXAN should only be administered by a healthcare professional with appropriate medical support to manage severe infusion-related reactions that can be fatal if they occur. ( 2.1 ). The dose for adult and pediatric B-cell NHL is 375 mg/m 2 ( 2.2 ). The dose for CLL is 375 mg/m 2 in the first cycle and 500 mg/m 2 in cycles 2–6, in combination with FC, administered every 28 days ( 2.3 ). The dose as a component of Zevalin ® (ibritumomab tiuxetan) Therapeutic Regimen is 250 mg/m 2 ( 2.4 ). The dose for RA in combination with methotrexate is two-1,000 mg intravenous infusions separated by 2 weeks (one course) every 24 weeks or based on clinical evaluation, but not sooner than every 16 weeks. Methylprednisolone 100 mg intravenous or equivalent glucocorticoid is recommended 30 minutes prior to each infusion ( 2.5 ). The induction dose for adult patients with active GPA and MPA in combination with glucocorticoids is 375 mg/m 2 once weekly for 4 weeks. The follow up dose for adult patients with GPA and MPA who have achieved disease control with induction treatment, in combination with glucocorticoids is two 500 mg intravenous infusions separated by two weeks, followed by a 500 mg intravenous infusion every 6 months thereafter based on clinical evaluation ( 2.6 ). The induction dose for pediatric patients with GPA and MPA in combination with glucocorticoids is 375 mg/m 2 once weekly for 4 weeks. The follow up dose for pediatric patients with GPA and MPA who have achieved disease control with induction treatment, in combination with glucocorticoids is two 250 mg/m 2 intravenous infusions separated by two weeks, followed by a 250 mg/m 2 intravenous infusion every 6 months thereafter based on clinical evaluation ( 2.6 ). The dose for PV is two-1,000 mg intravenous infusions separated by 2 weeks in combination with a tapering course of glucocorticoids, then a 500 mg intravenous infusion at Month 12 and every 6 months thereafter or based on clinical evaluation. Dose upon relapse is a 1,000 mg intravenous infusion with considerations to resume or increase the glucocorticoid dose based on clinical evaluation. Subsequent infusions may be no sooner than 16 weeks after the previous infusion ( 2.7 ). Methylprednisolone 100 mg intravenous or equivalent glucocorticoid is recommended 30 minutes prior to each infusion ( 2.8 ). 2.1 Important Dosing Information Administer only as an Intravenous Infusion [see Dosage and Administration (2.8) ] . Do not administer as an intravenous push or bolus. RITUXAN should only be administered by a healthcare professional with appropriate medical support to manage severe infusion-related reactions that can be fatal if they occur [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ]. Premedicate before each infusion [see Dosage and Administration (2.8) ] . Prior to First Infusion: Screen all patients for HBV infection by measuring HBsAg and anti-HBc before initiating treatment with RITUXAN [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3) ] . Obtain complete blood counts (CBC) including platelets prior to the first dose. During RITUXAN Therapy: In patients with lymphoid malignancies, during treatment with RITUXAN monotherapy, obtain complete blood counts (CBC) with differential and platelet counts prior to each RITUXAN course. During treatment with RITUXAN and chemotherapy, obtain CBC with differential and platelet counts at weekly to monthly intervals and more frequently in patients who develop cytopenias [see Adverse Reactions (6.1) ]. In patients with RA, GPA or MPA, obtain CBC with differential and platelet counts at two to four month intervals during RITUXAN therapy. Continue to monitor for cytopenias after final dose and until resolution. First Infusion : Standard Infusion: Initiate infusion at a rate of 50 mg/hr. In the absence of infusion toxicity, increase infusion rate by 50 mg/hr increments every 3 …
Dosage Forms and Strengths
openFDA Drug Labeling3 DOSAGE FORMS AND STRENGTHS Injection: RITUXAN is a colorless, clear solution for intravenous infusion: 100 mg/10 mL (10 mg/mL) in a single-dose vial 500 mg/50 mL (10 mg/mL) in a single-dose vial Injection: 100 mg/10 mL (10 mg/mL) and 500 mg/50 mL (10 mg/mL) solution in single-dose vials ( 3 )
Contraindications
openFDA Drug Labeling4 CONTRAINDICATIONS None. None ( 4 )
Warnings and Cautions
openFDA Drug Labeling5 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS Tumor lysis syndrome: Administer aggressive intravenous hydration, anti-hyperuricemic agents, monitor renal function ( 5.5 ). Infections: Withhold RITUXAN and institute appropriate anti-infective therapy ( 5.6 ). Cardiac adverse reactions: Discontinue infusions in case of serious or life-threatening events ( 5.7 ). Renal toxicity: Discontinue in patients with rising serum creatinine or oliguria ( 5.8 ). Bowel obstruction and perforation: Consider and evaluate for abdominal pain, vomiting, or related symptoms ( 5.9 ). Immunizations: Live virus vaccinations prior to or during RITUXAN treatment not recommended ( 5.10 ). Embryo-Fetal toxicity: Can cause fetal harm. Advise females of reproductive potential of the potential risk to a fetus and use of effective contraception ( 5.11 ). 5.1 Infusion-Related Reactions RITUXAN can cause severe, including fatal, infusion-related reactions. Severe reactions typically occurred during the first infusion with time to onset of 30–120 minutes. RITUXAN-induced infusion-related reactions and sequelae include urticaria, hypotension, angioedema, hypoxia, bronchospasm, pulmonary infiltrates, acute respiratory distress syndrome, myocardial infarction, ventricular fibrillation, cardiogenic shock, anaphylactoid events, or death. Premedicate patients with an antihistamine and acetaminophen prior to dosing. For RA, GPA and MPA, and PV patients, methylprednisolone 100 mg intravenously or its equivalent is recommended 30 minutes prior to each infusion. For pediatric patients with mature B-cell NHL/B-AL, administer prednisone as part of chemotherapy regimen prior to RITUXAN during induction and as needed for subsequent cycles [see Dosage and Administration (2.2 and 2.8) ] . Institute medical management (e.g., glucocorticoids, epinephrine, bronchodilators, or oxygen) for infusion-related reactions as needed. Depending on the severity of the infusion-related reaction and the required interventions, temporarily or permanently discontinue RITUXAN. Resume infusion at a minimum 50% reduction in rate after symptoms have resolved. Closely monitor the following patients: those with pre-existing cardiac or pulmonary conditions, those who experienced prior cardiopulmonary adverse reactions, and those with high numbers of circulating malignant cells (greater than or equal to 25,000/mm 3 ) [see Warnings and Precautions (5.7) , Adverse Reactions (6.1) ] . 5.2 Severe Mucocutaneous Reactions Mucocutaneous reactions, some with fatal outcome, can occur in patients treated with RITUXAN. These reactions include paraneoplastic pemphigus, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, lichenoid dermatitis, vesiculobullous dermatitis, and toxic epidermal necrolysis. The onset of these reactions has been variable and includes reports with onset on the first day of RITUXAN exposure. Discontinue RITUXAN in patients who experience a severe mucocutaneous reaction. The safety of re-administration of RITUXAN to patients with severe mucocutaneous reactions has not been determined. 5.3 Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) Reactivation Hepatitis B virus (HBV) reactivation, in some cases resulting in fulminant hepatitis, hepatic failure and death, can occur in patients treated with drugs classified as CD20-directed cytolytic antibodies, including RITUXAN. Cases have been reported in patients who are hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) positive and also in patients who are HBsAg negative but are hepatitis B core antibody (anti-HBc) positive. Reactivation also has occurred in patients who appear to have resolved hepatitis B infection (i.e., HBsAg negative, anti-HBc positive and hepatitis B surface antibody [anti-HBs] positive). HBV reactivation is defined as an abrupt increase in HBV replication manifesting as a rapid increase in serum HBV DNA levels or detection of HBsAg in a person who was previously HBsAg negative and anti-HBc positive. Reactivation of HBV replication is often followed by hepatitis, i.e., increase in transaminase levels. In sever …
Adverse Reactions
openFDA Drug Labeling6 ADVERSE REACTIONS The following clinically significant adverse reactions are discussed in greater detail in other sections of the labeling: Infusion-related reactions [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] Severe mucocutaneous reactions [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) ] Hepatitis B reactivation with fulminant hepatitis [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3) ] Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4) ] Tumor lysis syndrome [see Warnings and Precautions (5.5) ] Infections [see Warnings and Precautions (5.6) ] Cardiovascular adverse reactions [see Warnings and Precautions (5.7) ] Renal toxicity [see Warnings and Precautions (5.8) ] Bowel obstruction and perforation [see Warnings and Precautions (5.9) ] Most common adverse reactions in clinical trials were: NHL (greater than or equal to 25%): infusion-related reactions, fever, lymphopenia, chills, infection, and asthenia ( 6.1 ). Pediatric B-NHL/B-AL with chemotherapy (Grade 3 or higher greater than 15%): febrile neutropenia, stomatitis, enteritis, sepsis, alanine aminotransferase increased and hypokalemia ( 6.1 ). CLL (greater than or equal to 25%): infusion-related reactions and neutropenia ( 6.1 ). RA (greater than or equal to 10%): upper respiratory tract infection, nasopharyngitis, urinary tract infection, and bronchitis (other important adverse reactions include infusion-related reactions, serious infections, and cardiovascular events) ( 6.1 ). GPA and MPA (greater than or equal to 15 %): infections, nausea, diarrhea, headache, muscle spasms, anemia, peripheral edema, infusion-related reactions ( 6.1 ). PV (greater than or equal to 15%): infusion-related reactions, depression, upper respiratory tract infection/ nasopharyngitis, headache (other important adverse reactions include infections) ( 6.1 ). To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Genentech at 1-888-835-2555 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch. 6.1 Clinical Trials Experience Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in clinical practice. B-Cell Malignancies The data described below reflect exposure to RITUXAN in 3092 patients, with exposures ranging from a single infusion up to 2 years. RITUXAN was studied in both single-arm and controlled trials (n=356 and n=2427). The population included 1180 patients with low grade or follicular lymphoma, 927 patients with DLBCL, 676 patients with CLL, and 309 pediatric patients with mature B-cell NHL/B-AL. Most NHL patients received RITUXAN as an infusion of 375 mg/m 2 per infusion, given as a single agent weekly for up to 8 doses, in combination with chemotherapy for up to 8 doses, or following chemotherapy for up to 16 doses. Pediatric patients received 6 total doses of RITUXAN or a non-U.S. licensed rituximab in combination with chemotherapy. CLL patients received RITUXAN 375 mg/m 2 as an initial infusion followed by 500 mg/m 2 for up to 5 doses, in combination with fludarabine and cyclophosphamide. Seventy-one percent of CLL patients received 6 cycles and 90% received at least 3 cycles of RITUXAN-based therapy. The most common adverse reactions of RITUXAN (incidence greater than or equal to 25%) observed in clinical trials of patients with NHL were infusion-related reactions, fever, lymphopenia, chills, infection, and asthenia. The most common adverse reactions of RITUXAN (incidence greater than or equal to 25%) observed in clinical trials of patients with CLL were: infusion-related reactions and neutropenia. Infusion-Related Reactions In the majority of patients with NHL, infusion-related reactions consisting of fever, chills/rigors, nausea, pruritus, angioedema, hypotension, headache, bronchospasm, urticaria, rash, vomiting, myalgia, dizziness, or hypertension occurred during the first RITUXAN infusion. Infusi …
Drug Interactions
openFDA Drug Labeling7 DRUG INTERACTIONS Formal drug interaction studies have not been performed with RITUXAN. In patients with CLL, RITUXAN did not alter systemic exposure to fludarabine or cyclophosphamide. In clinical trials of patients with RA, concomitant administration of methotrexate or cyclophosphamide did not alter the pharmacokinetics of rituximab. Renal toxicity when used in combination with cisplatin ( 5.8 ).
Use in Specific Populations
openFDA Drug Labeling8 USE IN SPECIFIC POPULATIONS Lactation: Advise not to breastfeed ( 8.2 ). Geriatric Use: In CLL patients older than 70 years of age, exploratory analyses suggest no benefit with the addition of RITUXAN to FC ( 8.5 ). 8.1 Pregnancy Risk Summary Based on human data, RITUXAN can cause adverse developmental outcomes including B-cell lymphocytopenia in infants exposed to RITUXAN in-utero ( see Clinical Considerations ). In animal reproduction studies, intravenous administration of rituximab to pregnant cynomolgus monkeys during the period of organogenesis caused lymphoid B-cell depletion in the newborn offspring at doses resulting in 80% of the exposure (based on AUC) of those achieved following a dose of 2 grams in humans. Advise pregnant women of the risk to a fetus. Adverse outcomes in pregnancy occur regardless of the health of the mother or the use of medications. The background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage for the indicated populations is unknown. The estimated background risk in the U.S. general population of major birth defects is 2%-4% and of miscarriage is 15%-20% of clinically recognized pregnancies. Clinical Considerations Fetal/Neonatal Adverse Reactions Observe newborns and infants for signs of infection and manage accordingly. Data Human data Postmarketing data indicate that B-cell lymphocytopenia generally lasting less than six months can occur in infants exposed to rituximab in-utero. Rituximab was detected postnatally in the serum of infants exposed in-utero. Animal Data An embryo-fetal developmental toxicity study was performed on pregnant cynomolgus monkeys. Pregnant animals received rituximab via the intravenous route during early gestation (organogenesis period; post coitum days 20 through 50). Rituximab was administered as loading doses on post coitum (PC) Days 20, 21 and 22, at 15, 37.5 or 75 mg/kg/day, and then weekly on PC Days 29, 36, 43 and 50, at 20, 50 or 100 mg/kg/week. The 100 mg/kg/week dose resulted in 80% of the exposure (based on AUC) of those achieved following a dose of 2 grams in humans. Rituximab crosses the monkey placenta. Exposed offspring did not exhibit any teratogenic effects but did have decreased lymphoid tissue B cells. A subsequent pre-and postnatal reproductive toxicity study in cynomolgus monkeys was completed to assess developmental effects including the recovery of B cells and immune function in infants exposed to rituximab in utero. Animals were treated with a loading dose of 0, 15, or 75 mg/kg every day for 3 days, followed by weekly dosing with 0, 20, or 100 mg/kg dose. Subsets of pregnant females were treated from PC Day 20 through postpartum Day 78, PC Day 76 through PC Day 134, and from PC Day 132 through delivery and postpartum Day 28. Regardless of the timing of treatment, decreased B cells and immunosuppression were noted in the offspring of rituximab-treated pregnant animals. The B-cell counts returned to normal levels, and immunologic function was restored within 6 months postpartum. 8.2 Lactation There are limited data on the presence of rituximab in human milk and the effect on the breastfed child, and there are no data on the effect on milk production. Rituximab is detected in the milk of lactating cynomolgus monkeys, and maternal IgG is present in human breast milk. Rituximab has also been reported to be excreted at low concentrations in human breast milk. Given that the clinical significance of this finding for children is not known, advise women not to breastfeed during treatment with RITUXAN and for 6 months after the last dose due to the potential of serious adverse reactions in breastfed children. 8.3 Females and Males of Reproductive Potential RITUXAN can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman [see Use in Specific Populations (8.1) ] . Pregnancy Testing Verify pregnancy status in females of reproductive potential prior to initiating RITUXAN. Contraception Females Advise females of reproductive potential to use effective contra …
Mechanism of Action
openFDA Drug Labeling12.1 Mechanism of Action Rituximab is a monoclonal antibody that targets the CD20 antigen expressed on the surface of pre-B and mature B-lymphocytes. Upon binding to CD20, rituximab mediates B-cell lysis. Possible mechanisms of cell lysis include complement dependent cytotoxicity (CDC) and antibody dependent cell mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC). B cells are believed to play a role in the pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and associated chronic synovitis. In this setting, B cells may be acting at multiple sites in the autoimmune/inflammatory process, including through production of rheumatoid factor (RF) and other autoantibodies, antigen presentation, T-cell activation, and/or proinflammatory cytokine production.
Description
openFDA Drug Labeling11 DESCRIPTION Rituximab is a genetically engineered chimeric murine/human monoclonal IgG 1 kappa antibody directed against the CD20 antigen. Rituximab has an approximate molecular weight of 145 kD. Rituximab is produced by mammalian cell (Chinese Hamster Ovary) suspension culture in a nutrient medium that may contain the antibiotic gentamicin. Gentamicin is not detectable in the final product. RITUXAN (rituximab) injection is a sterile, preservative-free, clear, colorless solution for intravenous infusion. RITUXAN is supplied at a concentration of 10 mg/mL in either 100 mg/10 mL or 500 mg/50 mL single-dose vials. Each mL of solution contains 10 mg rituximab, polysorbate 80 (0.7 mg), sodium chloride (9 mg), sodium citrate dihydrate (7.35 mg), and Water for Injection, USP. The pH is 6.5.
How Supplied / Storage and Handling
openFDA Drug Labeling16 HOW SUPPLIED/STORAGE AND HANDLING RITUXAN (rituximab) injection is a sterile, preservative-free, clear, colorless solution for intravenous infusion supplied as follows: Carton contents NDC number One 100 mg/10 mL (10 mg/mL) single-dose vial NDC 50242-051-21 Ten 100 mg/10 mL (10 mg/mL) single-dose vials NDC 50242-051-10 One 500 mg/50 mL (10 mg/mL) single-dose vial NDC 50242-053-06 Store RITUXAN vials refrigerated at 2°C to 8°C (36°F to 46°F). RITUXAN vials should be protected from direct sunlight. Do not freeze or shake.
Adverse event reports
Source: openFDA FAERSAttributed to this product's most-reported active ingredient: RITUXIMAB. Combination products with more than six active ingredients are not attributed, because a report count summed across a long ingredient list measures the list, not the medicine.
Packaging and NDCs
Source: NDC Directory| Package NDC | Product NDC | Labeler | Description | Marketing start |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 50242-051-21 | 50242-051 | Genentech, Inc. | 1 VIAL, SINGLE-USE in 1 CARTON (50242-051-21) / 10 mL in 1 VIAL, SINGLE-USE | November 26, 1997 |
| 50242-053-06 | 50242-053 | Genentech, Inc. | 1 VIAL, SINGLE-USE in 1 CARTON (50242-053-06) / 50 mL in 1 VIAL, SINGLE-USE | November 26, 1997 |
| 50242-051 | 50242-051 | Genentech, Inc. | — | November 26, 1997 |
| 50242-053 | 50242-053 | Genentech, Inc. | — | November 26, 1997 |
Sources for this page
| Dataset | Agency | Used for |
|---|---|---|
| NDC Directory | FDA | Identity, ingredients, strengths, forms, routes, labelers, packages |
| Drugs@FDA | FDA | Application, sponsor, submissions, review documents, marketing status |
| Drug Labeling | FDA / NLM | Prescribing information reproduced above |
| FAERS | FDA | Adverse event report counts |
| Purple Book | FDA | Biologic licence classification |
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