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Rituximab

Also sold as: Rituxan, Rituxan Hycela, Truxima, Ruxience, Riabni

CD20-directed Antibody InteractionsPrescription OnlyGeneric Available

Related Medications

Important: Only drugs listed as "Exact Equivalents" (FDA AB-rated) are confirmed interchangeable. All other listings are for informational reference only and do NOT indicate that drugs can be substituted without a physician's explicit guidance.
Same Pharmacologic Class

These drugs share a pharmacologic classification but are NOT interchangeable. Listing here does not imply clinical equivalence. A physician must evaluate each drug individually for the patient's specific condition.

Classification: CD20-directed Antibody Interactions (source: RxClass/NLM)

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Drug Information

Mechanism of Action

12.1 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). Hyaluronan is a polysaccharide found in the extracellular matrix of the subcutaneous tissue. It is depolymerized by the naturally occurring enzyme hyaluronidase. Unlike the stable structural components of the interstitial matrix, hyaluronan has a half-life of approximately 0.5 days. Hyaluronidase human increases permeability of the subcutaneous tissue by temporarily depolymerizing hyaluronan. In the doses administered, hyaluronidase human in RITUXAN HYCELA acts locally. The effects of hyaluronidase human are reversible and permeability of the subcutaneous tissue is restored within 24 to 48 hours. Hyaluronidase human has been shown to increase the absorption rate of a rituximab product into the systemic circulation when given in the subcutis of Göttingen Minipigs.

Indications & Uses

1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE RITUXAN HYCELA is a combination of rituximab, a CD20-directed cytolytic antibody, and hyaluronidase human, an endoglycosidase, indicated for the treatment of adult patients with: Follicular Lymphoma (FL) ( 1.1 ) Relapsed or refractory, follicular lymphoma as a single agent Previously untreated follicular lymphoma in combination with first line chemotherapy and, in patients achieving a complete or partial response to rituximab in combination with chemotherapy, as single-agent maintenance therapy Non-progressing (including stable disease), follicular lymphoma as a single agent after first-line cyclophosphamide, vincristine, and prednisone (CVP) chemotherapy Diffuse Large B-cell Lymphoma (DLBCL) ( 1.2 ) Previously untreated diffuse large B-cell lymphoma in combination with cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, prednisone (CHOP) or other anthracycline-based chemotherapy regimens Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL) ( 1.3 ) Previously untreated and previously treated CLL in combination with fludarabine and cyclophosphamide (FC) Limitations of Use: Initiate treatment with RITUXAN HYCELA only after patients have received at least one full dose of a rituximab product by intravenous infusion. ( 1.4 , 2.1 , 5.4 ). RITUXAN HYCELA is not indicated for the treatment of non-malignant conditions. ( 1.4 ) 1.1 Follicular Lymphoma (FL) RITUXAN HYCELA is indicated for the treatment of adult patients with: Relapsed or refractory, follicular lymphoma as a single agent. Previously untreated follicular lymphoma in combination with first line chemotherapy and, in patients achieving a complete or partial response to rituximab in combination with chemotherapy, as single-agent maintenance therapy. Non-progressing (including stable disease), follicular lymphoma as a single agent after first-line cyclophosphamide, vincristine, and prednisone (CVP) chemotherapy. 1.2 Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma (DLBCL) RITUXAN HYCELA is indicated for the treatment of adult patients w

Dosage & Administration

2 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION For subcutaneous use only ( 2.1 ) All patients must receive at least one full dose of a rituximab product by intravenous infusion before receiving RITUXAN HYCELA by subcutaneous injection ( 2.1 ). FL/DLBCL: Administer 1,400 mg/23,400 Units (1,400 mg rituximab and 23,400 Units hyaluronidase human) subcutaneously according to recommended schedule ( 2.2 , 2.3 ). CLL: Administer 1,600 mg/26,800 Units (1,600 mg rituximab and 26,800 Units hyaluronidase human) subcutaneously according to recommended schedule ( 2.4 ). Premedicate with acetaminophen and antihistamine before each dose; in addition, consider premedication with glucocorticoids ( 2.5 , 5.4 ) Administer specified volume into subcutaneous tissue of abdomen: ( 2.6 ) 11.7 mL from 1,400 mg/23,400 Units vial over approximately 5 minutes. 13.4 mL from 1,600 mg/26,800 Units vial over approximately 7 minutes. Observe 15 minutes following administration 2.1 Important Dosing Information RITUXAN HYCELA is for subcutaneous use only. RITUXAN HYCELA should only be administered by a healthcare professional with appropriate medical support to manage severe reactions that can be fatal if they occur. All patients must first receive at least one full dose of a rituximab product by intravenous infusion without experiencing severe adverse reactions before starting treatment with RITUXAN HYCELA. If patients are not able to receive one full dose by intravenous infusion, they should continue subsequent cycles with a rituximab product by intravenous infusion and not switch to RITUXAN HYCELA until a full intravenous dose is successfully administered [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4) ]. Refer to the prescribing information for a rituximab product for intravenous infusion for additional information. Premedicate before each dose of RITUXAN HYCELA [see Dosage and Administration (2.5) ] . Dose reductions of RITUXAN HYCELA are not recommended. When RITUXAN HYCELA is given in combination with chemotherapy dose, reduce the chemotherapeutic drugs to manage adverse reactions. 2.2 Recommended Dosage for Follicular Lymphoma (FL) All patients must receive at least one full dose of a rituximab product by intravenous infusion before starting treatment with RITUXAN HYCELA [see Dosage and Administration (2.1) and Warnings and Precautions (5.4) ]. Premedicate before each dose [see Dosage and Administration (2.5) ]. The recommended dose is RITUXAN HYCELA 1,400 mg/23,400 Units (1,400 mg rituximab and 23,400 Units hyaluronidase human) subcutaneously at a fixed dose irrespective of patient's body surface area according to the following schedules: Relapsed or Refractory, Follicular Lymphoma Administer once weekly for 3 or 7 weeks following a full dose of a rituximab product by intravenous infusion at week 1 (i.e., 4 or 8 weeks in total). Retreatment for Relapsed or Refractory, Follicular Lymphoma Administer once weekly for 3 weeks following a full dose of a rituximab product by intravenous infusion at week 1 (i.e., 4 weeks in total). Previously Untreated, Follicular Lymphoma Administer on Day 1 of Cycles 2–8 of chemotherapy (every 21 days), for up to 7 cycles following a full dose of a rituximab product by intravenous infusion on Day 1 of Cycle 1 of chemotherapy (i.e., up to 8 cycles in total). In patients with complete or partial response, initiate RITUXAN HYCELA maintenance treatment 8 weeks following completion of RITUXAN HYCELA in combination with chemotherapy. Administer RITUXAN HYCELA as a single-agent every 8 weeks for 12 doses. Non-progressing, Follicular Lymphoma after first line CVP chemotherapy Following completion of 6–8 cycles of CVP chemotherapy and a full dose of a rituximab product by intravenous infusion at week 1, administer once weekly for 3 weeks (i.e., 4 weeks in total) at 6 month intervals to a maximum of 16 doses. 2.3 Recommended Dosage for Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma (DLBCL) All patients must receive at least one full dose of a rituximab product by intravenous infusion in combination with CHOP chemotherapy before starting treatment with RITUXAN HYCELA [see Dosage and Administration (2.1) and Warnings and Precautions (5.4) ]. Premedicate before each dose [see Dosage and Administration (2.5) ]. The recommended dose for DLBCL is RITUXAN HYCELA 1,400 mg/23,400 Units (1,400 mg rituximab and 23,400 Units hyaluronidase human) at a fixed dose irrespective of patient's body surface area in combination with CHOP chemotherapy. Administer RITUXAN HYCELA 1,400 mg/23,400 Units on Day 1 of Cycles 2–8 of CHOP chemotherapy for up to 7 cycles following a full dose of a rituximab product by intravenous infusion at Day 1, Cycle 1 of CHOP chemotherapy (i.e., up to 6–8 cycles in total). 2.4 Recommended Dosage for Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL) All patients must receive at least one full dose of a rituximab product by intravenous infusion in combination with FC chemotherapy before starting treatment with RITUXAN HYCELA [see Dosage and Administration (2.1) and Warnin

Side Effects (Adverse Reactions)

6 ADVERSE REACTIONS The following clinically significant adverse reactions are described elsewhere in the labeling: Mucocutaneous reactions [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] Hepatitis B reactivation including fulminant hepatitis [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) ] Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3) ] Hypersensitivity and other administration reactions [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4) ] Tumor lysis syndrome [see Warnings and Precautions (5.5) ] Infections [see Warnings and Precautions (5.6) ] Cardiac arrhythmias [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 (incidence of ≥ 20%) are: ( 6.1 ) FL: infections, neutropenia, nausea, constipation, cough, and fatigue DLBCL: infections, neutropenia, alopecia, nausea, and anemia CLL: infections, neutropenia, nausea, thrombocytopenia, pyrexia, vomiting, and injection site erythema 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. The data described below reflect exposure to RITUXAN HYCELA in 892 patients in four controlled trials with exposures ranging from a single injection up to 27 months of treatment. The population included 382 patients with follicular lymphoma (FL), 369 patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL), and 141 patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). The median age was 60 years (range: 18–85 years, 53% were male, and 84% were White. In the SABRINA study patients with FL received a full dose of a rituximab product by intravenous infusion, followed by RITUXAN HYCELA (1,400 mg rituximab/23,400 Units hyaluronidase human), in combination with chemotherapy for up to 7 doses (i.e., total of 8 doses in combination with chemotherapy), or as monotherapy for up to 12 doses (maintenance treatment). In the MabEase study patients with DLBCL received a full dose of a rituximab product by intravenous infusion, followed by RITUXAN HYCELA (1,400 mg rituximab/23,400 Units hyaluronidase human), given in combination with chemotherapy for up to 7 doses (i.e., up to a total of 8 doses). In the SAWYER study patients with CLL on part 2 received a full dose of a rituximab product by intravenous infusion, followed by RITUXAN HYCELA (1,600 mg rituximab/26,800 Units hyaluronidase human) for up to 5 doses, in combination with fludarabine and cyclophosphamide (i.e., total of 6 doses). The most common adverse reactions (≥ 20%) of RITUXAN HYCELA observed in patients with FL on the SABRINA study were: infections, neutropenia, nausea, constipation, cough, and fatigue. The most common adverse reactions (≥ 20%) of RITUXAN HYCELA observed in patients with DLBCL on the MabEase study were: infections, neutropenia, alopecia, nausea, and anemia. The most common adverse reactions (≥ 20%) of RITUXAN HYCELA observed in patients with CLL on part 2 of the SAWYER study were: infections, neutropenia, nausea, thrombocytopenia, pyrexia, vomiting, and injection site erythema. Administration-related reactions (ARRs) Administration-related reactions (ARRs) with RITUXAN HYCELA were defined as all the adverse reactions related to the administration of RITUXAN HYCELA within the 24 hours post injection. The incidence of ARRs with RITUXAN HYCELA was 34% in FL/DLBCL in combination with chemotherapy with injection site erythema (5%), chills (3%), dyspnea, erythema, flushing, injection site pain, nausea, pruritus, pyrexia, rash, and throat irritation (2% each) being the most common ARRs. The incidence of ARRs in FL maintenance setting was 20%. The most common ARRs were injection site erythema (7%), erythema (4%), injection site pain/edema, myalgia, and rash (2% each). The incidence of ARRs with RITUXAN HYCELA in CLL was 44%. With the exception of Local Cutaneous Reactions, the incidence and profile of adverse reactions reported for RITUXAN HYCELA were comparable with those for rituximab. The overall incidence of adverse reactions for intravenous rituximab versus RITUXAN HYCELA in combination with chemotherapy for FL/DLBCL was 93% versus 95% (BSA ≤ 1.73 m 2 ), 89% versus 93% (1.73 < BSA ≤ 1.92 m 2 ), and 94% versus 94% (BSA > 1.92 m 2 ). The overall incidence of adverse reactions for rituximab versus RITUXAN HYCELA in CLL was 89% versus 100% (BSA ≤ 1.81 m 2 ), 97% versus 88% (1.82 < BSA ≤ 1.99 m 2 ), and 88% versus 93% (BSA > 2.00 m 2 ). Summary of Clinical Trial Experience in Follicular Lymphoma (FL) The data in Table 1 were obtained in the SABRINA study, a two-stage randomized, controlled study in patients with previously untr

Drug Interactions

Renal toxicity when used in combination with cisplatin. ( 5.8 )

Contraindications

4 CONTRAINDICATIONS None None.

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