Rituximab, which is a monoclonal antibody, belongs to a class of medications called antineoplastics. It targets to bind to CD20 antigen to bring about a mechanism that can kill B-cells. Therefore, it is used to treat rheumatoid arthritis, chronic lymphocytic leukaemia and non-Hodgkin’s lymphomas.
Rituximab is injected under the skin or into the veins. Listed below are the indications and the usual dosages. Premedicate with paracetamol and antihistamine before each administration; glucocorticoid may also be considered.
Advanced follicular non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma
Adult and elderly
Intravenous and Subcutaneous:
Induction: 375 mg/m2 once weekly for 4-8 times.
Maintenance: 375 mg/m2 once every 2 months, starting 2 months after the last dose of induction therapy.
CD20-positive non-progressing low-grade non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma
Adult and elderly
Intravenous and Subcutaneous::
As monotherapy following 6-8 cycles of CVP (Cyclophosphamide, Vincristine, and Prednisone) chemotherapy: 375 mg/m2 via infusion once weekly for 4 doses at 6-month intervals, for up to 16 doses.
Chronic lymphocytic leukaemia
Adult and elderly
Intravenous and Subcutaneous: 375 mg/m2 via infusion on the day before chemotherapy in cycle 1, then 500 mg/m2 on day 1 of each subsequent cycle, for a total of 6 cycles.
Rheumatoid arthritis
Adult and elderly
Intravenous: 1000 mg for 2 doses separated by 2 weeks. Subsequent courses may be given every 24 weeks or according to clinical evaluation, but no sooner than every 16 weeks.
Common side effects of Rituximab include cardiac disorders, night sweats, itchiness, low blood phosphate, angioedema and neutropenia.
Common dosing schedule:
Rituximab injections are prescribed in institutions by the physicians.
This schedule is for reference only, adjustments may be made according to individual needs.
Some common medications Rituximab may interact with:
Rituximab may interact with many other medications. Please notify your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking the above medication, dosage adjustments might be needed.
In Hong Kong, Rituximab is a prescription only medicine, and requires a prescription from a doctor to be purchased in a pharmacy. It can also be obtained from doctors. To find a pharmacy near you, refer to the list of pharmacies (“Authorized Sellers of Poisons”) from the Hong Kong Department of Health.
For more information about drug names and ingredients, you can visit Hong Kong’s Drug Office at https://www.drugoffice.gov.hk
Need more information?
For detailed information about the use of Rituximab in children, pregnancy and breastfeeding, and for questions about drug interactions, please check with your pharmacist or doctor.
Disclaimer: our goal is to provide you with the most relevant drug information and common dosage for Hong Kong. This information does not constitute medical advice. For specific treatment recommendations and advice, always discuss with your doctor or pharmacist, and follow the instructions included with your specific medicine.
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