Drug Reference

Rituximab

CD20 (Clusters of Differentiation 20) inhibitors

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Fact box

Therapeutic class
CD20 (Clusters of Differentiation 20) inhibitors
Action class
CD20-directed Cytolytic Antibody
Mechanism
CD20-directed Antibody Interactions
Habit forming
No
Availability
Prescription (Rx)

Brand names

RiabniRituxanRituxan HycelaRuxienceTruxima

Available as

10 ML · Injection50 ML · Injection11.7 ML · Injection13.4 ML · Injection

FDA label sections are from openFDA and may not reflect the most recent labeling — confirm against the current DailyMed label.

⚠ Boxed warning
WARNING: SEVERE MUCOCUTANEOUS REACTIONS, HEPATITIS B VIRUS REACTIVATION and PROGRESSIVE MULTIFOCAL LEUKOENCEPHALOPATHY WARNING: SEVERE MUCOCUTANEOUS REACTIONS, HEPATITIS B VIRUS REACTIVATION and PROGRESSIVE MULTIFOCAL LEUKOENCEPHALOPATHY See full prescribing information for complete boxed warning. Severe mucocutaneous reactions, some with fatal outcomes ( 5.1 ). Hepatitis B virus reactivation, in some cases resulting in fulminant hepatitis, hepatic failure, and death ( 5.2 ). Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy resulting in death ( 5.3 ). Severe Mucocutaneous Reactions Severe, including fatal, mucocutaneous reactions can occur in patients receiving rituximab-containing products, including RITUXAN HYCELA [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ]. Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) Reactivation HBV reactivation can occur in patients treated with rituximab-containing products, including RITUXAN HYCELA, 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 HYCELA. Discontinue RITUXAN HYCELA and concomitant medications in the event of HBV reactivation [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) ] . Progressive Multifocal Leukoencephalopathy (PML), including fatal PML, can occur in patients receiving rituximab-containing products, including RITUXAN HYCELA [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3) and Adverse Reactions (6.1) ].
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 with previously untreated diffuse large B-cell lymphoma in combination with cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, prednisone (CHOP) or other anthracycline-based chemotherapy regimens. 1.3 Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL) RITUXAN HYCELA is indicated, in combination with fludarabine and cyclophosphamide (FC), for the treatment of adult patients with previously untreated and previously treated CLL. 1.4 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 [see Dosage and Administration (2.1) and Warnings and Precautions (5.4) ]. RITUXAN HYCELA is not indicated for the treatment of non-malignant conditions.
How it works
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.
How to use / dosing
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 infusi
Side effects
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

Safety advice

Conservative summary derived from FDA labeling — defaults to “consult your doctor” unless the label is explicit. Not a substitute for your clinician’s advice.

PregnancyUnsafe
8.1 Pregnancy Risk Summary Based on human data, rituximab-containing products can cause fetal harm due to B-cell lymphocytopenia in infants exposed to rituximab in-utero (see Clinical Considerations ) . There are no available data on RITUXAN HYCELA use in pregnant women to inform a drug-associated risk of major birth defects and miscarriage. In animal reproduction studies, intravenous administration of a rituximab product 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. Reduced fetal weight and increased fetal lethality were observed following subcutaneous administration of hyaluronidase human in mice at a dose > 2700 times higher than the human dose. Comparable systemic exposure levels could occur in a pregnant patient following accidental intravenous administration of an entire vial of RITUXAN HYCELA (see Data ) . Advise pregnant women of the potential risk to a fetus. The estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage for the indicated populations is unknown. All pregnancies have a background risk of birth defect, loss, or other adverse outcomes. 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 6 months can occur in infants exposed to rituximab in-utero. Rituximab was detected postnatally in the serum of infants exposed in-utero. Animal Data RITUXAN HYCELA for subcutaneous injection contains rituximab and hyaluronidase human [see Description (11) ] . Rituximab Product: 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. Ritux
BreastfeedingCaution
8 USE IN SPECIFIC POPULATIONS Lactation: Advise not to breastfeed.…
AlcoholNo information
No specific information in the FDA label.
DrivingNo information
No specific information in the FDA label.
KidneyCaution
…aggressive intravenous hydration, anti hyperuricemic agents, monitor renal function.…
LiverCaution
…virus reactivation, in some cases resulting in fulminant hepatitis, hepatic failure, and death ( 5.2 ).…
Warnings & precautions
5 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS Hypersensitivity and other administration reactions: Local cutaneous reactions may occur more than 24 hours after administration. Interrupt injection if severe reaction develops. Premedicate before injection. ( 5.4 ) Tumor lysis syndrome: Administer aggressive intravenous hydration, anti hyperuricemic agents, monitor renal function. ( 5.5 ) Infections: Withhold and institute appropriate anti-infective therapy. ( 5.6 ) Cardiac adverse reactions: Discontinue 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 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 Severe Mucocutaneous Reactions Mucocutaneous reactions, some with fatal outcome, can occur in patients treated with rituximab-containing products, including RITUXAN HYCELA. These reactions include paraneoplastic pemphigus, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, lichenoid dermatitis, vesiculobullous dermatitis, and toxic epidermal necrolysis. Discontinue RITUXAN HYCELA in patients who experience a severe mucocutaneous reaction. The safety of re-administration of a rituximab-containing product, including RITUXAN HYCELA, to patients with severe mucocutaneous reactions has not been determined . 5.2 Hepatitis B Virus 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 rituximab-containing products. 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 severe cases increase in bilirubin levels, liver failure, and death can occur. Screen all patients for HBV infection by measuring HBsAg and anti-HBc before initiating treatment with a rituximab-containing product. For patients who show evidence of prior hepatitis B infection (HBsAg positive [regardless of antibody status] or HBsAg negative but anti-HBc positive), consult with physicians with expertise in managing hepatitis B regarding monitoring and consideration for HBV antiviral therapy before and/or during treatment with a rituximab-containing product. Monitor patients with evidence of current or prior HBV infection for clinical and laboratory signs of hepatitis or HBV reactivation during and for several months following RITUXAN HYCELA. HBV reactivation has been reported up to 24 months following completion of therapy containing rituximab. In patients who develop reactivation of HBV while on RITUXAN HYCELA, immediately discontinue treatment and any concomitant chemotherapy, and institute appropriate treatment. Insufficient data exist regarding the safety of resuming RITUXAN HYCELA treatment in patients who develop HBV reactivation. Resumption of RITUXAN HYCELA treatment in patients whose HBV reactivation resolves should be discussed with physicians with expertise in managing HBV. 5.3 Progressive Multifocal Leukoencephalopathy (PML) JC virus infection resulting in PML and death has been observed in patients receiving rituximab-containing products, including RITUXAN HYCELA. Consider the diagnosis of PML in any patient presenting with new-onset neurologic manifestations. Evaluation of PML includes, but is not limited to, consultation with a neurologist, brain MRI, and lumbar puncture. Discontinue RITUXAN HYCELA and consider discontinuation or reduction of any concomitant
Contraindications
4 CONTRAINDICATIONS None None.

Pediatric use

8.4 Pediatric Use The safety and effectiveness of RITUXAN HYCELA in pediatric patients have not been established.

⚑ About half of pediatric medication use is off-label and not described in FDA labels — absence of pediatric information does not mean a medicine is unused or unsafe in children. Confirm with your clinician.

Interactions (label text — not an interaction checker)
Renal toxicity when used in combination with cisplatin. ( 5.8 )
Current FDA labels (DailyMed)

20 marketed products on record (RxNorm)

Reference only — not clinical advice. Verify against current FDA labeling and consult a licensed provider. About half of pediatric drug use is off-label and is not reflected in FDA labels; absence of pediatric information does not mean a medicine is unused or unsafe in children.