What is Rituximab and How Is It Used?
Rituximab is a type of drug known as a biological therapy that can reduce inflammation and damage to your joints. It's also known by the trade names MabThera, Rixathon, Ruxience, and Truxima.
Normally, the immune system creates inflammation to protect the body from infections. But in some conditions a group of cells in the immune system, called B-cells, cause unnecessary inflammation which damages the body's healthy tissue.
Rituximab works by lowering the number of these B-cells to reduce inflammation, pain, swelling and joint damage. If rituximab works for you, you'll probably start to feel some improvement after around six weeks.
Rituximab can be prescribed for:
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Myositis
Is Rituximab Suitable for Me?
Rituximab won't be started if:
- Your condition isn't active
- You haven't tried other treatments for your condition first
- You have an infection
Before you're prescribed rituximab, doctors sometimes use a scoring system to assess how many of your joints are painful or swollen and how it makes you feel. This helps them work out how active your condition is. You'll also need blood tests before treatment to see whether the drug is suitable for you.
It's generally recommended that pregnant women in their second or third trimester should avoid taking rituximab until they have had their baby.
Your doctor may decide not to prescribe rituximab if you have severe heart problems or breathing problems.
Before you are given rituximab you'll have blood tests to check your antibody and B-cell levels. If these levels are low you may be given a smaller dose. Your doctor may also check for previous infections of hepatitis or tuberculosis (TB), as rituximab can increase the risk of these infections starting up again.
Important: If you have HIV you won't be able to take rituximab. People in groups at high risk of HIV infection will be given an HIV test before starting treatment. People who have cancer or who are at high risk of cancer might not be able to take rituximab — your doctor will discuss this with you.
When and How Do I Take Rituximab?
Rituximab is given in a private office through a drip into a vein — known as an intravenous infusion. This is done by a doctor or nurse so they can monitor you for any side effects while you're receiving treatment.
The first infusion takes around six hours, but later infusions may be faster. Usually, you'll start treatment with two infusions given two weeks apart. The infusions are then repeated when the improvement is wearing off, or to prevent a flare-up of symptoms — anywhere from six months to a few years later.
On the day of your infusion, you'll typically receive steroids along with paracetamol and an antihistamine. Between infusions, you'll have blood tests and see a specialist doctor or nurse to check how you're getting on.
Biosimilars
Rituximab was originally only available as MabThera. More recently, three biosimilar versions — Truxima, Ruxience and Rixathon — have become available. These work in a similar way to the original. New versions of biologic drugs are becoming available all the time, so you may be prescribed rituximab under a different name.
Possible Risks and Side Effects
A few people feel unwell or experience a fever, wheeziness, a rash, or a fall in blood pressure during or shortly after the infusion. If you start feeling unwell during your infusion, tell the person giving it to you — they can slow the infusion rate so the drug enters your body more gradually.
Rituximab affects your immune system, which can make you more susceptible to some infections. Tell your doctor or nurse straight away if you develop any new symptoms such as a sore throat, fever, or other signs of infection. You should also see your doctor if you develop chickenpox or shingles, or come into contact with someone who has them.
After three or four courses of rituximab, the levels of protective antibodies in your blood may go down, which might increase your risk of infection. Your doctor will discuss this with you before deciding on further treatment.
Rare but serious: Very rarely, patients treated with rituximab can develop progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML), which can damage the brain and spinal cord. See your doctor straight away if you notice pins and needles, weakness, shaky movements, sight loss, speech problems, changes in behaviour or mood, or difficulty moving your face, arms or legs.
Tips to Reduce Your Risk of Infection
- Avoid close contact with people who have an infection
- Wash your hands regularly and carry antibacterial hand gel
- Keep your mouth clean by brushing your teeth regularly
- Stop smoking if you're a smoker
- Make sure your food is stored and prepared properly
- Keep your home clean and hygienic, especially the kitchen, bathrooms and toilets
Other Considerations
Taking Other Medicines
Rituximab is often given alongside other drugs, including methotrexate and steroids. Discuss any new medications with your doctor before starting them, and tell anyone treating you that you've had rituximab. It's recommended that you carry a biological therapy alert card so that anyone treating you will know your antibody levels may be low.
Vaccinations
People on rituximab should avoid live vaccines. You should speak to your doctor before starting treatment if you think you might need a live vaccine against illnesses such as BCG, yellow fever, or MMR. Most live vaccines should be given at least a month before you start rituximab. Vaccines for flu and pneumonia, which are not live vaccines, can be given at least one month before your next course.
Having an Operation
If you need an operation, it will usually be scheduled at least three months after your last infusion. Make sure your surgeon knows you're on rituximab.
Alcohol
You can drink alcohol while on rituximab, but keep within the recommended limits of no more than 14 units per week. Try to have alcohol-free days and don't save up units to drink in one go.
Fertility, Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
It's generally recommended that rituximab be stopped six months before pregnancy. However, if you have recently had rituximab and find yourself pregnant, it is not thought to be harmful to your baby. It is considered safe to take rituximab while breastfeeding, and for men to continue taking rituximab while trying to father a child. Speak to your doctor about any concerns.