Rx Name [RITUXIMAB, 1000]

Rx Name	MABTHERA 10MG/ML INJ (ROC/AHI) RITUXIMAB
Active Ingredient	RITUXIMAB
Therapeutic Code	1000
Therapeutic Class	ANTINEOPLASTICS
Indications	Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, chronic lymphocytic leukaemia.
Caution	All patients should be screened for hepatitis B virus infection before starting rituximab; it should not be used in patients with active infection. Cytokine release syndrome (fever, chills, and rigors) usually within 2 hours of beginning therapy. Pruritus, urticaria, rashes, dyspnoea, bronchospasm, angioedema, transient hypotension, and flushing.
Dose Range	50 mg/hour, increased in increments of 50 mg/hour every 30 minutes to a maximum of 400 mg/hour, if well tolerated. Subsequent doses may be begun at a rate of 100 mg/hour, increased in increments of 100 mg/hour every 30 minutes to a maximum of 400 mg/hou
Drug Interactions
Pregnancy	Avoid unless potential benefit to mother outweighs risk of B-lymphocyte depletion in fetus.
Breast Feeding	Avoid breast-feeding during and for 12 months after treatment.
Drug Note