How is Rituxan given?
Rituxan is given by intravenous infusion once a week for four doses. The dose is usually 375 (10-500) mg per square meter of body surface area. The initial rate of infusion should be 50 mg/hour. If there are no hypersensitivity reactions, the infusion can be increased stepwise by 50 mg/hour up to 400 mg/hr. However, if a hypersensitivity reaction occurs, the infusion should be slowed or stopped. How long does the effect last? Rituxan depletes circulating B cells and the effect can last 6-9 months. It also binds to lymphoid cells in the spleen, thymus, and lymph nodes. B cell recovery starts about 6 months after the completion of treatment and continues up to 12 months. Some patients show a reduction in levels of serum immunoglobulins (IgG and IgM) after treatment, but most do not. What are the risks? Rituxan is genetically engineered from murine cells, the proteins of which can cause hypersensitivity. Within 30 minutes to 2 hours after the first infusion, most patients get fever and ch
