Rituxan (Rituximab) for Multiple Sclerosis

Overview
Rituxan is a prescription medication approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 1997. Rituxan is approved for the treatment of some types of lymphoma, leukemia, and arthritis. Although it is not approved for the treatment of multiple sclerosis (MS), Rituxan is sometimes prescribed off-label by doctors for people who have relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) and progressive forms of multiple sclerosis. Rituxan may slow disease progression and decrease the size of brain lesions in people with MS. Rituxan is also known by its drug name, rituximab.

Rituxan is an immunomodulator, or, in other words, a drug that modulates the immune system. It is also considered a biologic. It is a genetically engineered antibody, or protein used by the immune system to identify and neutralize substances. In people with multiple sclerosis (MS), Rituxan is believed to work by inhibiting B-lymphocyte cells, preventing them from attacking the central nervous system.

How do I take it?
Rituxan is administered as two intravenous infusions, 15 days apart. Infusion usually requires two to four hours. Rituxan begins taking effect about six weeks after the second infusion. Effects may last for up to nine months.

Always follow your doctor’s instructions exactly when taking Rituxan.

Side effects
Rituxan can cause life-threatening side effects. Rituxan has caused severe infusion reactions and serious infections in some people. In rare cases, Rituxan has been linked to a serious brain infection called progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML). Tell your doctor immediately if you experience neurological symptoms such as confusion, weakness on one side of the body, vision changes, difficulty talking or walking, or trouble concentrating.

Rare but serious side effects of Rituxan include tumor lysis syndrome, cardiac adverse reactions, kidney toxicity, bowel obstructions, and fetal harm during pregnancy.

Common side effects of Rituxan include headache, dizziness, fever and chills, nausea, heartburn, and flushed skin.

You may be more likely to contract infections, including serious infections, due to decreased immune system function while taking Rituxan. Contact your doctor if you develop signs of infection such as fever, cough, trouble breathing, white patches in the mouth, pain or burning during urination, or unusual vaginal discharge.

Seek medical help immediately if you experience symptoms of an allergic reaction such as trouble breathing, severe dizziness, a rash, or itching or swelling of the face, tongue, and throat.

For more details about this treatment, visit:

Rituxan (rituximab) — Multiple Sclerosis Association of America
https://mymsaa.org/publications/msresearch-upda...