MabThera (Rituximab) Dosing Instructions for Patients by Treatment Type

• Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma:
  • Monotherapy: Four MabThera infusions at weekly intervals (Days 1, 8, 15, and 22). One treatment course lasts about 22 days.
  • Combination Therapy: One MabThera infusion alongside other medications, typically given eight times at 3-week intervals.
  • Maintenance Therapy (Responders Only): One MabThera infusion every 2 or 3 months for up to two years, as determined by response and evaluation.
• Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia:
  • Combination with Chemotherapy: MabThera infusions on specific days within each chemotherapy cycle. Each cycle typically lasts 28 days, with chemotherapy following the MabThera infusion.
• Rheumatoid Arthritis:
  • Treatment Course: Two MabThera infusions spaced 2 weeks apart.
  • Retreatment: Repeat courses possible, timing depends on disease activity and will be discussed during follow-up appointments.
• Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis or Microscopic Polyangiitis:
  • Treatment Course: Four MabThera infusions given at weekly intervals.
  • Corticosteroids: May receive corticosteroid injections before MabThera and potentially oral corticosteroids during treatment.

MABTHERA is used to treat rheumatoid arthritis (RA), granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA), and microscopic polyangiitis (MPA). RA is an inflammatory disease of the joints. GPA and MPA are inflammatory diseases of the blood vessels.

• MABTHERA contains the active ingredient rituximab.
• MABTHERA belongs to a group of medicines known as monoclonal antibodies, which specifically recognize and bind to antigens, reducing inflammation by targeting B lymphocytes.

• MABTHERA is given by slow intravenous infusion by a healthcare professional, with pre-infusion medications to reduce the chance of reactions.
• Dosing varies by condition, such as 1000 mg followed by a second dose of 1000 mg two weeks later for RA, and 375 mg/m2 body surface area once a week for 4 weeks for GPA or MPA.

Contraindications:

• Avoid MABTHERA if allergic to it or any ingredients, or if had allergic reactions to other mouse-origin proteins.
• Not established for children’s safety and effectiveness.
• Avoid in active, severe infections or severely immunocompromised patients.

After-care:

• Temporarily stop blood pressure medicine before treatment, as MABTHERA may cause a temporary drop in blood pressure.
• May affect response to vaccines and may cause allergic reactions with other monoclonal antibody medications.
• Avoid breastfeeding during treatment.
• Be cautious driving or operating machinery until effects are known.