Cytomab 100mg Injection

Composition Rituximab (100mg)
Rx Prescription Required
Pack vial of 1 Injection
Storage Store in a refrigerator (2 – 8°C). Do not freeze.
Chemical Class Monoclonal antibody (mAb)
Action Class CD 20 Inhibitor
Habbit Forming No
Manufacturer Alkem Laboratories Ltd
Manufacturer address Alkem Laboratories Limited, Devashish Building, Alkem House, Senapati Bapat Road, Lower Parel, Mumbai – 400 013.

Cytomab 100mg Injection is given as an injection under the supervision of doctor. You must take it in a dose as advised by the doctor. Your doctor will decide what dose is necessary and how often you need to take it. This will depend on what you are being treated for and may change from time to time. You should take it exactly as your doctor has advised. Taking it in the wrong way or taking too much can cause very serious side effects. It may take several weeks or months for you to see or feel the benefits but do not stop taking it unless your doctor tells you to.

The most common side effects of this medicine include headache, weakness, edema, infection, and hair loss. This medicine may reduce the number of blood cells (decrease red blood and white blood cells) in your blood, thereby, increasing the susceptibility to infections. Regular blood tests are required to check your blood cells along with hepatitis B.

Before taking it, tell your doctor if you have heart disease, liver, or planning surgery or vaccination or are taking any medicines to treat infections. Many other medicines can affect, or be affected by, this medicine so let your doctor know all medications you are using. This medicine is not recommended during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. The use of effective contraception by both males and females during treatment is important to avoid pregnancy.

Non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL)
Rheumatoid arthritis
Blood cancer (Chronic lymphocytic leukemia)
Granulomatosis with polyangiitis
Microscopic polyangiitis

Your doctor or nurse will give you this medicine. Kindly do not self administer.

Cytomab 100mg Injection is a monoclonal antibody. It works by targeting the unwanted activity of immune cells (B cells) in rheumatoid arthritis and certain types of cancers.

If you miss a dose of Cytomab 100mg Injection, please consult your doctor.

It is given as a drip (intravenous infusion) by your doctor or nurse.

You may be given some painkillers, antihistamine and possibly steroids before the drip to help prevent infusion reaction.

Your doctor may get blood tests done to check for hepatitis B before treatment and to monitor your blood cells during treatment with this medicine.

Inform your doctor immediately if you notice any signs of infection such as fever, sore throat or rash.

Inform your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to conceive or breastfeeding.

Inform your doctor  if you have any heart rhythm problems, if you are having surgery or if you plan to get any vaccinations.

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In Non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL)

Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma is a cancer of the white blood cells in our body, also called mantle-cell lymphoma. White blood cells are those cells that help us to fight infections. Cytomab 100mg Injection lowers immune response and helps to reduce pain and inflammation. It also kills the cancer cells and helps prevent their further growth. Avoid being in crowds and wash your hands often to prevent any infections. Have plenty of fluids, unless otherwise advised by the doctor not to.

In Rheumatoid arthritis

Cytomab 100mg Injection helps treat inflammation, pain and swelling in rheumatoid arthritis by decreasing the immune system response of the patient. It is given in the dose and frequency that suits your condition. This will be decided by the doctor. You must follow your doctor’s instructions carefully and let your doctor know if you have fever, chills or any bothersome side effects after taking this medicine.

In Blood cancer (Chronic lymphocytic leukemia)

Blood cancer, also called leukemia, is a cancer of the blood-forming tissues, that decreases the body’s ability to fight infection. Cytomab 100mg Injection kills or stops the growth of cancer cells and also prevents the multiplication of cancer cells. It is an effective medicine but you should discuss the side effects and benefits of this medicine with your doctor. Let your doctor know if any of the side effects bothers you.

In Granulomatosis with polyangiitis

Granulomatosis with polyangiitis is a condition that causes inflammation of the blood vessels of the ears, nose, throat, lungs, and kidneys. In this condition, the blood flow to these areas may be reduced and it can lead to their damage. Cytomab 100mg Injection helps reduce inflammation, pain and swelling and prevents further damage. This improves your quality of life.

In Microscopic polyangiitis

Microscopic polyangiitis is an autoimmune disease which occurs in the small blood vessels and may be caused due to problems with the immune system. Cytomab 100mg Injection reduces immune response and improves inflammation. This helps to heal this condition and improves your discomfort.show moreshow less

Most side effects do not require any medical attention and disappear as your body adjusts to the medicine. Consult your doctor if they persist or if you’re worried about them

Decreased blood cells (red cells, white cells, and platelets)

Increased risk of infection

Infusion reaction

Decreased white blood cell count (neutrophils)

Febrile neutropenia

Chills

Itching

Hair loss

Infection

Edema (swelling)

Weakness

Headache

Alcohol:CAUTION

Caution is advised when consuming alcohol with Cytomab 100mg Injection. Please consult your doctor.

Pregnancy:CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR

Cytomab 100mg Injection may be unsafe to use during pregnancy. Although there are limited studies in humans, animal studies have shown harmful effects on the developing baby. Your doctor will weigh the benefits and any potential risks before prescribing it to you. Please consult your doctor.

Breast feeding:SAFE IF PRESCRIBED

Cytomab 100mg Injection is probably safe to use during breastfeeding. Limited human data suggests that the drug does not represent any significant risk to the baby.

Driving:CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR

It is not known whether Cytomab 100mg Injection alters the ability to drive. Do not drive if you experience any symptoms that affect your ability to concentrate and react.

Kidney:SAFE IF PRESCRIBED

Cytomab 100mg Injection is probably safe to use in patients with kidney disease. Limited data available suggests that dose adjustment of Cytomab 100mg Injection may not be needed in these patients. Please consult your doctor.

Liver:CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR

There is limited information available on the use of Cytomab 100mg Injection in patients with liver disease. Please consult your doctor.Use of Cytomab 100mg Injection is not recommended in patients with the active liver disease or those who had viral hepatitis as it can reactivate the infection.

Chabner BA, Barnes J, Neal J, et al. Targeted Therapies: Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors, Monoclonal Antibodies, and Cytokines. In: Brunton LL, Chabner BA, Knollmann BC, editors. Goodman & Gilman’s: The Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics. 12th ed. New York, New York: McGraw-Hill Medical; 2011. pp. 1745-48.

Lake DF, Briggs AD, Akporiaye ET. Immunopharmacology. In: Katzung BG, Masters SB, Trevor AJ, editors. Basic and Clinical Pharmacology. 11th ed. New Delhi, India: Tata McGraw Hill Education Private Limited; 2009. p. 978.

Briggs GG, Freeman RK, editors. A Reference Guide to Fetal and Neonatal Risk: Drugs in Pregnancy and Lactation. 10th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Wolters Kluwer Health; 2015. pp. 1225-27.

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Drugs and Lactation Database. Bethesda : National Library of Medicine ; 2006. Rituximab. . view