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Rituximab

FDA Drug Information • Also known as: Rituxan

Brand Names
Rituxan
Dosage Form
LIQUID
Product Type
DRUG FOR FURTHER PROCESSING

⚠ Boxed Warning (Black Box)

WARNING: SEVERE MUCOCUTANEOUS REACTIONS, HEPATITIS B VIRUS REACTIVATION and PROGRESSIVE MULTIFOCAL LEUKOENCEPHALOPATHY WARNING: SEVERE MUCOCUTANEOUS REACTIONS, HEPATITIS B VIRUS REACTIVATION and PROGRESSIVE MULTIFOCAL LEUKOENCEPHALOPATHY See full prescribing information for complete boxed warning. Severe mucocutaneous reactions, some with fatal outcomes ( 5.1 ). Hepatitis B virus reactivation, in some cases resulting in fulminant hepatitis, hepatic failure, and death ( 5.2 ). Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy resulting in death ( 5.3 ). Severe Mucocutaneous Reactions Severe, including fatal, mucocutaneous reactions can occur in patients receiving rituximab-containing products, including RITUXAN HYCELA [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ]. Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) Reactivation HBV reactivation can occur in patients treated with rituximab-containing products, including RITUXAN HYCELA, in some cases resulting in fulminant hepatitis, hepatic failure, and death. Screen all patients for HBV infection before treatment initiation, and monitor patients during and after treatment with RITUXAN HYCELA. Discontinue RITUXAN HYCELA and concomitant medications in the event of HBV reactivation [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) ] . Progressive Multifocal Leukoencephalopathy (PML), including fatal PML, can occur in patients receiving rituximab-containing products, including RITUXAN HYCELA [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3) and Adverse Reactions (6.1) ].

Description

11 DESCRIPTION RITUXAN HYCELA is a combination of rituximab and hyaluronidase human. Rituximab is a genetically engineered chimeric murine/human monoclonal IgG1 kappa antibody directed against the CD20 antigen. Rituximab has an approximate molecular weight of 145 kD. Rituximab has a binding affinity for the CD20 antigen of approximately 8.0 nM. Rituximab is produced by mammalian cell (Chinese Hamster Ovary) suspension. Recombinant human hyaluronidase is an endoglycosidase used to increase the dispersion and absorption of co-administered drugs when administered subcutaneously. It is produced by mammalian (Chinese Hamster Ovary) cells containing a DNA plasmid encoding for a soluble fragment of human hyaluronidase (PH20). It is a glycosylated single-chain protein with an approximate molecular weight of 61 kD. RITUXAN HYCELA (rituximab and hyaluronidase human) injection is a colorless to yellowish, clear to opalescent solution supplied in sterile, preservative-free, single-dose vials for subcutaneous use. RITUXAN HYCELA is supplied as 1,400 mg rituximab and 23,400 Units hyaluronidase human per 11.7 mL in single-dose vials or 1,600 mg rituximab and 26,800 Units hyaluronidase human per 13.4 mL in single-dose vials. Each mL of solution contains rituximab (120 mg), hyaluronidase human (2,000 Units), L-histidine (0.53 mg), L-histidine hydrochloride monohydrate (3.47 mg), L-methionine (1.49 mg), polysorbate 80 (0.6 mg), α,α-trehalose dihydrate (79.45 mg), and Water for Injection.

What Is Rituximab Used For?

1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE RITUXAN HYCELA is a combination of rituximab, a CD20-directed cytolytic antibody, and hyaluronidase human, an endoglycosidase, indicated for the treatment of adult patients with: Follicular Lymphoma (FL) ( 1.1 ) Relapsed or refractory, follicular lymphoma as a single agent Previously untreated follicular lymphoma in combination with first line chemotherapy and, in patients achieving a complete or partial response to rituximab in combination with chemotherapy, as single-agent maintenance therapy Non-progressing (including stable disease), follicular lymphoma as a single agent after first-line cyclophosphamide, vincristine, and prednisone (CVP) chemotherapy Diffuse Large B-cell Lymphoma (DLBCL) ( 1.2 ) Previously untreated diffuse large B-cell lymphoma in combination with cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, prednisone (CHOP) or other anthracycline-based chemotherapy regimens Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL) ( 1.3 ) Previously untreated and previously treated CLL in combination with fludarabine and cyclophosphamide (FC) Limitations of Use: Initiate treatment with RITUXAN HYCELA only after patients have received at least one full dose of a rituximab product by intravenous infusion. ( 1.4 , 2.1 , 5.4 ). RITUXAN HYCELA is not indicated for the treatment of non-malignant conditions. ( 1.4 ) 1.1 Follicular Lymphoma (FL) RITUXAN HYCELA is indicated for the treatment of adult patients with: Relapsed or refractory, follicular lymphoma as a single agent. Previously untreated follicular lymphoma in combination with first line chemotherapy and, in patients achieving a complete or partial response to rituximab in combination with chemotherapy, as single-agent maintenance therapy. Non-progressing (including stable disease), follicular lymphoma as a single agent after first-line cyclophosphamide, vincristine, and prednisone (CVP) chemotherapy. 1.2 Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma (DLBCL) RITUXAN HYCELA is indicated for the treatment of adult patients with previously untreated diffuse large B-cell lymphoma in combination with cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, prednisone (CHOP) or other anthracycline-based chemotherapy regimens. 1.3 Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL) RITUXAN HYCELA is indicated, in combination with fludarabine and cyclophosphamide (FC), for the treatment of adult patients with previously untreated and previously treated CLL. 1.4 Limitations of Use Initiate treatment with RITUXAN HYCELA only after patients have received at least one full dose of a rituximab product by intravenous infusion [see Dosage and Administration (2.1) and Warnings and Precautions (5.4) ]. RITUXAN HYCELA is not indicated for the treatment of non-malignant conditions.

Dosage and Administration

2 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION For subcutaneous use only ( 2.1 ) All patients must receive at least one full dose of a rituximab product by intravenous infusion before receiving RITUXAN HYCELA by subcutaneous injection ( 2.1 ). FL/DLBCL: Administer 1,400 mg/23,400 Units (1,400 mg rituximab and 23,400 Units hyaluronidase human) subcutaneously according to recommended schedule ( 2.2 , 2.3 ). CLL: Administer 1,600 mg/26,800 Units (1,600 mg rituximab and 26,800 Units hyaluronidase human) subcutaneously according to recommended schedule ( 2.4 ). Premedicate with acetaminophen and antihistamine before each dose; in addition, consider premedication with glucocorticoids ( 2.5 , 5.4 ) Administer specified volume into subcutaneous tissue of abdomen: ( 2.6 ) 11.7 mL from 1,400 mg/23,400 Units vial over approximately 5 minutes. 13.4 mL from 1,600 mg/26,800 Units vial over approximately 7 minutes. Observe 15 minutes following administration 2.1 Important Dosing Information RITUXAN HYCELA is for subcutaneous use only. RITUXAN HYCELA should only be administered by a healthcare professional with appropriate medical support to manage severe reactions that can be fatal if they occur. All patients must first receive at least one full dose of a rituximab product by intravenous infusion without experiencing severe adverse reactions before starting treatment with RITUXAN HYCELA. If patients are not able to receive one full dose by intravenous infusion, they should continue subsequent cycles with a rituximab product by intravenous infusion and not switch to RITUXAN HYCELA until a full intravenous dose is successfully administered [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4) ]. Refer to the prescribing information for a rituximab product for intravenous infusion for additional information. Premedicate before each dose of RITUXAN HYCELA [see Dosage and Administration (2.5) ] . Dose reductions of RITUXAN HYCELA are not recommended. When RITUXAN HYCELA is given in combination with chemotherapy dose, reduce the chemotherapeutic drugs to manage adverse reactions. 2.2 Recommended Dosage for Follicular Lymphoma (FL) All patients must receive at least one full dose of a rituximab product by intravenous infusion before starting treatment with RITUXAN HYCELA [see Dosage and Administration (2.1) and Warnings and Precautions (5.4) ]. Premedicate before each dose [see Dosage and Administration (2.5) ]. The recommended dose is RITUXAN HYCELA 1,400 mg/23,400 Units (1,400 mg rituximab and 23,400 Units hyaluronidase human) subcutaneously at a fixed dose irrespective of patient's body surface area according to the following schedules: Relapsed or Refractory, Follicular Lymphoma Administer once weekly for 3 or 7 weeks following a full dose of a rituximab product by intravenous infusion at week 1 (i.e., 4 or 8 weeks in total). Retreatment for Relapsed or Refractory, Follicular Lymphoma Administer once weekly for 3 weeks following a full dose of a rituximab product by intravenous infusion at week 1...

Side Effects (Adverse Reactions)

6 ADVERSE REACTIONS The following clinically significant adverse reactions are described elsewhere in the labeling: Mucocutaneous reactions [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] Hepatitis B reactivation including fulminant hepatitis [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) ] Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3) ] Hypersensitivity and other administration reactions [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4) ] Tumor lysis syndrome [see Warnings and Precautions (5.5) ] Infections [see Warnings and Precautions (5.6) ] Cardiac arrhythmias [see Warnings and Precautions (5.7) ] Renal toxicity [see Warnings and Precautions (5.8) ] Bowel obstruction and perforation [see Warnings and Precautions (5.9) ] Most common adverse reactions (incidence of ≥ 20%) are: ( 6.1 ) FL: infections, neutropenia, nausea, constipation, cough, and fatigue DLBCL: infections, neutropenia, alopecia, nausea, and anemia CLL: infections, neutropenia, nausea, thrombocytopenia, pyrexia, vomiting, and injection site erythema To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Genentech at 1-888-835-2555 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch. 6.1 Clinical Trials Experience Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in clinical practice. The data described below reflect exposure to RITUXAN HYCELA in 892 patients in four controlled trials with exposures ranging from a single injection up to 27 months of treatment. The population included 382 patients with follicular lymphoma (FL), 369 patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL), and 141 patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). The median age was 60 years (range: 18–85 years, 53% were male, and 84% were White. In the SABRINA study patients with FL received a full dose of a rituximab product by intravenous infusion, followed by RITUXAN HYCELA (1,400 mg rituximab/23,400 Units hyaluronidase human), in combination with chemotherapy for up to 7 doses (i.e., total of 8 doses in combination with chemotherapy), or as monotherapy for up to 12 doses (maintenance treatment). In the MabEase study patients with DLBCL received a full dose of a rituximab product by intravenous infusion, followed by RITUXAN HYCELA (1,400 mg rituximab/23,400 Units hyaluronidase human), given in combination with chemotherapy for up to 7 doses (i.e., up to a total of 8 doses). In the SAWYER study patients with CLL on part 2 received a full dose of a rituximab product by intravenous infusion, followed by RITUXAN HYCELA (1,600 mg rituximab/26,800 Units hyaluronidase human) for up to 5 doses, in combination with fludarabine and cyclophosphamide (i.e., total of 6 doses). The most common adverse reactions (≥ 20%) of RITUXAN HYCELA observed in patients with FL on the SABRINA study were: infections, neutropenia, nausea, constipation, cough, and fatigue. The most common adverse reactions (≥ 20%) of RITUXAN HYCELA observed in patients with DLBCL on the MabEase study were: infections, neutropenia, alopecia, nausea, and anemia. The most common adverse reactions (≥ 20%) of RITUXAN HYCELA observed in patients with CLL on part 2 of the SAWYER study were: infections, neutropenia, nausea, thrombocytopenia, pyrexia, vomiting, and injection site erythema. Administration-related reactions (ARRs) Administration-related reactions (ARRs) with RITUXAN HYCELA were defined as all the adverse reactions related to the administration of RITUXAN HYCELA within the 24 hours post injection. The incidence of ARRs with RITUXAN HYCELA was 34% in FL/DLBCL in combination with chemotherapy with injection site erythema (5%), chills (3%), dyspnea, erythema, flushing, injection site pain, nausea, pruritus, pyrexia, rash, and throat irritation (2% each) being the most common ARRs. The incidence of ARRs in FL maintenance setting was 20%....

Drug Interactions

Renal toxicity when used in combination with cisplatin. ( 5.8 )

Contraindications

4 CONTRAINDICATIONS None None.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

8.1 Pregnancy Risk Summary Based on human data, rituximab-containing products can cause fetal harm due to B-cell lymphocytopenia in infants exposed to rituximab in-utero (see Clinical Considerations ) . There are no available data on RITUXAN HYCELA use in pregnant women to inform a drug-associated risk of major birth defects and miscarriage. In animal reproduction studies, intravenous administration of a rituximab product to pregnant cynomolgus monkeys during the period of organogenesis caused lymphoid B cell depletion in the newborn offspring at doses resulting in 80% of the exposure (based on AUC) of those achieved following a dose of 2 grams in humans. Reduced fetal weight and increased fetal lethality were observed following subcutaneous administration of hyaluronidase human in mice at a dose > 2700 times higher than the human dose. Comparable systemic exposure levels could occur in a pregnant patient following accidental intravenous administration of an entire vial of RITUXAN HYCELA (see Data ) . Advise pregnant women of the potential risk to a fetus. The estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage for the indicated populations is unknown. All pregnancies have a background risk of birth defect, loss, or other adverse outcomes. The estimated background risk in the U.S. general population of major birth defects is 2%–4% and of miscarriage is 15%–20% of clinically recognized pregnancies. Clinical Considerations Fetal/Neonatal Adverse Reactions Observe newborns and infants for signs of infection and manage accordingly. Data Human Data Postmarketing data indicate that B-cell lymphocytopenia generally lasting less than 6 months can occur in infants exposed to rituximab in-utero. Rituximab was detected postnatally in the serum of infants exposed in-utero. Animal Data RITUXAN HYCELA for subcutaneous injection contains rituximab and hyaluronidase human [see Description (11) ] . Rituximab Product: An embryo-fetal developmental toxicity study was...

How Supplied

16 HOW SUPPLIED/STORAGE AND HANDLING RITUXAN HYCELA (rituximab and hyaluronidase human) injection, for subcutaneous use is supplied as a sterile preservative-free liquid solution in a single-dose vial. The following configurations are available: Individually packaged single-dose vials: RITUXAN HYCELA 1,400 mg/23,400 Units (NDC 50242-108-01) providing 1,400 mg rituximab and 23,400 Units hyaluronidase human per 11.7 mL RITUXAN HYCELA 1,600 mg/26,800 Units (NDC 50242-109-01) providing 1,600 mg rituximab and 26,800 Units hyaluronidase human per 13.4 mL Storage Store RITUXAN HYCELA vials in the refrigerator at 2°C to 8°C (36°F to 46°F) in the original carton to protect from light. Do not freeze.

About This Information

This drug information is sourced from FDA-approved labeling via the openFDA database. It is intended for educational and reference purposes only. This is not medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before making decisions about medication. Drug information may be updated by the FDA; check with your pharmacist for the most current information.

What are side effects?

Side effects are unwanted reactions that can occur when taking a medication. They range from mild (headache, nausea) to severe (allergic reactions, organ damage). Not everyone experiences side effects, and severity varies. Report any concerning side effects to your doctor.

What are drug interactions?

Drug interactions occur when a medication is affected by another drug, food, or supplement. Interactions can make medications less effective or cause dangerous side effects. Always tell your doctor about all medications and supplements you take.