Rituximab

Brand names: Rituxan and biosimilars (Truxima, Ruxience, Riabni)

A biologic that removes B cells, the immune cells that make antibodies.

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Rituximab

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How it works · B-cell depletion

B cells make antibodies

B cells produce antibodies. In some autoimmune diseases they make harmful autoantibodies and drive inflammation.

ANCA vasculitis, rheumatoid arthritis, myositis, lupus and other antibody-driven diseases.

It attaches to the CD20 marker on B cells and flags them for removal, lowering autoantibody production for months.

Two IV infusions about 2 weeks apart, or weekly for 4 weeks, repeated roughly every 6 months as needed.

Infusion reactions, infections, low antibody levels over time and, rarely, hepatitis B reactivation.

Hepatitis B screening, blood counts and antibody (immunoglobulin) levels.

Vaccines work less well after rituximab, so try to get them beforehand.

At a glance

Class

Biologics

Brand names

Rituxan and biosimilars (Truxima, Ruxience, Riabni)

Reviewed by Farhan Tahir, MD, FACR

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