The category of antitumor drugs includes the drug "MabThera." The description of the drug indicates its ability to specifically bind to the transmembrane antigen present in 95% of non-Hodgkin B-cell lymphomas. The active ingredient is rituximab.
The medicine "MabThera." Instructions: indications
The medication is prescribed for B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma:
- chemically resistant or recurrent, CD20-positive with a low degree of malignancy or follicular;
- follicular third-fourth stage in combination with chemotherapy in previously untreated patients;
- follicular after reaction to induction therapy as a supportive agent;
- CD20-positive B-large cell in combination with chemotherapy according to the CHOP scheme.
Means "MabThera" instruction recommends use for chronic lymphocytic leukemia :
- in combination with chemotherapy in patients who have not undergone standard treatment;
- Relapsing or chemo-resistant in combination with chemotherapy.
The drug is indicated for adults with the active form of rheumatoid arthritis in combination with the Methotrexate medication with inadequate responses or intolerance to the therapeutic regimes used.
Contraindications
Means "MabThera" instruction does not recommend for individual intolerance.
Caution must be exercised when prescribing the medicine to patients with arrhythmia, angina pectoris, chronic heart failure, high or low blood pressure, thrombocytopenia, neutropenia, COPD (due to the likelihood of bronchospasm).
Side effects
When using the drug "MabThera" nausea, abdominal pain, and vomiting are possible. Negative manifestations also include orthostatic hypotension, arrhythmia, tachycardia, bradycardia, impaired renal function, peripheral edema, pain in the chest and lumbosacral spine. The drug "MabThera" can cause peripheral neuropathy, neuritis, drowsiness or insomnia, agitation or depression, anxiety, weakness, dizziness, pain in the head. Side effects are considered allergic reactions. The negative reactions when using the MabThera drug include rhinitis, swelling of the pharynx or tongue, shortness of breath, bronchospasm, itching of the skin, weight loss, taste disorder, tremors, chills, fever, pain in the neck and in the area of tumor localization, development of herpetic infections.
Dosage
The drug is administered slowly intravenously infusion. When monotherapy is used once a week, 375 mg for four weeks. The initial rate of first administration is 50 mg / hour. Increase to the maximum (400 mg / h) speed must be carried out gradually.
special instructions
Thirty to sixty minutes before the start of administration, premedication (preparation) with the help of analgesics and antihistamines is recommended.
During therapy and for twelve months after its completion, women of childbearing age must use reliable contraceptives.
Antihypertensive drugs should be discontinued at least twelve hours before the introduction of the drug "MabThera."
The efficacy and safety of the use of the drug in children has not been established.
About the drug "MabThera" the reviews of experts are more positive. Moreover, in the course of studies it was found that the immediate appointment of a medication as monotherapy, as well as its subsequent use as a support agent for two years, reduces the likelihood of worsening of the course of follicular lymphoma.