Does Rituximab need to be taken long-term?

Rituximab (Rituximab) is a drug known as a biological therapy. It can be used to treat rheumatoid arthritis, non-Hodgkin lymphoma, chronic lymphocytic leukemia, vasculitis, pemphigus vulgaris and other conditions. Rituximab reduces inflammation, pain, swelling and joint damage by lowering the number of B cells. If rituximab is effective, improvement in symptoms may be noticed 8 to 16 weeks after starting treatment. Typically, treatment will be started with two injections of rituximab, given two weeks apart. Rituximab infusions will be repeated when rituximab begins to resolve or prevent arthritis attacks. This could be anywhere from six months to several years. Many people need injections at least once a year. If you have vasculitis, it may be treated more frequently than this.

Rituximab has been launched in China and has entered the scope of Class B medical insurance. The use of rituximab must be carried out by doctors and medical staff. It is a strictly controlled drug and its purchase and use may be restricted. SpecificationsThe price of each box of 500mg/500mL may be around RMB 8,000, which is relatively expensive. Rituximab has also been launched overseas. The price of the original Indian version of 500mg/500mL per box may be around RMB 3,000 (the price may fluctuate due to exchange rates) . There are also generic rituximab drugs produced by other pharmaceutical companies in India. The price of 500mg/500mL per box may be around 1,500 yuan (the price may fluctuate due to exchange rates). Its drug ingredients are basically the same as those of domestic and foreign original drugs.