Is Rituximab a chemotherapy drug?

Rituximab (Rituximab) belongs to a class of drugs called monoclonal antibodies and is not a chemotherapy drug. They treat various types of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and chronic lymphocytic leukemia by killing cancer cells. Certain rituximab injections also treat rheumatoid arthritis, granulomatosis with polyangiitis, microscopic polyangiitis, and pemphigus vulgaris by blocking the activity of parts of the immune system that can damage joints, veins, and other blood vessels.

Rituximab comes as a solution (liquid) that is given into a vein, and the dosage will depend on the condition, other drugs you are using, and the body's response to treatment. Rituximab must be given slowly into the vein, and it may take several hours or longer to receive the first dose of rituximab. After the first dose, rituximab may be given sooner, depending on the patient's response to treatment.

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.