What is Rituximab?

Rituximab (Rituximab) is a monoclonal antibody drug used to treat certain autoimmune diseases and cancers. Including use for non-Hodgkin lymphoma, chronic lymphocytic leukemia (non-elderly patients), rheumatoid arthritis, granulomatosis with polyangiitis, idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura, pemphigus vulgaris, myasthenia gravis and Epstein-Barr virus-positive mucocutaneous ulcers. Rituximab is administered by slow intravenous injection.

Rituximab is approved for medical use, and side effects that usually appear within two hours of taking the drug include rash, itching, low blood pressure and shortness of breath. Infections are also common. Serious side effects include reactivation of hepatitis B in previously infected individuals, progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy, toxic epidermal necrolysis, and death. It is not known whether use during pregnancy is safe for a developing fetus or newborn baby, but it has not been shown to be harmful.

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.