Truxima (Rituximab-Abbs) for Lymphoma

Overview
Truxima (rituximab-abbs) is a U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved treatment for adults with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL), a type of cancer that starts in the lymphatic system (part of the immune system that helps fight infections). It is used in different ways, depending on the type and stage of NHL. Doctors may prescribe it alone for people whose NHL has relapsed (come back) or is refractory (did not respond to previous treatment). It is also used with chemotherapy for people with certain types of NHL who have not been treated before. In some cases, Truxima can be given as maintenance therapy (ongoing treatment to help keep cancer from coming back) after a person responds to initial treatment. Additionally, Truxima is approved to treat diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, a fast-growing type of NHL, when combined with chemotherapy. Truxima is also known by its drug name, rituximab-abbs.

Truxima is a biosimilar, meaning it is highly similar to an already approved biologic drug, Rituxan (rituximab), with no significant clinical differences in safety or effectiveness. Truxima is a CD20-directed cytolytic antibody, meaning it targets the CD20 protein found on certain B cells (a type of white blood cell), leading to their destruction. This helps slow or stop the progression of lymphoma.

How do I take it?
Prescribing information states that Truxima is administered as an intravenous (IV) infusion by a healthcare professional. The dosing schedule varies based on the type and stage of lymphoma being treated. Treatment typically follows a cycle, either as a single agent or in combination with chemotherapy. Infusions must be given in a medical setting where a person can be monitored for potential severe reactions. Truxima should be taken exactly as prescribed by a healthcare provider.

Side effects
Common side effects of Truxima include infusion-related reactions (such as fever, chills, and low blood pressure), fever, low levels of lymphocytes (a type of white blood cell), infections, and fatigue.

Rare but serious side effects may include severe infusion-related reactions that can be life-threatening, severe skin and mucous membrane reactions, reactivation of hepatitis B virus leading to liver failure, and progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML), a rare brain infection that can be fatal. The drug can also cause harm to an unborn fetus.

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Label: Truxima — Rituximab-Abbs Injection, Solution — DailyMed