Ritcema 500mg Injection
 
MANUFACTURER/ MARKETER
Celon Laboratories Ltd
 
SALT COMPOSITION
Rituximab 500mg Inj
 
STORAGE
Store in a refrigerator (2 - 8°C). Do not freeze.

PRODUCT INTRODUCTION

Ritcema 500mg Injection is used in the treatment of non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL), rheumatoid arthritis, blood cancer (chronic lymphocytic leukemia), granulomatosis with polyangiitis and microscopic polyangiitis.

Ritcema 500mg Injection is given as an injection under the supervision of doctor. You must take it in a dose as advised by the doctor. Your doctor will decide what dose is necessary and how often you need to take it. This will depend on what you are being treated for and may change from time to time. You should take it exactly as your doctor has advised. Taking it in the wrong way or taking too much can cause very serious side effects. It may take several weeks or months for you to see or feel the benefits but do not stop taking it unless your doctor tells you to.

The most common side effects of this medicine include headache, weakness, edema, infection, and hair loss. This medicine may reduce the number of blood cells (decrease red blood and white blood cells) in your blood, thereby, increasing the susceptibility to infections. Regular blood tests are required to check your blood cells along with hepatitis B.

Before taking it, tell your doctor if you have heart disease, liver, or planning surgery or vaccination or are taking any medicines to treat infections. Many other medicines can affect, or be affected by, this medicine so let your doctor know all medications you are using. This medicine is not recommended during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. The use of effective contraception by both males and females during treatment is important to avoid pregnancy.

USES OF Ritcema 500mg INJECTION

·         Non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL)

·         Rheumatoid arthritis

·         Blood cancer (Chronic lymphocytic leukemia)

·         Granulomatosis with polyangiitis

·         Microscopic polyangiitis

BENEFITS OF Ritcema 500mg  INJECTION

In Non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL)

Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma is a cancer of the white blood cells in our body, also called mantle-cell lymphoma. White blood cells are those cells that help us to fight infections. Ritcema 500mgInjection lowers immune response and helps to reduce pain and inflammation. It also kills the cancer cells and helps prevent their further growth. Avoid being in crowds and wash your hands often to prevent any infections. Have plenty of fluids, unless otherwise advised by the doctor not to.

In Rheumatoid arthritis

Ritcema 500mgInjection helps treat inflammation, pain and swelling in rheumatoid arthritis by decreasing the immune system response of the patient. It is given in the dose and frequency that suits your condition. This will be decided by the doctor. You must follow your doctor’s instructions carefully and let your doctor know if you have fever, chills or any bothersome side effects after taking this medicine.

In Blood cancer (Chronic lymphocytic leukemia)

Blood cancer, also called leukemia, is a cancer of the blood-forming tissues, that decreases the body's ability to fight infection. Ritcema 500mgInjection kills or stops the growth of cancer cells and also prevents the multiplication of cancer cells. It is an effective medicine but you should discuss the side effects and benefits of this medicine with your doctor. Let your doctor know if any of the side effects bothers you.

In Granulomatosis with polyangiitis

Granulomatosis with polyangiitis is a condition that causes inflammation of the blood vessels of the ears, nose, throat, lungs, and kidneys. In this condition, the blood flow to these areas may be reduced and it can lead to their damage. Ritcema 500mgInjection helps reduce inflammation, pain and swelling and prevents further damage. This improves your quality of life.

In Microscopic polyangiitis

Microscopic polyangiitis is an autoimmune disease which occurs in the small blood vessels and may be caused due to problems with the immune system. Ritcema 500mgInjection reduces immune response and improves inflammation. This helps to heal this condition and improves your discomfort.

SIDE EFFECTS OF Ritcema 500mg  INJECTION

Most side effects do not require any medical attention and disappear as your body adjusts to the medicine. Consult your doctor if they persist or if you’re worried about them

Common side effects of Ritcema

·         Headache

·         Weakness

·         Infection

·         Chills

·         Decreased white blood cell count (neutrophils)

·         Fever

·         Infusion site reaction

·         Lymphopenia

·         Abdominal pain

·         Back pain

HOW TO USE RITCEMA INJECTION

Your doctor or nurse will give you this medicine. Kindly do not self administer.

HOW RITCEMA INJECTION WORKS

Ritcema 500mgInjection is a monoclonal antibody. It works by targeting the unwanted activity of immune cells (B cells) in rheumatoid arthritis and certain types of cancers.

SAFETY ADVICE

Alcohol

CAUTION

Caution is advised when consuming alcohol with Ritcema 500mgInjection. Please consult your doctor.

Pregnancy

CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR

Ritcema 500mgInjection may be unsafe to use during pregnancy. Although there are limited studies in humans, animal studies have shown harmful effects on the developing baby. Your doctor will weigh the benefits and any potential risks before prescribing it to you. Please consult your doctor.

Breast feeding

SAFE IF PRESCRIBED

Ritcema 500mgInjection is probably safe to use during breastfeeding. Limited human data suggests that the drug does not represent any significant risk to the baby.

Driving

CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR

It is not known whether Ritcema 500mgInjection alters the ability to drive. Do not drive if you experience any symptoms that affect your ability to concentrate and react.

Kidney

SAFE IF PRESCRIBED

Ritcema 500mgInjection is probably safe to use in patients with kidney disease. Limited data available suggests that dose adjustment of Ritcema 500mgInjection may not be needed in these patients. Please consult your doctor.

Liver

CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR

There is limited information available on the use of Ritcema 500mgInjection in patients with liver disease. Please consult your doctor.
Use of Ritcema 500mgInjection is not recommended in patients with the active liver disease or those who had viral hepatitis as it can reactivate the infection.

WHAT IF YOU FORGET TO TAKE RITCEMA INJECTION?

If you miss a dose of Ritcema 500mgInjection, please consult your doctor.