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Full Prescribing Information, including BOXED WARNINGSMedication Guide Indications Patient Site
RUXIENCE ®(rituximab-pvvr) is an FDA-approved biosimilar to Rituxan® (rituximab)1*RUXIENCE offers the potential to help address treatment costs and was approved by the FDA based on the totality of evidence supporting high similarity to Rituxan1-3 Learn about access in your area

Coverage for RUXIENCE varies by location. Your Pfizer Sales Representative can share plan-specific commercial and Medicare coverage rates in your region.

Approved for 4 indications of Rituxan, with an identical dosing and administration schedule1 See dosing & product infoLoading Learn more about the RUXIENCE clinical data in support of biosimilarity Download the Product MonographLoading FDA-approved biosimilars such as rituximab-pvvr (RUXIENCE®) are recommended as appropriate substitutes for rituximab in the NCCN Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology (NCCN Guidelines®)4,5‡ Helpful support for your patients and practice is available Access resources LoadingPfizer Oncology Together™ Co-Pay Savings Program for Injectables

Eligible,§ commercially insured patients|| may pay as little as $0 per RUXIENCE treatment. Limits, terms, and conditions apply. See full Terms and Conditions below.

  • This program covers up to $25,000 per calendar year
  • There are no income requirements for patients to qualify
  • Patients enrolled in state- or federally funded prescription
    insurance programs are not eligible for this program 
  • For information on enrollment, claims submissions, and reimbursement, visit PfizerOncologyTogether.com to download the Co-Pay Savings Program Brochure

FOR LIVE, PERSONALIZED SUPPORT
Call 1-877-744-5675 (Monday-Friday, 8 AM - 8 PM ET)​​​​​​​​​​​

Learn more about the program Loading
Biosimilar means that the biological product is approved based on data demonstrating that it is highly similar to an FDA-approved biological product, known as a reference product, and that there are no clinically meaningful differences between the biosimilar and the reference product.WAC is a manufacturer’s undiscounted or list price to wholesalers/direct purchasers and, therefore, is not inclusive of discounts to payers, providers, distributors, and other purchasing organizations. Data as of September 2022.NCCN Guidelines® recommend the use of an FDA-approved biosimilar as an appropriate substitute for rituximab. See the NCCN Guidelines for detailed recommendations, including specific treatment regimens. NCCN makes no warranties of any kind whatsoever regarding their content, use or application and disclaims any responsibility for their application or use in any way.Terms and Conditions: ​By using this program, you acknowledge that you currently meet the eligibility criteria and will comply with the terms and conditions described below:
  • The Pfizer Oncology Together Co-Pay Savings Program for Injectables for RUXIENCE®(rituximab-pvvr) is not valid for patients who are enrolled in a state or federally funded insurance program, including but not limited to Medicare, Medicaid, TRICARE, Veterans Affairs health care, a state prescription drug assistance program, or the Government Health Insurance Plan available in Puerto Rico (formerly known as "La Reforma de Salud").
  • Program offer is not valid for cash-paying patients.
  • Patients prescribed RUXIENCE for pemphigus vulgaris are not eligible for this co-pay savings program.
  • With this program, eligible patients may pay as little as $0 co-pay per RUXIENCE treatment, subject to a maximum benefit of $25,000 per calendar year for out-of-pocket expenses for RUXIENCE including co-pays or coinsurances.
  • The amount of any benefit is the difference between your co-pay and $0.
  • After the maximum of $25,000 you will be responsible for the remaining monthly out-of-pocket costs.
  • Patient must have private insurance with coverage of RUXIENCE.
  • This offer is not valid when the entire cost of your prescription drug is eligible to be reimbursed by your private insurance plans or other private health or pharmacy benefit programs.
  • You must deduct the value of this assistance from any reimbursement request submitted to your private insurance plan, either directly by you or on your behalf.
  • You are responsible for reporting use of the program to any private insurer, health plan, or other third party who pays for or reimburses any part of the prescription filled using the program, as may be required.
  • You should not use the program if your insurer or health plan prohibits use of manufacturer co-pay assistance programs.
  • This program is not valid where prohibited by law.
  • This program cannot be combined with any other savings, free trial or similar offer for the specified prescription.
  • Co-pay card will be accepted only at participating pharmacies.
  • This program is not health insurance.
  • This program is good only in the U.S. and Puerto Rico.
  • This program is limited to 1 per person during this offering period and is not transferable.
  • No other purchase is necessary.
  • Data related to your redemption of the program assistance may be collected, analyzed, and shared with Pfizer, for market research and other purposes related to assessing Pfizer's programs. Data shared with Pfizer will be aggregated and de-identified; it will be combined with data related to other assistance redemptions and will not identify you.
  • Pfizer reserves the right to rescind, revoke or amend this program without notice.
  • This program may not be available to patients in all states.
  • For more information about Pfizer, visit www.pfizer.com
  • For more information about the Pfizer Oncology Together Co-Pay Savings Program for Injectables, visit pfizeroncologytogether.com, call ​​1-877-744-5675, or write to

Pfizer Oncology Together Co-Pay Savings Program for Injectables
P.O. Box 220366
Charlotte, NC 28222

  • Program terms and offer will expire at the end of each calendar year. Before the calendar year ends, you will receive information and eligibility requirements for continued participation.
For patients to be eligible for the Injectables Co-Pay Program for RUXIENCE, they must have commercial insurance that covers RUXIENCE and they cannot be enrolled in a state or federally funded insurance program. Whether a co-pay expense is eligible for the Injectables Co-Pay Program for RUXIENCE benefit will be determined at the time the benefit is paid. Co-pay expenses must be in connection with a separately paid claim for RUXIENCE administered in the outpatient setting.The Injectables Co-Pay Program for RUXIENCE will pay the co-pay for RUXIENCE up to the annual assistance limit of $25,000 per calendar year per patient.The Injectables Co-Pay Program for RUXIENCE provides assistance for eligible, commercially insured patients prescribed RUXIENCE for co-pays or coinsurance incurred for RUXIENCE up to $25,000 per calendar year. It does not cover or provide support for supplies, services, procedures, or any other physician-related services associated with RUXIENCE treatment.References:RUXIENCE [prescribing information]. New York, NY: Pfizer Inc.; November 2021.US Food and Drug Administration. Guidance for Industry: Scientific Considerations in Demonstrating Biosimilarity to a Reference Product. Silver Spring, MD: FDA, US Dept of Health and Human Services; April 2015. Accessed February 08, 2022. https://www.fda.gov/downloads/drugs/guidances/ucm291128.pdf.Data on file. Pfizer Inc.; New York, NY.Referenced with permission from the NCCN Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology (NCCN Guidelines®) for Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia/Small Lymphocytic Lymphoma V.1.2022. ©2021 National Comprehensive Cancer Network, Inc. To view the most recent and complete version of the guideline, go online to NCCN.org.Referenced with permission from the NCCN Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology (NCCN Guidelines®) for B-Cell Lymphomas V.5.2021. © 2021 National Comprehensive Cancer Network, Inc. To view the most recent and complete version of the guideline, go online to NCCN.org.

RUXIENCE is a registered trademark of Pfizer Inc.
Rituxan is a registered trademark of Biogen, Inc.

To report an adverse event, please call 1-800-438-1985

Pfizer for Professionals 1-800-505-4426

This site is intended only for U.S. healthcare professionals. The products discussed in this site may have different product labeling in different countries. The information provided is for educational purposes only.

© 2023 Pfizer Inc. All rights reserved.

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​​​​​​​
IndicationS
  • Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma (NHL)
    RUXIENCE® (rituximab-pvvr) is indicated for the treatment of adult patients with:
    • Relapsed or refractory, low-grade or follicular, CD20-positive, B-cell NHL as a single agent
    • Previously untreated follicular, CD20-positive, B-cell NHL in combination with first-line chemotherapy and, in patients achieving a complete or partial response to a rituximab product in combination with chemotherapy, as single-agent maintenance therapy
    • Non-progressing (including stable disease), low-grade, CD20-positive, B-cell NHL, as a single agent after first-line cyclophosphamide, vincristine, and prednisone (CVP) chemotherapy
    • Previously untreated diffuse large B-cell, CD20-positive NHL in combination with cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, prednisone (CHOP) or other anthracycline-based chemotherapy regimens
  • Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL)
    • In combination with fludarabine and cyclophosphamide (FC), for the treatment of adult patients with previously untreated and previously treated CD20-positive CLL
  • Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)
    • In combination with methotrexate (MTX), for the treatment of adult patients with moderately to severely active RA who have had an inadequate response to one or more tumor necrosis factor (TNF) antagonist therapies 
  • Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis (GPA) (Wegener’s Granulomatosis) and Microscopic Polyangiitis (MPA) in adult patients in combination with glucocorticoids
Please see full Prescribing Information, including BOXED WARNINGS and Medication Guide.
Important Safety Information

BOXED WARNINGS

FATAL INFUSION-RELATED REACTIONS, SEVERE MUCOCUTANEOUS REACTIONS, HEPATITIS B VIRUS REACTIVATION, PROGRESSIVE MULTIFOCAL LEUKOENCEPHALOPATHY

Infusion-Related Reactions: Rituximab product administration can result in serious, including fatal, infusion-related reactions. Deaths within 24 hours of rituximab infusion have occurred. Approximately 80% of fatal infusion-related reactions occurred in association with the first infusion. Monitor patients closely. Discontinue RUXIENCE infusion for severe reactions and provide medical treatment for grade 3 or 4 infusion-related reactions

Severe Mucocutaneous Reactions: Severe, including fatal, mucocutaneous reactions can occur in patients receiving rituximab products. Discontinue RUXIENCE in patients who experience a severe mucocutaneous reaction. The safety of readministration of RUXIENCE to patients with severe mucocutaneous reactions has not been determined

Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) Reactivation: HBV reactivation can occur in patients treated with rituximab products, in some cases resulting in fulminant hepatitis, hepatic failure, and death. Screen all patients for HBV infection before treatment initiation, and monitor patients during and after treatment with RUXIENCE. Discontinue RUXIENCE and concomitant medications in the event of HBV reactivation

Progressive Multifocal Leukoencephalopathy (PML), including fatal PML, can occur in patients receiving rituximab products. Discontinue RUXIENCE and consider discontinuation or reduction of any concomitant chemotherapy or immunosuppressive therapy in patients who develop PML

Infusion-Related Reactions (IRR)

  • Rituximab products can cause severe, including fatal, infusion-related reactions. Severe reactions typically occurred during the first infusion with time to onset of 30–120 minutes
  • Rituximab product−induced infusion-related reactions and sequelae include urticaria, hypotension, angioedema, hypoxia, bronchospasm, pulmonary infiltrates, acute respiratory distress syndrome, myocardial infarction, ventricular fibrillation, cardiogenic shock, anaphylactoid events, or death
  • Premedicate patients with an antihistamine and acetaminophen prior to dosing. For patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA) (Wegener’s granulomatosis), and microscopic polyangiitis (MPA), methylprednisolone 100 mg intravenously or its equivalent is recommended 30 minutes prior to each infusion. Institute medical management (eg, glucocorticoids, epinephrine, bronchodilators, or oxygen) for infusion-related reactions as needed. Depending on the severity of the infusion-related reaction and the required interventions, temporarily or permanently discontinue RUXIENCE. Resume infusion at a minimum 50% reduction in rate after symptoms have resolved
  • Closely monitor the following patients: those with preexisting cardiac or pulmonary conditions, those who experienced prior cardiopulmonary adverse reactions, and those with high numbers of circulating malignant cells (≥25,000/mm3)
Severe Mucocutaneous Reactions
  • Mucocutaneous reactions, some with fatal outcome, can occur in patients treated with rituximab products. These reactions include paraneoplastic pemphigus, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, lichenoid dermatitis, vesiculobullous dermatitis, and toxic epidermal necrolysis
  • The onset of these reactions has been variable and includes reports with onset on the first day of rituximab exposure. Discontinue RUXIENCE in patients who experience a severe mucocutaneous reaction. The safety of readministration of rituximab products to patients with severe mucocutaneous reactions has not been determined
Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) Reactivation
  • HBV reactivation, in some cases resulting in fulminant hepatitis, hepatic failure, and death, can occur in patients treated with drugs classified as CD20-directed cytolytic antibodies, including rituximab products. Cases have been reported in patients who are hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) positive and also in patients who are HBsAg negative but are hepatitis B core antibody (anti-HBc) positive. Reactivation has also occurred in patients who appear to have resolved hepatitis B infection (ie, HBsAg negative, anti-HBc positive, and hepatitis B surface antibody [anti-HBs] positive)
  • HBV reactivation is defined as an abrupt increase in HBV replication manifesting as a rapid increase in serum HBV DNA level or detection of HBsAg in a person who was previously HBsAg negative and anti-HBc positive. Reactivation of HBV replication is often followed by hepatitis, ie, increase in transaminase levels. In severe cases, increase in bilirubin levels, liver failure, and death can occur
  • Screen all patients for HBV infection by measuring HBsAg and anti-HBc before initiating treatment with RUXIENCE. For patients who show evidence of prior hepatitis B infection (HBsAg positive [regardless of antibody status] or HBsAg negative but anti-HBc positive), consult with physicians with expertise in managing hepatitis B regarding monitoring and consideration for HBV antiviral therapy before and/or during RUXIENCE treatment
  • Monitor patients with evidence of current or prior HBV infection for clinical and laboratory signs of hepatitis or HBV reactivation during and for several months following RUXIENCE therapy. HBV reactivation has been reported up to 24 months following completion of rituximab therapy
  • In patients who develop reactivation of HBV while on RUXIENCE, immediately discontinue RUXIENCE and any concomitant chemotherapy, and institute appropriate treatment. Insufficient data exist regarding the safety of resuming rituximab product treatment in patients who develop HBV reactivation. Resumption of RUXIENCE treatment in patients whose HBV reactivation resolves should be discussed with physicians with expertise in managing HBV
Progressive Multifocal Leukoencephalopathy (PML)
  • JC virus infection resulting in progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) and death can occur in rituximab product−treated patients with hematologic malignancies or with autoimmune diseases. The majority of patients with hematologic malignancies diagnosed with PML received rituximab in combination with chemotherapy or as part of a hematopoietic stem cell transplant. The patients with autoimmune diseases had prior or concurrent immunosuppressive therapy. Most cases of PML were diagnosed within 12 months of their last infusion of rituximab
  • Consider the diagnosis of PML in any patient presenting with new-onset neurologic manifestations. Evaluation of PML includes, but is not limited to, consultation with a neurologist, brain MRI, and lumbar puncture. Discontinue RUXIENCE and consider discontinuation or reduction of any concomitant chemotherapy or immunosuppressive therapy in patients who develop PML
Tumor Lysis Syndrome (TLS)
  • Acute renal failure, hyperkalemia, hypocalcemia, hyperuricemia, or hyperphosphatemia from tumor lysis, some fatal, can occur within 12–24 hours after the first infusion of RUXIENCE in patients with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL). A high number of circulating malignant cells (≥25,000/mm3), or high tumor burden, confers a greater risk of TLS
  • Administer aggressive intravenous hydration and antihyperuricemic therapy in patients at high risk for TLS. Correct electrolyte abnormalities, monitor renal function and fluid balance, and administer supportive care, including dialysis as indicated
Infections
  • Serious, including fatal, bacterial, fungal, and new or reactivated viral infections can occur during and following the completion of rituximab product−based therapy. Infections have been reported in some patients with prolonged hypogammaglobulinemia (defined as hypogammaglobulinemia >11 months after rituximab exposure)
  • New or reactivated viral infections included cytomegalovirus, herpes simplex virus, parvovirus B19, varicella zoster virus, West Nile virus, and hepatitis B and C. Discontinue RUXIENCE for serious infections and institute appropriate anti-infective therapy
  • RUXIENCE is not recommended for use in patients with severe, active infections
Cardiovascular Adverse Reactions
  • Cardiac adverse reactions, including ventricular fibrillation, myocardial infarction, and cardiogenic shock, may occur in patients receiving rituximab products. Discontinue infusions for serious or life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias. Perform cardiac monitoring during and after all infusions of RUXIENCE for patients who develop clinically significant arrhythmias, or who have a history of arrhythmia or angina
Renal Toxicity
  • Severe, including fatal, renal toxicity can occur after rituximab product administration in patients with NHL. Renal toxicity has occurred in patients who experience TLS and in patients with NHL administered concomitant cisplatin therapy during clinical trials. The combination of cisplatin and RUXIENCE is not an approved treatment regimen. Monitor closely for signs of renal failure and discontinue RUXIENCE in patients with a rising serum creatinine or oliguria
Bowel Obstruction and Perforation
  • Abdominal pain, bowel obstruction, and perforation, in some cases leading to death, can occur in patients receiving rituximab products in combination with chemotherapy. In postmarketing reports, the mean time to documented gastrointestinal perforation was 6 (range 1–77) days in patients with NHL. Evaluate if symptoms of obstruction such as abdominal pain or repeated vomiting occur
Immunization
  • The safety of immunization with live viral vaccines following rituximab product therapy has not been studied, and vaccination with live virus vaccines is not recommended before or during treatment
  • For patients treated with RUXIENCE, physicians should review the patient’s vaccination status and patients should, if possible, be brought up to date with all immunizations in agreement with current immunization guidelines prior to initiating RUXIENCE; administer nonlive vaccines at least 4 weeks prior to a course of RUXIENCE
  • The effect of rituximab on immune responses was assessed in a randomized, controlled study in patients with RA treated with rituximab and methotrexate (MTX) compared to patients treated with MTX alone
  • A response to pneumococcal vaccination (a T-cell–independent antigen) as measured by an increase in antibody titers to at least 6 of 12 serotypes was lower in patients treated with rituximab plus MTX as compared to patients treated with MTX alone (19% vs 61%). A lower proportion of patients in the rituximab plus MTX group developed detectable levels of anti-keyhole limpet hemocyanin antibodies (a novel protein antigen) after vaccination compared to patients on MTX alone (47% vs 93%)
  • A positive response to tetanus toxoid vaccine (a T-cell–dependent antigen with existing immunity) was similar in patients treated with rituximab plus MTX compared to patients on MTX alone (39% vs 42%). The proportion of patients maintaining a positive Candida skin test (to evaluate delayed type hypersensitivity) was also similar (77% of patients on rituximab plus MTX vs 70% of patients on MTX alone)
  • Most patients in the rituximab-treated group had B-cell counts below the lower limit of normal at the time of immunization. The clinical implications of these findings are not known
Embryo-Fetal Toxicity
  • Based on human data, rituximab products can cause fetal harm due to B-cell lymphocytopenia in infants exposed in utero. Advise pregnant women of the potential risk to a fetus. Verify pregnancy status in females of reproductive potential prior to initiating RUXIENCE. Advise females of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during treatment with RUXIENCE and for 12 months after the last dose
Concomitant Use With Other Biologic Agents and Disease Modifying Antirheumatic Drugs (DMARDs), Other Than MTX, in RA, GPA, and MPA
  • Limited data are available on the safety of the use of biologic agents or DMARDs, other than MTX, in RA patients exhibiting peripheral B-cell depletion following treatment with rituximab products. Observe patients closely for signs of infection if biologic agents and/or DMARDs are used concomitantly. Use of concomitant immunosuppressants other than corticosteroids has not been studied in GPA or MPA patients exhibiting peripheral B-cell depletion following treatment with rituximab products
Use in RA Patients Who Have Not Had Prior Inadequate Response to Tumor Necrosis Factor (TNF) Antagonists
  • While the efficacy of rituximab was supported in 4 controlled trials in patients with RA with prior inadequate responses to non-biologic DMARDs, and in a controlled trial in MTX-naïve patients, a favorable risk-benefit relationship has not been established in these populations. The use of RUXIENCE in patients with RA who have not had prior inadequate response to one or more TNF antagonists is not recommended
Lactation
  • Rituximab has been reported to be excreted at low concentrations in human breast milk. Given that the clinical significance of this finding for children is not known, advise women not to breastfeed during treatment with RUXIENCE and for 6 months after the last dose due to the potential for serious adverse reactions in breastfed children
Adverse Reactions
  • The most common grade 3 or 4 adverse reactions in clinical trials of NHL and chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) were infusion-related reactions, neutropenia, leukopenia, anemia, thrombocytopenia, and infections. Additionally, lymphopenia and lung disorder were seen in NHL trials; and febrile neutropenia, pancytopenia, hypotension, and hepatitis B were seen in CLL trials
  • The most common adverse reactions (incidence ≥25%) in clinical trials of NHL and CLL were infusion-related reactions. Additionally, fever, lymphopenia, chills, infection, and asthenia were seen in NHL trials; and neutropenia was seen in CLL trials
  • In RA clinical trials, among all exposed patients, adverse reactions reported in greater than 10% of patients include infusion-related reactions, upper respiratory tract infection, nasopharyngitis, urinary tract infection, and bronchitis
  • In RA placebo-controlled studies, adverse reactions reported in ≥5% of patients were hypertension (8% vs 5%), nausea (8% vs 5%), upper respiratory tract infection (7% vs 6%), arthralgia (6% vs 4%), pyrexia (5% vs 2%), and pruritus (5% vs 1%), rituximab-treated vs placebo, respectively
Clinical Trials Experience in RA 
Infusion-Related Reactions
  • In the rituximab RA pooled placebo-controlled studies, 32% of rituximab-treated patients experienced an adverse reaction during or within 24 hours following their first infusion, compared to 23% of placebo-treated patients receiving their first infusion. The incidence of adverse reactions during the 24-hour period following the second infusion, rituximab or placebo, decreased to 11% and 13%, respectively. Acute infusion-related reactions (manifested by fever, chills, rigors, pruritus, urticaria/rash, angioedema, sneezing, throat irritation, cough, and/or bronchospasm, with or without associated hypotension or hypertension) were experienced by 27% of rituximab-treated patients following their first infusion, compared to 19% of placebo-treated patients receiving their first placebo infusion. The incidence of these acute infusion-related reactions following the second infusion of rituximab or placebo decreased to 9% and 11%, respectively. Serious acute infusion-related reactions were experienced by <1% of patients in either treatment group. Acute infusion-related reactions required dose modification (stopping, slowing, or interruption of the infusion) in 10% and 2% of patients receiving rituximab or placebo, respectively, after the first course
Infections
  • In the pooled, placebo-controlled studies, 39% of patients in the rituximab group experienced an infection of any type compared to 34% of patients in the placebo group. The most common infections were nasopharyngitis, upper respiratory tract infections, urinary tract infections, bronchitis, and sinusitis
  • The incidence of serious infections was 2% in the rituximab-treated patients and 1% in the placebo group
  • In the experience with rituximab in 2578 RA patients, the rate of serious infections was 4.31 per 100 patient-years. The most common serious infections (≥0.5%) were pneumonia or lower respiratory tract infections, cellulitis, and urinary tract infections. Fatal serious infections included pneumonia, sepsis, and colitis. Rates of serious infection remained stable in patients receiving subsequent courses. In 185 rituximab-treated RA patients with active disease, subsequent treatment with a biologic DMARD, the majority of which were TNF antagonists, did not appear to increase the rate of serious infection
Cardiovascular Adverse Reactions
  • In the pooled, placebo-controlled studies, the proportion of patients with serious cardiovascular reactions was 1.7% and 1.3% in the rituximab and placebo treatment groups, respectively. Three cardiovascular deaths occurred during the double-blind period of the RA studies including all rituximab regimens (3/769=0.4%) as compared to none in the placebo treatment group (0/389)
  • In the experience with rituximab in 2578 RA patients, the rate of serious cardiac reactions was 1.93 per 100 patient-years. The rate of myocardial infarction (MI) was 0.56 per 100 patient-years (28 events in 26 patients), which is consistent with MI rates in the general RA population. These rates did not increase over 3 courses of rituximab
  • Since patients with RA are at increased risk for cardiovascular events compared with the general population, patients with RA should be monitored throughout the infusion and RUXIENCE should be discontinued in the event of a serious or life-threatening cardiac event
Hypophosphatemia and Hyperuricemia
  • In the pooled, placebo-controlled studies, newly occurring hypophosphatemia (<2.0 mg/dL) was observed in 12% (67/540) of patients on rituximab vs 10% (39/398) of patients on placebo. Hypophosphatemia was more common in patients who received corticosteroids. Newly occurring hyperuricemia (>10 mg/dL) was observed in 1.5% (8/540) of patients on rituximab vs 0.3% (1/398) of patients on placebo
Retreatment in Patients With RA
  • In the experience with rituximab in RA patients, 2578 patients have been exposed to rituximab and have received up to 10 courses of rituximab in RA clinical trials, with 1890, 1043, and 425 patients having received at least 2, 3, and 4 courses, respectively. Most of the patients who received additional courses did so 24 weeks or more after the previous course and none were retreated sooner than 16 weeks. The rates and types of adverse reactions reported for subsequent courses of rituximab were similar to rates and types seen for a single course of rituximab
  • In RA Study 2, where all patients initially received rituximab, the safety profile of patients who were retreated with rituximab was similar to those who were retreated with placebo
Immunogenicity
  • A total of 273/2578 (11%) patients with RA tested positive for antirituximab antibodies at any time after receiving rituximab. Antirituximab antibody positivity was not associated with increased rates of infusion-related reactions or other adverse events. Upon further treatment, the proportions of patients with infusion-related reactions were similar between antirituximab antibody—positive and —negative patients, and most reactions were mild to moderate. Four antirituximab antibody—positive patients had serious infusion-related reactions, and the temporal relationship between antirituximab antibody positivity and infusion-related reaction was variable
Clinical Trials Experience in GPA and MPA
  • Adverse reactions reported in ≥15% of rituximab-treated patients were infections, nausea, diarrhea, headache, muscle spasms, anemia, and peripheral edema (other important adverse reactions include infusion-related reactions)
Induction Treatment of Patients With Active GPA/MPA (GPA/MPA Study 1)
Infusion-Related Reactions
  • In GPA/MPA Study 1, 12% vs 11% (rituximab-treated vs cyclophosphamide-treated, respectively) of patients experienced at least one infusion-related reaction. Infusion-related reactions included cytokine release syndrome, flushing, throat irritation, and tremor. In the rituximab group, the proportion of patients experiencing an infusion reaction was 12%, 5%, 4%, and 1% following the first, second, third, and fourth infusions, respectively. Patients were premedicated with antihistamine and acetaminophen before each rituximab infusion and were on background oral corticosteroids, which may have mitigated or masked an infusion-related reaction; however, there is insufficient evidence to determine whether premedication diminishes the frequency or severity of infusion-related reactions
Infections
  • In GPA/MPA Study 1, 62% vs 47% (rituximab-treated vs cyclophosphamide-treated, respectively) of patients experienced an infection by month 6. The most common infections in the rituximab group were upper respiratory tract infections, urinary tract infections, and herpes zoster. The incidence of serious infections was 11% vs 10% (rituximab-treated vs cyclophosphamide-treated, respectively), with rates of approximately 25 and 28 per 100 patient-years, respectively. The most common serious infection was pneumonia
Hypogammaglobulinemia
  • Hypogammaglobulinemia (IgA, IgG, or IgM below the lower limit of normal) has been observed in patients with GPA and MPA treated with rituximab in GPA/MPA Study 1. At 6 months, in the rituximab group, 27%, 58%, and 51% of patients with normal immunoglobulin levels at baseline had low IgA, IgG, and IgM levels, respectively, compared to 25%, 50%, and 46% in the cyclophosphamide group
Immunogenicity
  • A total of 23/99 (23%) rituximab-treated adult patients with GPA or MPA tested positive for antirituximab antibodies by 18 months in GPA/MPA Study 1. The clinical relevance of antirituximab antibody formation in rituximab-treated adult patients is unclear
Treatment of Patients With GPA/MPA Who Have Achieved Disease Control With Induction Treatment (GPA/MPA Study 2)
  • In GPA/MPA Study 2, the safety profile was consistent with the known safety profile of rituximab in immunologic indications
Infusion-Related Reactions (IRR)
  • In GPA/MPA Study 2, 7/57 (12%) patients in the non-US-licensed approved rituximab arm reported infusion-related reactions. The incidence of IRR symptoms was highest during or after the first infusion (9%) and decreased with subsequent infusions (<4%). One patient had 2 serious IRRs; 2 IRRs led to a dose modification; and no IRRs were severe, fatal, or led to withdrawal from the study
Infections
  • In GPA/MPA Study 2, 30/57 (53%) patients in the non-US-licensed approved rituximab arm and 33/58 (57%) in the azathioprine arm reported infections. The incidence of all-grade infections was similar between the arms. The incidence of serious infections was similar in both arms (12%). The most commonly reported serious infection in the group was mild or moderate bronchitis
Indications
  • Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma (NHL)
    RUXIENCE® (rituximab-pvvr) is indicated for the treatment of adult patients with:
    • Relapsed or refractory, low-grade or follicular, CD20-positive, B-cell NHL as a single agent
    • Previously untreated follicular, CD20-positive, B-cell NHL in combination with first-line chemotherapy and, in patients achieving a complete or partial response to a rituximab product in combination with chemotherapy, as single-agent maintenance therapy
    • Non-progressing (including stable disease), low-grade, CD20-positive, B-cell NHL, as a single agent after first-line cyclophosphamide, vincristine, and prednisone (CVP) chemotherapy
    • Previously untreated diffuse large B-cell, CD20-positive NHL in combination with cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, prednisone (CHOP) or other anthracycline-based chemotherapy regimens
  • Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL)
    • In combination with fludarabine and cyclophosphamide (FC), for the treatment of adult patients with previously untreated and previously treated CD20-positive CLL
  • Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)
    • In combination with methotrexate (MTX), for the treatment of adult patients with moderately to severely active RA who have had an inadequate response to one or more tumor necrosis factor (TNF) antagonist therapies
  • Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis (GPA) (Wegener’s Granulomatosis) and Microscopic Polyangiitis (MPA) in adult patients in combination with glucocorticoids​​​​​​
Attention Healthcare Provider: Provide Medication Guide to patients prior to RUXIENCE infusion and advise patients to read guide.

To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Pfizer Inc. at 1-800-438-1985 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/MedWatch.


Please see full Prescribing Information, including BOXED WARNINGS and Medication Guide.