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Trade name

MabThera^®SC

What MabThera^®SC is and what it is used for?

• MabThera^®SC is a combination of rituximab and hyaluronidase. Rituximab is a monoclonal antibody that targets to a protein called CD20 on the surface of white blood cells known as B lymphocytes. When rituximab attaches to these cells, the abnormal growth of the B lymphocytes is stopped and triggers cell death. Hyaluronidase is added to increase absorption of rituximab under the skin.
• MabThera^®SC can be used alone or in combination with other medicines to treat following blood cancers:

1. follicular lymphoma (FL)
2. diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL)
3. chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL)

How MabThera^®SC is given?

• MabThera^®SC is injected under the skin in the abdomen area over 5 to 7 minutes.
• This medicine should not be given into areas where the skin is red, bruised, tender, hard or where there are moles or scars.

What should I know while receiving MabThera^®SC?

• An allergic reaction may happen during or shortly after the injection, causing rash, dizziness, fever and chills, facial swelling, breathing difficulties, and a drop in blood pressure. Tell your nurse right away if you feel unwell during an injection.
• Do not use MabThera^®SC when you are pregnant. Effective birth control should be used during treatment and for at least a year after the treatment ends.
• Do not breastfeed and for 6 months after treatment has ended.
• Do not receive any kind of vaccination without doctor's approval.
• MabThera^®SC may make hepatitis B become active again. Your doctor will check you for Hepatitis B virus infection before starting rituximab treatment. If you have active hepatitis B, you will not receive rituximab. If you have ever had hepatitis B, you will have regular liver function tests while using this medicine and for several months after treatment has ended.
• You will have regular blood tests to check that you have enough blood cells and have adequate organ functions to receive this drug. The timing of your treatment may be changed based on the test results or other side effects.
• The existing health problems may affect the use of MabThera^®SC. You should let your doctor know if you have any other medical problems, especially if you have heart diseases, lung or kidney problems.
• There are many drugs may affect how MabThera^®SC works. Tell your doctor about all the medicines you are taking, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.

Common side effects

• Low white blood cell count

You may have a higher risk of getting infections. Try to stay away from crowds and wash hands often. Tell your doctor right away if you have repeated fevers, coughing, stuffy nose, a painful urination or wound that becomes red and swollen.

• Low red blood cell count

You may look pale and get tired more easily. Let your doctor know if you experience any difficulty breathing or dizziness when changing positions.

• Low platelet count

You may have a higher risk of bleeding. Let your doctor know if you find red or purple dots on the skin, bleeding from the nose or gums, or any bruising or bleeding that you cannot explain.

• Nausea or vomiting

Medicines may be given before the treatment to prevent it happening. Eating and drinking often in small amounts may reduce the discomfort.

• Headache

Talk to the doctor if this is bothering you, they can give you medicine to relieve pain.

Less common side effects

• Injection site reaction

You might have stinging or a dull ache for a short time after injection. The skin in the injection site may go red and itchy for a while. These reactions typically occur within 1-2 days and usually disappear on their own.

• Skin reactions

Symptoms include dryness, itching, and rash. Tell your doctor about any skin changes that you have. Your doctor can give you medicines and advices that help you feel better.

• Diarrhea

Talk to your doctor and ask for advice. Drinking plenty of water and dietary changes can improve diarrhea.

• Weakness and fatigue

Try to pace yourself and rest as much as possible. Seek medical advice if fatigue does not go away when you rest and sleep.

• Flu like symptoms

Symptoms such as fever, headache, muscle pains and shivering may occur a few hours after treatment. These symptoms generally last for 2 to 3 days. Seek medical help if you do not get any better.

• Cough or trouble breathing

You may have sore throat or stuffy nose without any signs of infection. Talk to your doctor if this side effect bothers you.

More Information

• Drink at least 6 to 8 glasses of water every day can help make your recovery a smoother process.
• Alcohol and cigarettes may interfere with certain medicines or worsen side effects from chemotherapy treatment. It is wise to avoid alcohol and cigarette smoking during cancer treatment. If you have any problem about drinking alcohol and smoking, you should check with your doctor.