MabThera 500mg Injection (Rituximab 500mg/50ml Concentrate)

MabThera 500mg (Rituximab) is a specialized, prescription-only targeted biological therapy (a monoclonal antibody). It is supplied as a single-use vial containing 500mg of Rituximab in 50ml of liquid concentrate for intravenous infusion.

It is prescribed by oncologists and rheumatologists to treat conditions including:

• Blood Cancers: Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma (NHL) and Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL).

• Autoimmune Conditions: Severe Rheumatoid Arthritis, Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis (GPA), Microscopic Polyangiitis (MPA), and Pemphigus Vulgaris.

How It Works

MabThera targets and destroys specific immune cells involved in disease:

• Targets B-Cells: Rituximab specifically attaches to a protein called CD20 found on the surface of B-lymphocytes (a type of white blood cell).

• Clears Harmful Cells: Once attached, it triggers your body’s immune system to destroy these B-cells. This helps stop cancer cell growth or reduces the autoimmune inflammation attacking healthy tissue.

Important Safety Warnings

Must Be Administered in a Clinic/Hospital:

🚨 Hospital Use Only: MabThera is NEVER for self-injection at home. It must be given as a slow intravenous (IV) drip in a hospital or clinic under the direct supervision of a healthcare professional equipped to manage infusion reactions.

Infusion-Related Reactions:

🚨 Severe Infusion Warning: Severe and potentially life-threatening reactions can happen during or within 24 hours of receiving the drip (e.g., fever, chills, rash, chest pain, or trouble breathing).

• You will be given anti-allergy medicines (pre-medications) before each infusion to reduce this risk.

Reactivation of Hepatitis B:

🚨 Viral Warning: MabThera can reactivate hidden Hepatitis B virus infections, which can lead to severe liver failure. Your doctor will perform blood tests for Hepatitis B before starting treatment.

How It Is Given

• Route: Intravenous (IV) infusion into a vein.

• Pre-medication: Before each infusion, you will receive medications (such as an antihistamine, paracetamol, and a corticosteroid) to minimize infusion reactions.

• Duration: The first infusion is given slowly over several hours. If well-tolerated, subsequent infusions may be given faster.

Possible Side Effects

Common Side Effects:

• Mild fever, chills, or shivering during or shortly after the infusion.

• Nausea or tiredness.

• Mild skin rash or itching.

• Increased susceptibility to minor infections (e.g., colds, chest infections).

Serious Side Effects (Notify Healthcare Staff Immediately):

• Shortness of breath, wheezing, coughing, or throat swelling during or after infusion.

• Severe skin reactions (blistering or peeling).

• Signs of a serious infection (high fever, persistent sore throat, or severe fatigue).

• Confusion, difficulty walking, or speech changes (rare neurological symptoms).

How to Store This Medicine

• Must be stored in a refrigerator (2°C to 8°C). Do NOT freeze.

• Keep the vial in its original outer carton to protect it from light.

• Must be handled strictly by trained healthcare professionals under cold-chain conditions.

Where to get genuine MabThera 500mg in Nigeria?

MabThera is a strictly regulated biologic medicine requiring cold-chain handling. You can bring your valid oncologist's or rheumatologist's prescription to Sanlive Pharmacy & Stores for verified supply and temperature-controlled delivery across Nigeria.

Notice: This guide is for basic information only. Always discuss your complete medical history and treatment schedule with your specialist doctor.