MabThera is the brand name for the active substance rituximab. It is a monoclonal antibody used in the treatment of different types of leukemia and inflammatory diseases such as: non-Hodgkin's lymphomas, chronic lymphocytic leukemia, severe rheumatoid arthritis. Similarly, mabthera is used in combination with steroid medicines in atypical cases of inflammation of the blood vessels and other tissues of the body.
Rituximab is a protein-like antibody designed to identify a specific structure, called an antigen; found in certain cells of the body and bind to it
Mabthera (Rituximab) works by binding to the CD20 antigen on normal and malignant B cells. Then the body's natural immune defenses attack and destroy the labeled B cells. The stem cells do not have the CD20 antigen, which makes it possible for the B cells to regenerate after finishing the treatment.
Mabthera comes in 2 presentations: box with 2 vials with 100mg in 10ml (10mg / ml). Box with 1 vial with 500mg in 50ml (10mg / ml).
It is important to bear in mind that the application of mabthera can cause a serious brain infection in the patient, which can lead to the disability or death of the person. So it is recommended to see a doctor if there is any change in your mental state, or in vision, problems when walking or speaking. These symptoms can start small and quickly get worse.
If the patient has had hepatitis B in the past, it is possible that mabthera causes this condition to come back or get worse. Therefore, your doctor may recommend regular blood tests to monitor liver function during treatment.
It is advisable not to use mabthera if the patient is allergic to rituximab, if he has suffered from hepatitis B, kidney disease, if he has a weak immune system, if he has a history of heart disease. It should not be administered to pregnant women, or who are breastfeeding.
Then some of the side effects that may occur in the patient during treatment: chills, fever, symptoms of colds, diarrhea continues, weight loss, pain in the ears, headaches, nausea, muscle aches, swollen hands and feet, sinusitis, cough continues.
