{"id":25775,"date":"2024-01-31T09:40:59","date_gmt":"2024-01-31T14:40:59","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/nephcure.org\/?page_id=25775"},"modified":"2025-05-21T16:36:55","modified_gmt":"2025-05-21T20:36:55","slug":"rituximab","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/nephcure.org\/es\/managing-rkd\/treatment-options\/rituximab\/","title":{"rendered":"Rituximab"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Home<\/a><\/span> \/ Managing RKD<\/a><\/span> \/ Treatment Options<\/a><\/span> \/ Rituximab<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n\n
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Rituximab<\/h1>\n\n\n\n

Rituximab is a medicine that is usually used to treat certain types of cancer. It belongs to a class of medications called monoclonal antibodies. Rituximab also offers an alternative to current immunosuppressive therapies for difficult-to-treat nephrotic syndrome.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n

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Why is Rituximab Needed for Rare Kidney Disease Patients?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Rituximab has shown best treatment outcomes in patients with steroid-resistant nephrotic syndrome, particularly those with focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) and young patients who suffer with recurrent FSGS. Successful rituximab treatment can help you go into prolonged remission and allow you to stop taking other medications without substantially increasing the risk of infections and other serious side effects.<\/p>\n\n\n

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How Should I Take Rituximab? <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Rituximab is a clear liquid given intravenously (IV) in a hospital or a clinic. Patients are often pre-medicated with Benadryl to ward off allergic reactions. Rituximab is given slowly over a period of several hours. While receiving rituximab, a patient is closely monitored for adverse side effects and can expect to have blood pressure and other vitals monitored very closely.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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How Does Rituximab Work?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Rituximab reduces the number of harmful antibodies called autoantibodies (ANCA) that a body produces by targeting and destroying B-cells. ANCAs attack healthy tissue and cells and are produced by B-cells. The autoantibodies target specific white blood cells called neutrophils, and the ANCAs cause neutrophils to stick and clump to the walls of small blood vessels in different tissues and organs of the body. This clumping leads to inflammation. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Rituxan decreases the number of B-cells by targeting those that have a specific marker on their cell surface called CD20. It is thought that interfering with B-cell function can disrupt ANCA production as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

*Note: The decision to prescribe a medication is the responsibility of your physician\/primary care provider based on his\/her evaluation of your condition. The above is meant for informational purposes only. Discuss this information and all information about drugs\/medications with your physician before starting or stopping any medication.<\/em><\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n\n

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Frequently Asked Questions<\/h2>\n\n\n
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