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Medical News Today
16-07-2025
- Health
- Medical News Today
Rituxan for rheumatoid arthritis (RA)
Rituxan (rituximab) is a brand-name intravenous (IV) infusion prescribed for RA. This article covers topics such as side effects, dosage, and how Rituxan works for is a biologic and belongs to a drug class called monoclonal antibodies. The medication is available in several biosimilar on for more information about Rituxan for has boxed warnings. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). For details, see the 'Before receiving Rituxan' section.»Learn more about Rituxan explainedRheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune condition that typically affects the RA, your immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissue in the joints. This can cause symptoms that affect the wrists, hands, knees, ankles, and of RASymptoms of RA may include:joint pain, stiffness, or swellingfatigueskin lumpsWho Rituxan is prescribed forRituxan is prescribed for adults with moderate to severe symptoms of RA. Doctors prescribe Rituxan when tumor necrosis factor (TNF) blocker drugs haven't worked well for managing Rituxan treats RA RA happens when the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissue in the works by targeting a protein called CD20, which is found on certain immune cells. This protein is thought to play a role in an overactive immune system. By blocking CD20, Rituxan helps reduce inflammation and ease RA learn more about how Rituxan works, talk with your doctor. How well Rituxan works for RAIn clinical trials, Rituxan was shown to be effective in treating learn more about how the drug performed in clinical trials, refer to Rituxan's prescribing information. You can also talk with your doctor or visit the drug manufacturer's Rituxan for RABelow is information about the dosage of Rituxan for RA in adults. Your doctor will determine the dosage that's suitable for your treating RA, the usual dosage of Rituxan is two doses of 1,000 milligrams (mg) given 2 weeks apart. This is considered one treatment course. You'll typically receive one treatment course of Rituxan every 16 to 24 is prescribed along with methotrexate (Otrexup, Rasuvo, and others) for RA. Your doctor will explain the methotrexate dosage that's right for In addition to treating RA, Rituxan has other uses. Keep in mind that the drug's dosage may differ when treating other conditions. To learn more, talk with your to receive RituxanYour doctor or another healthcare professional will give Rituxan as an IV infusion. An IV infusion is an injection into a vein that's given over a period of time. Rituxan infusions are typically given over several often Rituxan is givenFor RA, you'll receive two infusions of Rituxan 2 weeks apart. This counts as one round of on your treatment plan, you'll receive another round of treatment every 16 to 24 weeks.»Learn more about the dosing protocols for Rituxan. Rituxan side effects The use of Rituxan for RA may cause side effects that are mild or serious. Rituxan is also approved to treat several other conditions. It's important to note that side effects from Rituxan may differ depending on the condition it's used to lists below include some of the main side effects that have been reported with Rituxan. For information about other potential side effects of the drug, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. You can also refer to Rituxan's prescribing After the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves a drug, it tracks and reviews side effects of the medication. Sharing your experience helps make medications safer for everyone by giving doctors and researchers more information about how the drug works in real life. If you develop a side effect while receiving Rituxan and want to tell the FDA about it, visit MedWatch or call 800-FDA-1088.»Get more information about Riutxan's side side effects of RituxanThese are some mild side effects that may occur with Rituxan for RA:mild infection, such as urinary tract infection (UTI)fever or chillsindigestionitchingjoint painrunny noseThese side effects of Rituxan may be temporary, lasting a few days to weeks. But if they last longer than this, bother you, or become severe, it's important to talk with your doctor or side effects of RituxanBelow are serious side effects that can occur with Rituxan:serious infection, such as shinglesheart problems, such as ventricular fibrillation (a type of irregular heart rhythm)infusion-related reactions*severe reactions affecting the mucous membranes or skin*hepatitis B reactivation*progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML)*Call your doctor right away if you develop serious side effects while using Rituxan. If the side effects seem life threatening or you think you're having a medical emergency, call 911 or your local emergency number immediately.* Rituxan has a boxed warning for this side effect. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the FDA. To learn more, see the 'Before receiving Rituxan' section. ALLERGIC REACTIONFor some people, Rituxan can cause an allergic reaction. In general, symptoms of allergic reaction can be mild or to manageFor mild allergic reaction symptoms, such as a mild rash, call your doctor right away. They may recommend treatments to help manage your symptoms. They'll also let you know whether you should continue treatment with severe allergic reaction symptoms, such as swelling or trouble breathing, call 911 or your local emergency number right away. These symptoms require immediate medical care as they can become life threatening. If you've had a serious allergic reaction to Rituxan, your doctor may recommend a different medication receiving RituxanBefore you receive Rituxan, there's some important information to keep in mind. The drug may not be a safe option if you have certain medical conditions or other factors that affect your health. Some of these are mentioned warningsThis drug has several boxed warnings. These are the most serious warnings from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).Infusion-related reactionsRituxan treatment may cause infusion-related reactions during or after your dose. In rare cases, infusion reactions may be of infusion reactions may include:swelling of your face and lipslow blood pressuredifficulty breathingYour doctor may give you medications to help reduce the risk of infusion reactions. These may include acetaminophen (Tylenol) and an antihistamine, such as diphenhydramine (Benadryl).If you have symptoms of an infusion reaction while receiving Rituxan or after, tell your doctor right away. They'll likely pause or stop your Rituxan treatment. Severe reactions affecting the mucous membranes or skinTreatment with Rituxan may cause severe reactions that affect your skin or mucous membranes (lining inside your mouth). These may include life threatening reactions such as Stevens-Johnson syndrome and toxic epidermal of these reactions may include:skin sores or blisterspeelingpain around the affected areaTell your doctor right away if you have symptoms of a mucous membrane or skin reaction. They'll likely stop your Rituxan treatment and manage your symptoms. Hepatitis B reactivation Rituxan may reactivate symptoms of hepatitis B in people who've ever had the hepatitis B virus (HBV). Reactivation of hepatitis B can lead to liver failure or be life of hepatitis B may include:jaundiceabdominal paindark urineDoctors typically test for HBV before and during Rituxan treatment. If the test shows HBV, they may treat it before prescribing Rituxan. Doctors may watch for hepatitis B reactivation for up to 2 years after the final dose of you have symptoms of hepatitis B, contact your doctor right away. They may temporarily stop Rituxan treatment until the infection is Rituxan may increase the risk of PML. This is a rare but serious brain infection that may be fatal in extreme of PML may include:weakness on one side of the bodychanges in memory, personality, or visionconfusiondifficulty speakingIf you have symptoms of PML after receiving Rituxan, tell your doctor right away. They'll likely stop your Rituxan treatment and manage your symptoms. Other warningsIn addition to boxed warnings, Rituxan has other warnings. If any of the following medical conditions or other health factors are relevant to you, talk with your doctor before receiving Rituxan:if you have an infectionif you have a heart problemif you have a lung problemif you have a kidney problemif you're pregnant or breastfeedingif you've had an allergic reaction to Rituxan or any of its ingredientsFrequently asked questionsKeep reading for answers to some frequently asked questions about Rituxan for I receive Rituxan for RA without methotrexate?Not usually, unless your doctor recommends it. Rituxan is typically prescribed together with methotrexate (Otrexup, Rasuvo, others) for RA. If you're unable to take methotrexate for any reason, such as side effects or other health conditions, talk with your doctor. They can recommend whether Rituxan or another treatment option may be better for you. Is there anything I should avoid after a Rituxan infusion for RA?Your doctor can recommend whether to avoid anything specific after a Rituxan people feel tired or have mild body aches within a few hours of the infusion. It may be helpful to plan for rest after your appointment, especially after your first you have other questions about what to expect with Rituxan infusions, talk with your Rituxan chemotherapy or immunotherapy for RA?Rituxan is a type of immunotherapy for RA, but it isn't a works by helping to ease an overactive immune system. Rituxan does this by specifically targeting a protein called CD20 on certain immune can be used with chemotherapy to treat certain cancers. Chemotherapy works by killing all rapidly dividing cells. This includes some healthy cells along with cancer cells, which is why chemotherapy often causes widespread side you have other questions about how Rituxan works, talk with your cost and savingsThe cost of Rituxan is based on several factors. These include your prescribed treatment regimen, your insurance plan, and your location. The price also depends on the cost of the appointment to receive doses of Rituxan from a healthcare is a brand-name drug that's available in the following biosimilar versions: Riabni (rituximab-arrx)Ruxience (rituximab-pvvr)Truxima (rituximab-abbs)Brand-name drugs usually cost more than biosimilars. To learn about this drug's bioimilar versions, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.»Learn more about Rituxan and cost and Medical News Today has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.
Khaleej Times
03-07-2025
- Health
- Khaleej Times
Abu Dhabi becomes first outside US to offer groundbreaking IBD medication
In a groundbreaking healthcare milestone, Abu Dhabi has become the first region outside the United States to offer Tremfya, a next-generation biologic medication for patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). This comes following a strategic partnership between the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi (DoH), Johnson & Johnson, and Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City (SSMC). The collaboration was announced on the sidelines of Abu Dhabi's participation at the BIO International Convention in Boston, marking a significant step forward in the emirate's position as a pioneering destination for healthcare innovation. Following recent FDA approval for ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease in the United States, and the European Commission's approval for Crohn's disease, the DoH accelerated efforts to bring this treatment to local patients. The results have been remarkable – SSMC has already begun treating 15 patients within two months of the treatment's launch. Dr Mohammed Nabil Quraishi, Consultant Gastroenterologist and Director of the IBD Service at Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City, emphasized the immediate impact: "Being the first in the country to administer this novel therapy was a vital first step, but to have already started treatment for 15 patients in under two months of its launch demonstrates the tangible, widespread benefit we can deliver." The first patient in Abu Dhabi to receive Tremfya experienced notable improvement, with symptoms significantly declining despite having longstanding treatment-resistant Crohn's disease.
Health Line
23-05-2025
- Health
- Health Line
Does Medicare Cover Humira?
Key takeaways Medicare typically covers Humira through Part D when self-administered or Part B when administered by a doctor. As of 2025, Medicare beneficiaries won't have to pay more than $2,000 out-of-pocket on drugs before Part D coverage kicks in. Various assistance programs, including Medicare Extra Help, Medicaid, PACE, and pharmaceutical assistance programs, are available to lower Humira costs. Humira (adalimumab) is a biologic medication used to treat inflammatory conditions by targeting and blocking TNF-alpha, a protein involved in inflammation. Many of these conditions are chronic, which means they need continued treatment for lifelong management. Medicare typically covers Humira through Part D and Part C. But since Humira is considered a specialty drug, it can be expensive, though many factors play into the cost you'll pay. You may be able to get help paying for the cost of Humira in several ways. Keep reading to learn more about Humira, what parts of Medicare cover it, and how much it may cost you. Can I get Humira on Medicare? Whether or not Medicare covers Humira may depend on how you are taking the drug. Since Humira is an injection, it may be covered through Medicare Part D, Medicare's prescription drug coverage, if you can administer it to yourself at home. If you are not able to administer it yourself at least 50% of the time, Part D may not provide coverage. However, in this case, Medicare Part B may cover Humira if your doctor administers the medication in an outpatient setting. Part D plans are sold by private insurance companies and can be added to your Original Medicare coverage. In order to determine if your specific plan covers Humira, you'll need to check the formulary, which is a list of all the prescription drugs the plan covers. Formularies often include at least two medications for each drug class. If you take Humira, you can find out which plans cover it by comparing different Part D plans. Additionally, the formulary often divides the covered prescription drugs into different tiers. Those listed in higher tiers (tiers 3 to 5) typically cost more than those in lower tiers (tiers 1 and 2). What if I have Medicare Advantage? Medicare Part C is also called Medicare Advantage. Part C plans are sold by private insurance companies, and you can enroll in one as an alternative to Original Medicare. The cost of a Part C plan can vary based on your location. Part D prescription drug coverage is included in most Part C plans. If you want prescription drug coverage with your Part C plan, you'll have to include that coverage when you shop for a plan. You can't enroll in a separate Part D plan if you have Medicare Advantage. As with Part D, it's important to review a Part C plan's formulary to see if the medications you take are listed there. If you have additional questions or concerns, contact your pharmacy or the plan's company directly. Can a Medigap plan help with my costs? Medigap is a form of supplemental insurance sold by private insurance companies. A Medigap plan can help pay for costs that original Medicare (parts A and B) doesn't cover, such as copays. These plans can't be used with Part C (Medicare Advantage). You must choose one or the other. Prior to 2006, some Medigap plans offered coverage to help with prescription drug costs. However, Medigap plans are no longer permitted to offer this coverage. Though these plans have been discontinued, you can usually keep your plan if you're already enrolled in one. How much does Humira cost? Since Humira is a specialty drug, it can be expensive. You may find that Humira is listed in the higher tiers of a plan's formulary. A 2019 study looked at the total cost of Humira by combining the amount that insurance companies paid plus the out-of-pocket costs paid by their beneficiaries. The study found that the median cost of Humira per month was $4,338 in 2017. The costs of Humira under Medicare can depend on where you are in your prescription drug coverage. Let's take a closer look at the costs at each threshold of coverage: Deductible: Each Part D plan has a yearly deductible. For 2025, this cost cannot exceed $590 for any plan. You must pay the deductible out of pocket before your plan will begin to cover your Humira prescription. Coverage: Once you meet your deductible, you pay a copayment or coinsurance when you fill your Humira prescription. The exact amount depends on your specific plan. Spending cap: As of 2025, you won't have to pay more than $2,000 out-of-pocket on drugs before Part D coverage will kick in. A study from early 2020 used data from formularies and pricing files to estimate the yearly out-of-pocket costs for Humira under a Part D plan. These projections indicated that, depending on the dose, Humira could cost an individual between $5,168 and $5,196 in 2019. However, the costs in 2024 are likely a bit higher. How can I get more help to cover my prescription drug costs? If you're concerned about the costs of Humira, you can get help in several ways: Medicare Extra Help Medicare Extra Help is a program that assists people who have limited income or resources with paying for prescription drugs. With Extra Help, you pay no more than $12.15 for brand-name drugs like Humira. If you already have Medicaid, Social Security insurance, or a Medicare savings plan, you'll automatically qualify for Extra Help. Otherwise, you can apply for Extra Help through the Social Security Administration website, as long as you meet certain income limits. Medicaid Medicaid is a federal and state program that helps pay for healthcare for those with lower incomes. While eligibility and benefits can vary by state, Medicaid programs in some states may help with the cost of prescription drugs. You can use the Medicaid website to find information on your state's Medicaid office. PACE Programs of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) is available through Medicare and Medicaid and can help you find care while living at home in your community. One of the benefits that may be covered by PACE is prescription drugs. You can use Medicare's search tool to see if there's a PACE program in your area. For additional information, you can also contact your state's Medicaid office. Pharmaceutical assistance programs Pharmaceutical assistance programs are available through drug manufacturers and other foundations to help you pay for specific medications. To check on pharmaceutical assistance programs for Humira, you can use this Medicare search tool. Additionally, some states may have their own pharmaceutical assistance programs. You can search here to see if your state has one. Pharmacy discount companies Some pharmacy discount companies may offer coupons for Humira. Other companies you can try include GoodRx and SingleCare. Frequently asked questions Does Medicare pay for other biologic injections? Part B may pay for biological injections administered by a healthcare worker at a hospital or clinic. Like with Humira, if you self-administer the drug, Part D may cover it depending on your specific plan and its formulary. What is the cost per month for Humira? A 40-milligram (mg) syringe of Humira now costs about $2,984, or about $77,586 annually, according to the Committee on Oversight and Reform in the U.S. House. The takeaway Medicare typically covers Humira. This coverage is often provided by Medicare Part D or Part C plans. Each insurance company chooses the prescription drugs it covers and lists them in a formulary. Because of this, it's important to check a specific plan's formulary to make sure that Humira is included. While the cost of Humira can potentially be high, numerous programs like Medicare Extra Help and pharmaceutical assistance programs can help lower your costs. The information on this website may assist you in making personal decisions about insurance, but it is not intended to provide advice regarding the purchase or use of any insurance or insurance products. Healthline Media does not transact the business of insurance in any manner and is not licensed as an insurance company or producer in any U.S. jurisdiction. Healthline Media does not recommend or endorse any third parties that may transact the business of insurance.
