What is Rituxan Hycela? If you’re considering treatment options for certain cancers, your doctor may suggest Rituxan Hycela. It’s prescribed for adults with the following types of cancer: *

chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), which is a cancer that affects lymphocytes (a type of white blood cell) * diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, which is a cancer that affects bone marrow and

blood cells * follicular lymphoma, which is a cancer that affects white blood cells To learn more about these cancers and how Rituxan Hycela is used for them, see the “What is Rituxan Hycela

used for?” section below. RITUXAN HYCELA BASICS Rituxan Hycela is a form of immunotherapy. It contains the drugs rituximab and hyaluronidase. Rituxan Hycela is a biologic medication,

that’s given as an injection under your skin. Your healthcare professional will inject Rituxan Hycela under the skin of your belly. Each injection lasts 5 to 7 minutes. You’ll receive

Rituxan Hycela injections in a hospital, doctor’s office, or clinic. In this article, we describe Rituxan Hycela’s uses, side effects, and more. What should I know about Rituxan Hycela vs.

Rituxan? You may wonder how Rituxan Hycela and Rituxan are alike and different. Rituxan Hycela and Rituxan are used to treat certain cancers. Both drugs are given as injections by a

healthcare professional. Rituxan Hycela is given as an injection under your skin, while Rituxan is given as an intravenous (IV) infusion. (An IV infusion is an injection given into your vein

over a period of time.) Both Rituxan Hycela and Rituxan contain rituximab as an active ingredient. But Rituxan Hycela also contains the active ingredient hyaluronidase. Hyaluronidase allows

the drug to be given under your skin instead of into your vein. To learn more about these two drugs, see this detailed comparison. And talk with your doctor if you have more questions about

Rituxan Hycela and Rituxan. How is Rituxan Hycela administered? Your doctor will explain how Rituxan Hycela will be given to you. They’ll also explain how much you’ll be given and how

often. Be sure to follow your doctor’s instructions. Below are commonly used dosages. Your doctor will prescribe the dosage that’s best for you. RECEIVING RITUXAN HYCELA Rituxan Hycela comes

as a liquid that’s given as an injection under your skin. It’s given by a healthcare professional, usually under the skin of your belly. Each Rituxan Hycela injection lasts 5 to 7 minutes.

You’ll receive Rituxan Hycela injections in a hospital, doctor’s office, or clinic. DOSAGE Your exact dosage of Rituxan Hycela depends on: * the condition you’re using Rituxan Hycela to

treat * other medications you’re currently using or have used in the past The usual dosages of Rituxan Hycela are as follows: * For chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), you’ll receive an

injection of Rituxan Hycela weekly if you’re using the drug by itself. Or, you’ll be given Rituxan Hycela injections on the first day of each of your chemotherapy cycles. (See “Receiving

Rituxan Hycela with other drugs” for more information about using chemotherapy with Rituxan Hycela.) * For diffuse large B-cell lymphoma and follicular lymphoma, you’ll receive a Rituxan

Hycela injection on the first day of each of your chemotherapy cycles. To learn more about these cancers and how Rituxan Hycela is used for them, see the “What is Rituxan Hycela used for?”

section below. RECEIVING RITUXAN HYCELA WITH OTHER DRUGS Before your first Rituxan Hycela injection, you’ll receive at least one dose of Rituxan. Rituxan is a form of rituximab that’s given

as an intravenous (IV) infusion. (An IV infusion is an injection into your vein over a period of time.) Keep in mind that rituximab is one of the active drugs in Rituxan Hycela. Your doctor

may also prescribe drugs that help lower your risk for redness or deepening of skin color around Rituxan Hycela injection sites. These drugs include: * antihistamines, such as

diphenhydramine (Benadryl) * acetaminophen (Tylenol) * corticosteroids, such as prednisone (Rayos) Rituxan Hycela may also be used with other cancer drugs. Examples of other cancer drugs

that may be used with it include: * cyclophosphamide (Cytotoxan) * fludarabine * doxorubicin (Doxil) * vincristine (Marqibo) * yttrium-90 ibritumomab tiuxetan (Zevalin) QUESTIONS ABOUT

RECEIVING RITUXAN HYCELA Here’s a list of common questions related to receiving Rituxan Hycela: * WHAT IF I MISS A DOSE OF RITUXAN HYCELA? Call your healthcare professional right away to

reschedule a missed appointment for your Rituxan Hycela injection. They’ll tell you if you should adjust your dosing schedule because of the missed dose. * WILL I NEED TO USE RITUXAN HYCELA

LONG TERM? The condition you’re using Rituxan Hycela to treat will help determine how long you’ll need to use this drug. For some conditions, you can receive a maximum of 16 doses of Rituxan

Hycela. But for other conditions, you may receive fewer doses. Your doctor will recommend the length of time that’s right for you to use this drug. * HOW LONG DOES RITUXAN HYCELA TAKE TO

WORK? Rituxan Hycela starts working right away to treat cancer. You might not notice the drug working in your body, especially if your cancer isn’t causing any symptoms. Your doctor will

occasionally order certain tests to make sure Rituxan Hycela is working to treat your cancer. > QUESTIONS FOR YOUR DOCTOR > You may have questions about Rituxan Hycela and your 

treatment plan. > It’s important to discuss all your concerns with your doctor. >  > Here are a few tips that might help guide your discussion: >  >     * Before your 

appointment, write down questions like: >  >     * How will Rituxan Hycela affect my body, mood, or lifestyle? >  >     * Bring someone with you to your appointment if doing so 

will help > you feel more comfortable. >     * If you don’t understand something related to your condition or > treatment, ask your doctor to explain it to you. >  > Remember,

 your doctor and other healthcare professionals are > available to help you. And they want you to get the best care > possible. So, don’t be afraid to ask questions or offer feedback

> on your treatment. What are Rituxan Hycela’s side effects? Like most drugs, Rituxan Hycela may cause mild or serious side effects. The lists below describe some of the more common side

effects that Rituxan Hycela may cause. These lists don’t include all possible side effects. Keep in mind that side effects of a drug can depend on: * your age * other health conditions you

have * other medications you may be taking Your doctor or pharmacist can tell you more about the potential side effects of Rituxan Hycela. They can also suggest ways to help reduce side

effects. MILD SIDE EFFECTS Here’s a short list of some of the mild side effects that Rituxan Hycela can cause. To learn about other mild side effects, talk with your doctor or pharmacist or

read Rituxan Hycela’s medication guide. Mild side effects of Rituxan Hycela that have been reported include: * low level of neutrophils (a type of white blood cell) * low level of red blood

cells * mild infections, such as pneumonia and the common cold * nausea and vomiting * constipation * cough * fatigue (lack of energy) * hair loss * low level of platelets (cells that help

your blood to clot) * fever * redness or deepening of skin color around Rituxan Hycela injection sites Mild side effects of many drugs may go away within a few days or a couple of weeks. But

if they become bothersome, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. SERIOUS SIDE EFFECTS Serious side effects from Rituxan Hycela can occur, but they aren’t common. If you have serious side

effects from Rituxan Hycela, call your doctor right away. But if you think you’re having a medical emergency, you should call 911 or your local emergency number. Serious side effects of

Rituxan Hycela that have been reported include: * serious infections, such as shingles and hepatitis C * perforation (tearing) or obstruction (blockage) in your intestines * heart problems,

such as chest pain, abnormal heart rhythms, and heart attack * kidney problems, such as kidney failure * tumor lysis syndrome (a condition that occurs when tumor cells release their contents

into your blood after they’re broken down in your body) * boxed warnings:* * severe mouth and skin reactions * hepatitis B virus (HBV) reactivation * progressive multifocal

leukoencephalopathy (PML) * allergic reaction*__ _* For more information on these side effects, see the “Side effect focus” section below._ SIDE EFFECT FOCUS Learn more about some of the

side effects Rituxan Hycela may cause. BOXED WARNINGS Rituxan Hycela has boxed warnings. A boxed warning is a serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). SEVERE MOUTH AND

SKIN REACTIONS. Rituxan Hycela may cause severe reactions in your mouth or on certain areas of your skin. This side effect wasn’t reported in studies of the drug. But these reactions can

still happen and may be life threatening. Symptoms can include: * peeling skin * blisters * pustules (fluid-filled bumps on your skin) * other types of painful sores HEPATITIS B VIRUS (HBV)

REACTIVATION. If you’ve had hepatitis B in the past, Rituxan Hycela can cause the virus to become active again. (This condition is called HBV reactivation.) This side effect wasn’t reported

in studies of the drug. But HBV reactivation can still happen when using Rituxan Hycela. Hepatitis B can lead to liver problems, including liver failure. Rarely, hepatitis B may also lead to

death. Symptoms of hepatitis B include tiredness and jaundice (yellowing of your skin or the whites of your eyes). PROGRESSIVE MULTIFOCAL LEUKOENCEPHALOPATHY (PML). PML is a rare but

serious infection in your brain and central nervous system. PML was a rare side effect in studies of Rituxan Hycela. But one person developed fatal PML after using Rituxan Hycela in these

studies. Symptoms of PML can include: * weakness * problems with balance * trouble using your legs and arms * vision changes _WHAT MIGHT HELP_ Be sure to tell your doctor right away if you

have any symptoms of these boxed warning conditions. Your doctor will likely stop your Rituxan Hycela treatment. And they’ll recommend management for your condition as needed. Both before

you start Rituxan and during treatment, your doctor will test you for HBV. If you have HBV in your body, your doctor may prescribe treatment for it before you start using Rituxan. And

they’ll closely monitor you for symptoms of HBV reactivation. It’s important to know that HBV reactivation can happen up to 24 months after your last dose of Rituxan Hycela. Be sure to

continue watching for symptoms of hepatitis B, even after your last dose of Rituxan Hycela. > ALLERGIC REACTION > Some people may have an allergic reaction to Rituxan Hycela. > 

> Symptoms of a mild allergic reaction can include: >  >     * skin rash >     * itchiness >     * flushing (temporary warmth, redness, or deepening of skin color) >  > 

A more severe allergic reaction is rare but possible. Symptoms of a > severe allergic reaction can include swelling under your skin, > typically in your eyelids, lips, hands, or feet. 

They can also > include swelling of your tongue, mouth, or throat, which can cause > trouble breathing. >  > Call your doctor right away if you have an allergic reaction to > 

Rituxan Hycela. But if you think you’re having a medical > emergency, call 911 or your local emergency number. What does Rituxan Hycela cost? Costs of prescription drugs can vary

depending on many factors, including what your insurance plan covers. Also, you’ll have to consider the cost of your visits to a hospital, doctor’s office, or clinic to receive Rituxan

Hycela injections. If you have questions about how to pay for your prescription, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. You can also visit the Rituxan Hycela manufacturer’s website to see if

it offers any support options. What is Rituxan Hycela used for? If you’re considering treatment options for certain cancers, your doctor may suggest Rituxan Hycela. It’s prescribed for

adults with the following types of cancer: * CHRONIC LYMPHOCYTIC LEUKEMIA (CLL). CLL is a cancer that affects lymphocytes (a type of white blood cell). CLL usually starts in your bone marrow

and moves to your blood. (Bone marrow is the spongy tissue of your bones where blood cells are made.) For CLL, Rituxan Hycela is used in combination with the cancer drugs cyclophosphamide

(Cytotoxan) and fludarabine. Rituxan Hycela can be used for CLL that has or hasn’t been treated with other drugs in the past. * DIFFUSE LARGE B-CELL LYMPHOMA. Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma

is a cancer that affects bone marrow and blood. For this condition, Rituxan Hycela is used in combination with prednisone (Rayos) and certain cancer drugs. These cancer drugs include

cyclophosphamide (Cytotoxan), doxorubicin (Doxil), vincristine (Marqibo), or other medications in a certain group of drugs. Rituxan Hycela is used for diffuse large B-cell lymphoma that

hasn’t been treated with other drugs in the past. * FOLLICULAR LYMPHOMA. Follicular lymphoma is a cancer that affects white blood cells. Rituxan Hycela can be used for follicular lymphoma

that either has or hasn’t been treated with other drugs in the past. For this condition, Rituxan Hycela may be used in combination with prednisone (Rayos) and the cancer drugs

cyclophosphamide (Cytotoxan) and vincristine (Marqibo). It may also be used on its own. Rituxan Hycela is used for follicular lymphoma that either: * is relapsed (has come back after other

treatments) * is refractory (hasn’t improved with other treatments) * has partially or completely improved after other treatments * hasn’t been treated in the past Rituxan Hycela contains

the drugs rituximab and hyaluronidase. Rituximab is a form of immunotherapy. It works by boosting certain cells in your immune system to help them fight off cancer. Hyaluronidase helps

rituximab be absorbed by your body after it’s given as an injection under your skin. What should be considered before using Rituxan Hycela? If you’re considering Rituxan Hycela, talk with

your doctor about your health and any medical conditions you may have. Below are a few other important considerations about using this drug. INTERACTIONS Using medications, vaccines, foods,

and other things with a certain drug can affect how the drug works. These effects are called interactions. Before taking Rituxan Hycela, be sure to tell your doctor about all medications you

take (including prescription and over-the-counter types). Also, describe any vitamins, herbs, or supplements you use. Your doctor or pharmacist can tell you about any interactions these

items may cause with Rituxan Hycela. INTERACTIONS WITH DRUGS OR SUPPLEMENTS Rituxan Hycela’s manufacturer didn’t study this medication for drug interactions. But Rituxan Hycela is known to

interact with the chemotherapy drug cisplatin. Keep in mind that cisplatin may not be the only drug that interacts with Rituxan Hycela. Your doctor or pharmacist can tell you more about this

interaction and any others that may occur with Rituxan Hycela. So, be sure to tell your doctor about all the drugs you’re taking before starting Rituxan Hycela. OTHER INTERACTIONS You

shouldn’t get any live vaccines while you’re using Rituxan Hycela. Live vaccines contain a small amount of the bacteria or virus they work to prevent infections from. This is unlike

inactivated vaccines, which contain dead or inactive forms of viruses or bacteria. Live vaccines won’t usually cause an infection in a person with a healthy immune system. But Rituxan Hycela

can weaken the activity of your immune system. And this can increase your risk for getting an infection from a live vaccine. Examples of live vaccines include: * chickenpox * shingles *

measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) * yellow fever Talk with your doctor or pharmacist before getting any vaccines while you’re using Rituxan Hycela. BOXED WARNINGS Rituxan Hycela has boxed

warnings. These are serious warnings from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) about drug effects that may be dangerous. Boxed warnings for Rituxan Hycela include: * SEVERE MOUTH AND SKIN

REACTIONS. Rituxan Hycela may cause severe reactions in your mouth or on certain areas of your skin. These reactions may be life threatening. Symptoms can include peeling skin, blisters,

pustules (fluid-filled bumps on your skin), and other painful sores. * HEPATITIS B VIRUS (HBV) REACTIVATION. If you’ve had hepatitis B in the past, Rituxan Hycela can cause the virus to

become active again. Hepatitis B can lead to liver problems, including liver failure. Rarely, hepatitis B may also lead to death. Symptoms of hepatitis B include tiredness and jaundice

(yellowing of your skin or the whites of your eyes). * PROGRESSIVE MULTIFOCAL LEUKOENCEPHALOPATHY (PML). PML is a rare but serious infection in your brain and central nervous system. In rare

cases, PML can be fatal. Symptoms of PML can include weakness, problems with balance, trouble using your legs and arms, and vision changes. For more information about these warnings, see

the “What are Rituxan Hycela’s side effects?” section above. OTHER WARNINGS Rituxan Hycela may not be right for you if you have certain medical conditions or other factors that affect your

health. Talk with your doctor about your health history before you use Rituxan Hycela. Factors to consider include those in the list below. * HEART PROBLEMS. Using Rituxan Hycela can lead to

heart problems such as chest pain, abnormal heart rhythms, and heart attack. You’re more likely to have these side effects if you’ve had heart problems in the past. Before starting Rituxan

Hycela, tell your doctor about any heart problems you have. They’ll determine whether or not Rituxan Hycela is right for you. * KIDNEY PROBLEMS. Rituxan Hycela can cause kidney problems such

as kidney failure for some people. You may have a higher risk for this side effect if you already have kidney problems. If you do, talk with your doctor before using Rituxan Hycela. They

may recommend a different treatment for you. * CURRENT INFECTIONS. Rituxan Hycela can lower your body’s ability to fight off infections. Make sure your doctor knows about any infections you

have before you start using Rituxan Hycela. * WEAKENED IMMUNE SYSTEM. Rituxan Hycela can lower your body’s ability to fight off infections. If you have a weakened immune system (also called

immunocompromised), you may have a higher risk for infections. Tell your doctor if you have a weakened immune system before starting Rituxan Hycela. * ALLERGIC REACTION. If you’ve had an

allergic reaction to Rituxan Hycela or any of its ingredients, you shouldn’t take this drug. Ask your doctor about which other medications are better options for you. USE WITH ALCOHOL There

aren’t any known issues with drinking alcohol while using Rituxan Hycela. If you drink alcohol, talk with your doctor about the amount that’s safe for you to drink while you’re using Rituxan

Hycela. PREGNANCY AND BREASTFEEDING You shouldn’t use Rituxan Hycela while you’re pregnant or breastfeeding. If you’re able to become pregnant, your doctor will have you take a pregnancy

test before you start treatment. And they’ll recommend that you use birth control during treatment and for at least 1 year afterward. Also, you should avoid breastfeeding during treatment

and for at least 6 months afterward. To learn more about the effects of this drug when it’s used while you’re pregnant or breastfeeding, talk with your doctor. What to ask your doctor If you

have questions about using Rituxan Hycela, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. They can discuss other treatments that may be used for your condition. Here are a few articles that might be

helpful for learning about other treatment options for your condition: * Current and Breakthrough Treatments for CLL * Lymphoma Alternative Treatments * New Treatments for Lymphoma, Leukemia

Unveiled at Cancer Conference Questions you may ask your doctor about Rituxan Hycela treatment include: * Will Rituxan Hycela cure my condition? * How soon will Rituxan Hycela start working

for me? * How many doses of Rituxan Hycela are best for treating my condition? * Do I take any medications that might interact with Rituxan Hycela? Ask a pharmacist Q: Can I drive myself to

and from my appointments to receive Rituxan Hycela injections? Anonymous patient A: It depends. It’s a good idea to have someone drive you both to and from the appointment to receive your

first dose. This way, if you have side effects or an allergic reaction to the drug, someone is with you. But even if you’ve already received a Rituxan Hycela injection, you still may want to

have someone drive you to and from your appointments. This is because some of the medications given to reduce side effects of Rituxan Hycela may make you drowsy. It may be safe for you to

drive yourself to and from your Rituxan Hycela injection appointments if: * you’ve gotten an injection before, and * you know how the drug affects you Talk with your doctor or pharmacist if

you have questions about getting to and from your appointments. Also, ask them about possible side effects from Rituxan Hycela injections. They can recommend ways for you to safely get to

and from the appointments. Alex Brewer, PharmD, MBAAnswers represent the opinions of our medical experts. All content is strictly informational and should not be considered medical advice.

DISCLAIMER: Healthline 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 other 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. RITUXAN HYCELA IMAGES * *