Rituximab for Myasthenia Gravis

Overview
Rituximab is a prescription drug approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) which is sometimes prescribed off-label for treating myasthenia gravis. Rituximab is sold under the brand names Rituxan, Truxima, Riabni, and more.

Rituximab is a member of a class of drugs called monoclonal antibodies. It’s believed to work by binding with a protein called CD-20 to lower levels of immune cells called B cells. These cells are what cause harm in myasthenia gravis.

How do I take it?
Prescribing information states that rituximab is administered as an intravenous (IV) infusion by a health care professional. Prescribing information does not specify usage for treating myasthenia gravis. Your doctor will advise you on the right dosage and schedule for you.

Side effects
Common side effects for rituximab include infusion-related reactions, infections, body aches, fatigue, and nausea.

Rare but serious side effects for rituximab include infusion-related reactions; severe skin and mouth reactions, such as sores or ulcers, blisters, peeling skin, and rash; reactivation of hepatitis B virus; progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (a rare, serious brain infection); tumor lysis syndrome; severe infections; heart problems; kidney problems; and bowel problems including blockages and tears.

For more details about this treatment, visit:

Rituximab — Drugs.com
https://www.drugs.com/rituximab.html

Clinical and Laboratory Remission With Rituximab Treatment in Anti-MuSK-Positive Myasthenia Gravis Patients (P6-13.007) — Neurology
https://n.neurology.org/content/98/18_Supplemen...