^{Rituxan® Infusions: What Is It & Where To Get It}

What is Rituxan®?

Rituxan® (rituximab) is a monoclonal antibody treatment used for various autoimmune diseases and certain blood cancers by targeting CD20, a protein found on B-cells. By attaching to CD20, Rituxan® helps remove harmful B-cells, reducing inflammation and the immune system's attack on healthy tissue.

At Rocky Mountain MS Clinic, we specialize in using Rituxan infusion therapy for neurological conditions including multiple sclerosis, myasthenia gravis, and neuropathy. Rituxan's unique ability to target B-cells makes it particularly effective for autoimmune neurological disorders where B-cells contribute to nerve and muscle damage.

Rituxan IV infusion is administered at our specialized infusion center. The Rituxan infusion protocol typically includes:

• First infusion: 4 to 6 hours or more, with close monitoring
• Subsequent standard infusions: 3 to 4 hours
• Rapid infusions: As short as 90 minutes for eligible patients who tolerate treatment well

The treatment schedule varies based on your specific condition. Common protocols include:

• Initial course: Two infusions given two weeks apart
• Maintenance therapy: Determined by your doctor, often every 6 months or as needed based on disease activity

Premedications are typically given before each infusion to minimize the risk of infusion reactions.

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How Does Rituxan Work?

In autoimmune neurological conditions, the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissue in the nervous system. B-cells—a type of white blood cell—play a central role in this process by producing antibodies that target the body's own nerves, muscles, or myelin (the protective covering around nerves). This leads to inflammation, nerve damage, and the symptoms associated with conditions like multiple sclerosis, myasthenia gravis, and certain forms of neuropathy.

Rituxan works through a specific mechanism:

• Targets CD20-positive B-cells: CD20 is a protein found on the surface of B-cells but not on other healthy cells
• Binds to B-cells: Rituxan attaches to the CD20 marker, flagging these cells for removal
• Depletes harmful B-cells: The immune system then eliminates these B-cells from circulation
• Reduces autoimmune activity: With fewer B-cells, there are fewer antibodies attacking healthy tissue
• Preserves other immune cells: Importantly, Rituxan preserves plasma cells and stem cells, maintaining some immune function

What makes Rituxan unique is its historical significance as the first monoclonal antibody approved for targeting CD20, and its proven effectiveness across multiple autoimmune conditions. As a chimeric monoclonal antibody, Rituxan specifically destroys B-cells while sparing other important immune components, providing targeted treatment for autoimmune diseases.

While Rituxan does not cure autoimmune neurological conditions, it helps quiet the overactive immune response that contributes to disease activity, slowing progression and improving stability over time. The timeline for seeing results varies by condition and individual response. The first infusion takes effect within days as B-cells are depleted, but clinical improvements (e.g., reduced symptoms or disease activity) typically become noticeable over several weeks to months as inflammation decreases and the immune system stabilizes.

Like all medications, Rituxan can cause side effects. Common side effects include:

• Infections (upper respiratory, urinary tract, bronchitis)
• Fever and chills
• Nausea and diarrhea
• Headache
• Weakness or fatigue
• Body or joint aches
• Night sweats
• Swelling (edema)
• Low blood cell counts

Serious Rituxan infusion side effects require immediate medical attention and include:

• Severe infusion reactions: Hives, swelling of face/lips/tongue/throat, shortness of breath, chest pain, or rapid heartbeat (especially during first 24 hours)
• Serious infections: Due to weakened immune system
• Progressive Multifocal Leukoencephalopathy (PML): A rare but serious brain infection causing confusion, vision problems, or weakness
• Hepatitis B virus reactivation: In those with past infection, leading to liver failure
• Severe skin reactions: Painful sores, blisters, or peeling skin
• Tumor Lysis Syndrome: Causing kidney failure or abnormal heart rhythm
• Heart problems: Chest pain, irregular heartbeat, or heart attack
• Serious bowel problems: Severe stomach pain or repeated vomiting

Your healthcare team at our infusion center will monitor you closely during and after each Rituxan infusion treatment to ensure your safety.

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How Much Does Rituxan Cost?

The cost of Rituxan infusion depends on several factors, including your insurance coverage and plan. Understanding the Rituxan infusion cost is important, and at Rocky Mountain MS Clinic, we are committed to helping patients receive treatment affordably and with minimal stress.

We work with most major commercial insurance providers in Utah, including Aetna, Anthem, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna, Humana, and UnitedHealthcare, along with Medicaid and Medicare. Our team ensures you receive maximum coverage for your Rituxan infusion therapy.

Our experienced team provides comprehensive support to make treatment more accessible:

• Handles all prior authorizations and benefits verification
• Provides financial counseling to clarify the cost of Rituxan infusion for your specific situation
• Assists with copay assistance programs and foundation support
• Explores manufacturer patient assistance programs to reduce out-of-pocket expenses

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Why Patients Choose Rocky Mountain MS Clinic's Infusion Center to Receive Their Rituxan Infusion

Clinical Excellence and Neurological Expertise

Our infusion center is led by board-certified neurologists and experienced BSN-prepared Registered Nurses who specialize in infusion therapy for neurological disorders. Our team has advanced training and extensive experience managing patients with multiple sclerosis, myasthenia gravis, and neuropathy. Our healthcare providers understand the nuances of B-cell depleting therapies and how to optimize outcomes for each patient.

Our comprehensive approach also includes advanced diagnostic capabilities such as electromyography to accurately assess nerve and muscle function, ensuring your treatment plan is tailored to your specific condition.

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Lower Costs and Financial Assistance

We manage all insurance processes and guide patients through financial assistance options. Physician-owned infusion sites like Rocky Mountain MS Clinic's Infusion Center typically help patients achieve lower overall costs than hospital-based centers, making the Rituxan infusion cost more manageable for our patients.

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35+ Years of Trusted Neurological Care

Providing expert, compassionate care for 35+ years to individuals across the region with MS and other neurological conditions. Our decades of experience with Rituxan infusion protocol and other immunotherapies means we understand not only the clinical aspects of treatment but also the real-world impact on our patients' daily lives.