Tromax (rituximab) is a monoclonal antibody that is used to treat certain types of cancer and autoimmune diseases, such as non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, chronic lymphocytic leukemia, rheumatoid arthritis, and granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA).
It works by targeting and destroying certain types of cells in the body, including cancer cells and immune system cells that contribute to autoimmune diseases. Tromax is typically administered by infusion, and the vial contains the concentrated liquid form of the medication.
Tromax (rituximab) is a monoclonal antibody that has revolutionized the treatment of certain types of cancer and autoimmune diseases. It was first approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 1997 and has since been used to treat millions of patients worldwide.
| Tromax is available in some countries, including certain MENA countries, Tromax is biosimilar to MabThera, which means that it is a version of MabThera that is similar in quality, safety, and effectiveness. Biosimilars are typically less expensive than the original medication and can increase access to treatment for patients who may not be able to afford the original medication. |
Mechanism of Action
Tromax is a type of monoclonal antibody that targets a specific protein called CD20, which is found on the surface of certain types of cells in the body, including B lymphocytes. B lymphocytes are a type of white blood cell that plays a key role in the immune system’s response to infection and disease. In cancer and autoimmune diseases, B lymphocytes can become overactive and contribute to the development and progression of the disease.
Tromax works by binding to CD20 on the surface of B lymphocytes and triggering their destruction by the immune system. This process is known as antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC). By destroying B lymphocytes, Tromax can help to control the symptoms of autoimmune diseases and slow the growth of cancer cells.
Indications
Tromax is approved for the treatment of several types of cancer and autoimmune diseases, including:
1. Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma: Tromax is used to treat certain types of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, including follicular lymphoma, diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, and mantle cell lymphoma. It is typically used in combination with chemotherapy.
2. Chronic lymphocytic leukemia: Tromax is used to treat chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), a type of cancer that affects the blood and bone marrow. It is often used in combination with chemotherapy.
3. Rheumatoid arthritis: Tromax is used to treat rheumatoid arthritis, an autoimmune disease that causes joint inflammation and damage. It is often used in combination with other medications, such as methotrexate.
4. Granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA): Tromax is used to treat GPA, a rare autoimmune disease that causes inflammation of the blood vessels in the nose, sinuses, lungs, and kidneys.
Administration
Tromax is typically administered by infusion, which involves the slow injection of the medication into a vein over a period of several hours. The dosage and frequency of Tromax infusions vary depending on the patient’s condition and response to treatment. In some cases, Tromax may be given as a subcutaneous injection, which is injected under the skin.
Side Effects
Like all medications, Tromax can cause side effects, although not everyone experiences them. The most common side effects of Tromax include:
1. Infusion reactions: These are the most common side effects of Tromax and can include fever, chills, nausea, vomiting, headache, and rash. These symptoms typically occur during the infusion and can be managed with medications, such as antihistamines and steroids.
2. Infections: Tromax can increase the risk of infections, including bacterial, viral, and fungal infections. Patients taking Tromax should be monitored for signs of infection and treated promptly if an infection occurs.
3. Low blood cell counts: Tromax can cause a decrease in the number of white blood cells, red blood cells, and platelets in the blood. This can increase the probability of getting serious health problems, such as: infection.
Uncommon (off-lable) indications
Although Tromax is primarily approved for the treatment of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, chronic lymphocytic leukemia, rheumatoid arthritis, and granulomatosis with polyangiitis, it has been used off-label for the treatment of several other conditions.
One such condition is multiple sclerosis (MS), a chronic autoimmune disease that affects the central nervous system. Although Tromax is not approved for the treatment of MS, it has been used off-label as an alternative to other MS medications, such as interferon beta and glatiramer acetate. Studies have shown that Tromax can reduce the number of relapses and slow the progression of disability in patients with MS.
Another off-label use of Tromax is in the treatment of pemphigus vulgaris, a rare autoimmune disease that causes blistering of the skin and mucous membranes. Tromax has been shown to be effective in controlling the symptoms of pemphigus vulgaris by targeting the B lymphocytes that contribute to the disease.
Tromax has also been used off-label in the treatment of certain types of vasculitis, a group of autoimmune diseases that cause inflammation of the blood vessels. Studies have shown that Tromax can be effective in controlling the symptoms of vasculitis by targeting the B lymphocytes that contribute to the disease.
In addition to these off-label uses, Tromax has also been studied for the treatment of several other conditions, including lupus nephritis, myasthenia gravis, and immune thrombocytopenic purpura. Although the results of these studies have been mixed, Tromax continues to be studied for its potential use in the treatment of these conditions.
It is important to note that the off-label use of Tromax is not approved by the FDA and should only be considered in consultation with a qualified healthcare professional. Off-label use of medications may carry additional risks and may not be covered by insurance. Patients considering off-label use of Tromax should discuss the potential risks and benefits with their healthcare provider.
Precautions and Warning
Like all medications, Tromax has certain precautions and warnings that should be considered before use. These include:
1. Serious infections: Tromax can increase the risk of serious infections, including viral, bacterial, and fungal infections. Patients should be monitored for signs of infection during treatment and for several months following treatment.
2. Tumor lysis syndrome: Tromax can cause tumor lysis syndrome, a condition that occurs when cancer cells break down and release their contents into the bloodstream. This can cause kidney damage, electrolyte imbalances, and other complications. Patients at risk for tumor lysis syndrome should be closely monitored during treatment.
3. Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML): PML is a rare but serious viral infection of the brain that can occur in patients receiving immunosuppressive medications, including Tromax. Patients should be monitored for signs of PML, including changes in vision, speech, or motor function.
4. Hepatitis B reactivation: Tromax can cause reactivation of hepatitis B in patients who have previously been infected with the virus. Patients should be screened for hepatitis B before starting treatment with Tromax and monitored for signs of hepatitis B reactivation during and after treatment.
5. Cardiovascular events: Tromax has been associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular events, such as heart attacks and strokes. Patients with a history of cardiovascular disease should be closely monitored during treatment.
6. Hypersensitivity reactions: Tromax can cause hypersensitivity reactions, including anaphylaxis, which can be life-threatening. Patients should be monitored for signs of hypersensitivity reactions during treatment.
7. Immunization: Patients receiving Tromax should not receive live vaccines during treatment and for several months following treatment.
It is important for patients to discuss any concerns or questions about the risks and benefits of Tromax with their healthcare provider before starting treatment. Patients should also inform their healthcare provider of any other medical conditions or medications they are taking, as they may affect the safety and effectiveness of Tromax.
Avialability & Pricing
Tromax is available as a prescription medication and is typically administered in a clinical setting, such as a hospital or infusion center. It is not available over-the-counter and should only be used under the supervision of a qualified healthcare professional.
The pricing of Tromax can vary depending on several factors, such as the country of purchase, the dosage, and the frequency of administration. In the MENA, the average retail price for Tromax is approximately $200 to 700 per 500mg vial. However, the actual cost to patients may be lower or higher depending on their insurance coverage and other factors.
Overall, the cost of Tromax can be a barrier to treatment for some patients, particularly those without adequate insurance coverage. Patients should discuss their options for financial assistance and alternative treatments with their healthcare provider or a patient advocacy organization.
In the United States, the price of Tromax (rituximab) can vary depending on the healthcare provider, insurance coverage, and other factors. According to some sources, the average wholesale price for a 500mg vial of Tromax in the US is around $1,000-$1,500, but this is subject to change.
Common Side Effects
Tromax (rituximab) is generally well-tolerated, but like all medications, it can cause side effects. Some common side effects associated with Tromax include:
1. Infusion reactions: Tromax is typically administered via intravenous infusion, and some patients may experience infusion reactions such as fever, chills, nausea, and headache during or shortly after the infusion.
2. Fatigue: Fatigue is a common side effect of Tromax and may persist for several weeks after treatment.
3. Nausea and vomiting: Some patients may experience nausea and vomiting after treatment with Tromax.
4. Infections: Tromax can increase the risk of infections, including upper respiratory infections, urinary tract infections, and pneumonia.
5. Low blood cell counts: Tromax can cause a decrease in the number of white blood cells, red blood cells, and platelets in the blood, which can increase the risk of infection, anemia, and bleeding.
6. Skin reactions: Some patients may develop skin reactions, such as rash or itching, after treatment with Tromax.
7. Hypersensitivity reactions: In rare cases, Tromax can cause hypersensitivity reactions, including anaphylaxis, which can be life-threatening.
It is important for patients to report any side effects to their healthcare provider, as they may require additional monitoring or treatment. Patients should also inform their healthcare provider if they experience any symptoms of infection, such as fever, cough, or shortness of breath, as these may be signs of a serious infection.
Some patients may experience more severe or less common side effects from Tromax. Patients should discuss the potential risks and benefits of treatment with their healthcare provider before starting Tromax therapy.
FAQs
1. is Tromax A Chemotherapy?
Tromax (rituximab) is not a traditional chemotherapy drug, but it is considered a form of cancer treatment. Tromax is a type of immunotherapy known as a monoclonal antibody, which targets and binds to a specific protein called CD20 that is found on the surface of certain types of immune cells called B cells.
By binding to CD20, Tromax can help to destroy cancerous B cells and reduce the size of tumors. Tromax is commonly used to treat non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, chronic lymphocytic leukemia, and rheumatoid arthritis.
While Tromax is not classified as a traditional chemotherapy drug, it can still have some similar side effects, such as nausea, vomiting, and low blood cell counts. However, Tromax tends to have a more targeted effect on cancer cells than traditional chemotherapy drugs, which can affect both cancerous and healthy cells.
Overall, the use of Tromax and other immunotherapy drugs has led to significant advances in cancer treatment, offering new options for patients with certain types of cancer.
2. When does Tromax start operating?
The timing of when Tromax (rituximab) starts to work can vary depending on the individual and the condition being treated. In some cases, patients may experience a rapid improvement in symptoms, while in other cases, it may take several weeks or even months to see a noticeable effect.
For example, in the treatment of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, Tromax is typically administered in combination with chemotherapy. In some cases, patients may experience a rapid reduction in the size of their tumors, while in other cases, it may take several cycles of treatment to achieve a significant response.
In the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, Tromax is typically administered once every six months. Some patients may experience an improvement in symptoms within a few weeks of treatment, while others may take several months to see a noticeable effect.
Overall, the timing of when Tromax starts to work can depend on a variety of factors, including the condition being treated, the severity of the disease, and the individual’s response to treatment. Patients should discuss the potential timing of response with their healthcare provider before starting treatment with Tromax.
3. Does Tromax Cause Hair Loss?
Hair loss is not a common side effect of Tromax (rituximab). While some cancer treatments, such as chemotherapy, can cause hair loss, Tromax is not classified as a chemotherapy drug and is not typically associated with hair loss.
However, some patients may experience hair thinning or hair breakage as a result of other side effects of Tromax, such as fatigue or nutritional deficiencies. Additionally, some underlying conditions that are treated with Tromax, such as autoimmune diseases, can cause hair loss as a symptom of the disease.
If you are experiencing hair loss or other changes in your hair, it is important to discuss these symptoms with your healthcare provider to determine the underlying cause and appropriate treatment. Your healthcare provider may recommend additional tests or evaluations to determine if the hair loss is related to Tromax treatment or another underlying condition.
ATC Code: L01FA CD20 (Clusters of Differentiation 20) inhibitors