Relyto 500mg/50ml Infusion

Uses of Relyto 500mg/50ml Infusion

• Treatment of Blood Cancers

How does Relyto 500mg/50ml Infusion work?

Relyto 500mg/50ml Infusion operates as a monoclonal antibody, exerting its therapeutic effects through two main mechanisms:

Destruction of Immune Cells (B-cells): Relyto 500mg/50ml Infusion targets and destroys B-cells, a type of immune cell. This action is particularly relevant in cancer treatment, as it aims to curb the formation and proliferation of cancer cells triggered by B-cells.

Reduction in Chemical Production: The medication also plays a role in diminishing the production of specific chemicals within the body. These include rheumatoid factors, T-cells, and cytokines. By modulating these chemical signals, Relyto 500mg/50ml Infusion addresses inflammation, pain, and swelling. Consequently, it proves beneficial in the treatment of various autoimmune diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis, where an overactive immune response contributes to joint-related symptoms.

In summary, Relyto 500mg/50ml Infusion's dual mechanism involves targeting and eliminating specific immune cells associated with cancer formation while concurrently regulating the production of inflammatory chemicals to alleviate symptoms of autoimmune diseases.

Side Effects of Relyto 500mg/50ml Infusion

Common Side Effects:

1. Increased risk of infections (bacterial, viral, or fungal)
2. Low red blood cell (RBC), white blood cell (WBC), and platelet counts in the blood
3. Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain, constipation, indigestion
4. Mouth ulcers
5. Hair loss
6. Fever, chills, pneumonia, shingles, cold, sinusitis
7. Thrush, urinary tract infection
8. Headache, dizziness, tiredness, weakness
9. Hepatitis B infection
10. High blood sugar and cholesterol levels
11. Weight loss, lack of appetite
12. Numbness, tingling, pricking, burning sensation on the skin
13. Restlessness, problems falling asleep, anxiety, depression
14. Flushing (skin redness)
15. Eye inflammation or watery eyes
16. Ringing sound in the ears, ear pain
17. Uneven or fast heart rate, high or low blood pressure
18. Shortness of breath, runny nose, nasal itching, and repeated sneezing
19. Increased sweating, night sweats
20. Muscle pain, joint pain, back pain, neck pain
21. Pain while passing urine
22. Fungal foot infection (athlete’s foot)
23. Tremors (shakiness)
24. Swelling of the hands or ankles

Uncommon Side Effects:

1. Blood clotting problems
2. Changes in taste
3. Slow heart rate
4. Chest tightness and lung problems

Rare Side Effects: Contact your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following:

1. Fever, chills, shivering, nausea, vomiting, skin rashes with blisters and itching, flushing, pain at the infusion site, headache, tiredness, wheezing, high blood pressure, palpitations, swelling of throat or tongue, runny or itchy nose, and chest pain
2. Fever, cough, sore throat, burning pain while passing urine, feeling weak or generally unwell
3. Signs of brain problems (such as memory loss, trouble thinking, difficulty in walking, or vision problems)
4. Signs of severe skin reactions (such as severe skin blistering and redness that may appear on the mucous membranes, such as inside the mouth, the genital areas, or the eyelids, with fever)

Quick Suggestions:

• Consume foods high in protein, healthy fats, whole grains, vitamins, and minerals.
• Include plant-based proteins like nuts, seeds, beans, and legumes.
• Maintain a balanced diet with a variety of nutrients.
• Include leafy vegetables, citrus fruits, fatty fish, berries, yogurt, apples, peaches, cauliflower, cabbage, broccoli, beans, and herbs.
• Eat a healthy diet and engage in regular exercise to manage weight.
• De-stress through activities like meditation, reading, warm baths, or listening to soothing music.
• Ensure optimal sleep for proper rest and recovery.
• Refrain from smoking and limit or avoid alcohol consumption.
• Steer clear of fast food, fried items, processed meats, refined carbs, and added sugars.
• Undergo regular blood tests, including liver function, renal function, and pulmonary function tests.
• Weekly blood tests during treatment to monitor CBC (Complete Blood Count).

Indications

These indications highlight the diverse applications of Relyto 500mg/50ml Infusion in treating various conditions, including lymphomas, leukemia, and autoimmune diseases.

Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma (NHL):

• B-cell NHL, low-grade or follicular, CD20-positive, relapsed, or refractory, as a single agent.
• Follicular, CD20-positive, non-B-cell previously treated NHL, both in first-line chemotherapy and as single-agent maintenance therapy in patients who have responded to combination chemotherapy with Rituxan.
• B-cell NHL non-progressive (including stable disease), low-grade, CD20 positive, as a single agent after first-line CVP chemotherapy regimens.

Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL):

• Used in combination with fludarabine and cyclophosphamide (FC) for the treatment of patients with CD20-positive CLL who have not been treated and those previously treated.

Granulomatous Polyangiitis (GPA) and Microscopic Polyangiitis (MPA):

• Rituximab combined with glucocorticoids is indicated for the treatment of granulomatous polyangiitis (GPA) (Wegener's granulomatosis) and microscopic polyangiitis of the adult (MPA) and adult polyangiitis (MPA).

Pharmacology

Rituximab, present in Relyto 500mg/50ml Infusion, is a chimeric monoclonal antibody that exerts its therapeutic effects through various mechanisms:

CD20 Antigen Binding:

• Rituximab specifically targets the CD20 antigen, a surface protein found on B-cells.
• By binding to CD20, it interferes with the cell cycle initiation and progression.

Complement-Dependent B-Cell Cytotoxicity (CDC):

• Rituximab triggers complement-dependent cytotoxicity, leading to the destruction of B-cells.
• This is a mechanism where the immune system is activated to lyse the targeted cells.

Antibody-Dependent Cellular Toxicity (ADCC):

• Rituximab also binds to human Fc receptors, activating antibody-dependent cellular toxicity.
• This process involves immune cells recognizing the antibody-bound target cells and inducing their destruction.

Pharmacokinetics:

• Rituximab remains detectable in the serum for 3-6 months after the completion of therapy.
• B-cell recovery occurs approximately 6-12 months after finishing therapy.

Understanding these mechanisms provides insight into how Relyto 500mg/50ml Infusion modulates the immune response to target and eliminate specific cells, contributing to its therapeutic efficacy in conditions such as lymphomas and autoimmune diseases.

Dosage & Administration:

Adult Dose:

• Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma (NHL): Various schedules depending on the type and stage of NHL.
• Chronic Lymphocytic Leukaemia: 375 mg/m², followed by 500 mg/m² on day 1 of cycles 2-6.
• Rheumatoid Arthritis: Two 1 g IV infusion doses, separated by 2 weeks, in combination with methotrexate.

Child Dose:

• Safety and efficacy not established.

These dosages are specific to each condition and should be administered under the guidance of a healthcare professional. Patients must follow the prescribed regimen and consult their doctor for any concerns or adjustments.

Reconstitution:

• Dilute the appropriate dose with sodium chloride 0.9% or glucose 5% to a final concentration between 1 and 4 mg/mL.

IV Administration:

• Consider premedication (paracetamol and diphenhydramine, or glucocorticoids for RA) before each infusion.
• Administer by slow IV infusion only.

First IV Infusion Rate:

• Start at 50 mg/hr; increase by 50 mg/hr every 30 min, not to exceed 400 mg/hr.

Subsequent IV Infusions (90 minutes):

• Start at 100 mg/hr; increase by 100 mg/hr every 30 min, not to exceed 400 mg/hr.

Interaction

It's important to inform your doctor about all the medications you are currently taking before receiving Relyto 500mg/50ml Infusion.

Medicines used to treat high blood pressure:

• Atenolol
• Propranolol
• Amlodipine
• Enalapril
• Olmesartan
• Losartan

Medicines that can suppress immune functions:

• Ciclosporin
• Tacrolimus

Other anticancer medicines:

• Trastuzumab
• Bevacizumab
• Alemtuzumab
• Cetuximab

Always follow your doctor's recommendations and inform them about any changes in your medication regimen.

Contraindications

• Serious Infection: Avoid Relyto 500mg/50ml Infusion if you have any serious infection that affects the entire body.
• Weak Immune System: It is not recommended if you have a weak immune system.

Pregnancy & Lactation

Pregnancy group C. Animal studies have shown adverse effects on the fetus (teratogenic or embryotoxic or others) and there are no controlled studies in women or no studies. in women and animals. The drug should be used only if there is a potential benefit to the fetus.

Precautions & Warnings

• Hepatitis B Infection: Inform your doctor if you currently have or previously had hepatitis B infection.
• Vaccinations: Notify your doctor if you have yet to receive any vaccinations.
• Infections: Disclose any existing infections, including mild conditions like cough and cold.
• History of Severe Infections: Inform your doctor if you have a history of severe infections.

Storage Conditions

Store between 2-8° C.