See why thousands of patients choose our centers as their preferred destination for ongoing care, including Truxima Infusion treatments.
Truxima is a biologic therapy that is indicated to treat:
- moderately to severely active rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and currently taking methotrexate
What is Truxima?
What Is Truxima?
Truxima (rituximab-abbs) is a prescription medication administered for patients in all IVX Health centers via IV infusion. Additionally, Truxima is an FDA-approved biosimilar to Rituxan indicated to treat rheumatoid arthritis in adults.
A biosimilar is a biologic therapy that has been approved and licensed by the FDA and has shown to have no clinically meaningful difference from an existing therapy, known as the “reference product.”
How Truxima Works
Truxima works by acting as an antibody that targets and reduces the number of B cells that are attacking bodily tissue in people with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).
Truxima Infusion Dosage & Administration
Truxima Infusion Dosage and Administration
Patients receive rituximab-abbs intravenously. Treatment time for a Truxima infusion at a medical clinic like IVX Health usually lasts around 90 minutes.
Dosage
Before receiving their first intravenous infusion of rituximab-abbs, the ordering physician determines the patient’s dose. This dose depends on the patient’s weight as well as the severity of the condition for which he or she is receiving treatment.
Administering Truxima via IV Infusion
- The nurse prepares the patient’s arm by using rubbing alcohol to sterilize the location that is being used to insert the IV needle.
- Following needle insertion, the IV line is held in place with tape.
- The nurse attaches the patient’s IV line to the line coming down from the bag of medication.
Every half-an-hour, the patient’s nurse takes his or her vitals.
Truxima Side Effects
Truxima Infusion Side Effects
As with all medications, side effects are possible.
Common side effects include:
- Infusion-related reactions
- Infections
- Body aches
- Tiredness
- Nausea
- Low red and white blood cell counts
- Swelling
- Diarrhea
- Muscle spams
- Aching joints during or within hours of receiving an infusion
- More frequent upper respiratory tract infection
Serious side effects include:
- Serious infections
- Heart problems
- Kidney problems
- Stomach and serious bowel problems
- Tumor lysis syndrome (TLS)
- Severe skin and mouth reactions
- Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML)
Preparing for Your Truxima Infusion
Follow these steps to prepare for your Truxima Infusion:
Consult Your Healthcare Provider
- Medical History Review: Ensure your healthcare provider has a complete and up-to-date medical history, including any allergies, current medications, and past reactions to Infusion.
- Pre-Infusion Testing: Complete any required blood tests or other pre-Infusion tests as recommended by your healthcare provider.
Pre-Infusion Medications
- Prescription Pre-Medications: Your Truxima Infusion may require pre-medications to reduce the risk of a reaction or adverse event. Your referring provider will include any pre-medications when sending in your prescription order.
- Instructions: Follow your healthcare provider’s instructions regarding these medications, including the timing and dosage. Take these medications about 30-60 minutes before the Infusion as directed.
Hydration and Nutrition
- Hydrate: Drink plenty of water in the days leading up to your Infusion to ensure you are well-hydrated.
- Eat Light: Have a light meal before your Infusion to help maintain your energy levels during the procedure.
Prepare for Comfort
- Clothing: Wear loose, comfortable clothing with easy access to your arms for the Infusion site.
- Entertainment: Bring something to keep you occupied, such as a book, tablet, or music, as your treatment or observation period may take several hours.
Plan for Transportation
- Arrange a Ride: Depending on the medication and your reaction to the Infusion, you might not feel well enough to drive yourself home. Consider arranging for someone to drive you or use a ride service.
By following these steps, you can help ensure that your Truxima Infusion is as safe and comfortable as possible. Always follow the specific instructions provided by your healthcare team.
How to Get a Referral for Truxima
Every Truxima Infusion referral must be accompanied by a physician’s order for treatment.
Patient information should include:
- Name
- Current address
- Home and mobile phone number
- Insurance information
Information the physician must include on the patient’s order for therapy:
- Patient’s name and DOB
- Order date
- Diagnosis
- Physician’s name and NPI#
- Office address, phone, and fax numbers
- Provider’s signature
Clinical documentation from the physician should include information to support a diagnosis for one or more of the following:
- moderately to severely active rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and currently taking methotrexate
If you or someone you care about has one of the conditions that Truxima treats, IVX Health would be honored to provide your care. To find an IVX Health center near you, please click here.
Patients choose IVX Health for ongoing Truxima treatments because:
- ALL private suites
- Comfortable recliners, with chairs for guests
- Evening & weekend appointments
- Friendly clinical staff deliver personal service
- Big screen TVs, high-speed WiFi, free snacks
Interested in moving your care to IVX Health?
Interested?
IVX Health would love to learn more about your care needs. If you’re interested in switching your infusion services – or if you just want to learn more – let us know.
