What is the difference between Rituxan and Rituxan Hycela?
Key Points
- Rituxan (rituximab) is administered intravenously (IV), while Rituxan Hycela is given subcutaneously (SC).
- Both contain rituximab, but Rituxan Hycela includes hyaluronidase, an enzyme that aids absorption.
- Infusion time differs: Rituxan IV takes several hours, whereas Rituxan Hycela SC takes 5-7 minutes.
Rituxan vs. Rituxan Hycela: Key Differences
Rituxan Hycela (rituximab and hyaluronidase human) includes the same monoclonal antibody as Rituxan (rituximab), but in combination with hyaluronidase, an enzyme that helps to deliver rituximab by subcutaneous injection under the skin. The original Rituxan is given only by intravenous (IV) infusion.
Administration Method
Rituxan Hycela is administered via subcutaneous injection to adults with the following blood cancers:
- follicular lymphoma
- diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL)
- chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL)
Rituxan is administered via intravenous infusion for the following conditions:
- non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (including follicular lymphoma and diffuse large B-cell lymphoma)
- chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL)
- rheumatoid arthritis
- granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA) (Wegener’s Granulomatosis) and
microscopic polyangiitis (MPA) - pemphigus vulgaris
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Composition
- Both contain rituximab, a monoclonal antibody that targets CD20-positive B cells.
- Rituxan Hycela also contains hyaluronidase, which facilitates drug absorption when injected under the skin.
Treatment time
- Rituxan (IV Infusion): The first infusion takes 4-6 hours, with subsequent doses taking 3-4 hours.
- Rituxan Hycela (SC Injection): Takes approximately 5-7 minutes per dose.
Who Can Receive Rituxan Hycela?
Rituxan Hycela is only for patients who have previously received at least one full IV dose of Rituxan to ensure they tolerate the medication.
Which One Is Right for You?
Clinical studies showed Rituxan Hycela delivered similar blood levels and effectiveness of rituximab; however, the majority (77 percent) of patients preferred Rituxan Hycela over IV Rituxan due to less time spent in the clinic.
Your doctor will determine whether Rituxan or Rituxan Hycela is best based on your medical history, condition, and treatment goals. Rituxan Hycela offers a shorter administration time, but not all patients are eligible for the switch from IV to SC.
Both medications have similar side effects and require monitoring for adverse reactions. Always consult your doctor for personalized medical advice before starting or switching treatments.
This is not all the information you need about Rituxan or Rituxan Hycela. Review the full prescribing information and discuss it with your healthcare provider.
References
- Rituxan Hycela [package insert]. 2024. Genentech, Inc. Accessed March 27, 2025 at https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=3e5b7e82-f018-4eaf-ae78-d6145a906b20
- Rituxan [package insert]. 2025. Genentech, Inc. Accessed March 27, 2025 at https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=b172773b-3905-4a1c-ad95-bab4b6126563
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