Is Truxima a chemotherapy drug?
Truxima (rituximab-abbs) is not a chemotherapy drug, rather it is a biologic that is targeted toward specific antigens (proteins). In this case, Truxima targets the CD20 antigen expressed on the surface of pre-B and mature B-lymphocytes. Truxima forms a complex with the CD20 antigen which causes B-cell death (lysis). Most cases of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma and chronic lymphocytic leukemia arise from B cells. Truxima is usually used together with chemotherapy treatments.
References
- Truxima (rituximab-abbs) Updated Feb 1, 2022 [Product Information] https://www.drugs.com/pro/truxima.html
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Biosimilars vs Biologics: What are they and how do they compare?
A biosimilar is a biological product that is similar to a reference biologic (usually the originally approved product) and for which there are no clinically meaningful differences in terms of safety, purity, and potency. The most recent biosimilar approval was Kristy (insulin aspart-xjhz), a rapid acting human insulin analog interchangeable biosimilar to NovoLog (insulin aspart), on July 15, 2025.
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What is the difference between Truxima and Rituxan?
Truxima (rituximab-abbs) is a biosimilar to Rituxan (rituximab). While both drugs are CD20-directed cytolytic antibodies used to treat non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL), Rituxan has additional FDA-approved indications beyond NHL. Continue reading
Does Truxima make you gain weight?
Weight gain has been reported in 11% of patients being treated with Truxima (rituximab) for non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL). Be sure to contact your doctor right away if you have a rapid or unexplained weight gain or fluid retention (edema), nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or lack of energy when using Truxima, as you may need immediate medical care. Continue reading
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Drug information
- Truxima Information for Consumers
- Truxima prescribing info & package insert (for Health Professionals)
- Side Effects of Truxima (detailed)
- Truxima user reviews (4)
Related support groups
- Truxima (5 questions, 4 members)
- Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL) (27 questions, 57 members)
- Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma (18 questions, 39 members)