How Assistance Works
Streamlining our patient’s specialty pharmacy experience with unmatched full-service convenience
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1. Check Your Coverage/Benefits Verification
Our team of expert billers finds the best avenues of coverage that minimize out-of-pocket costs.
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2. Transfer Prescription to AmeriPharma®
We process your prescription by working with your previous pharmacy or prescriber, making the transition quick and easy.
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3. Prior Authorization
Our team of specialists obtains approval from your insurance companies within 24 to 72 hours.
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4. Copay Assistance & Financial Aid
We secure financial aid and decrease copays, out-of-pocket expenses, and high deductibles. To date, AmeriPharma® Specialty Care has secured $55 million in financial assistance for our patients.
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5. Nursing Care Coordination If Needed
AmeriPharma® puts your schedule and home environment first when scheduling and coordinating one of our specialized nurses for your in-home infusions.
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6. Delivery Coordination
Medications are always delivered in strict compliance with the specific requirements for shipping. Next-day and overnight cold-chain deliveries are coordinated around your schedule.
What Is Rituxan?
Rituximab is also known by the brand name, Rituxin. Rituximab is a type of chemotherapy, and it is an antineoplastic (anti-cancer) drug that belongs to a class called anti-CD20 monoclonal antibodies.
Based on Rituxan, several different biosimilars have been produced, including Riabni, Ruxience, and Truxima.
Rituxan is also considered an immunosuppressant as it has a role in suppressing the immune system. Rituximab attacks the targeted cells, and some of the healthy cells are also damaged in the process.
Although it is chemotherapy, it is not considered a hazardous agent.
What Is Chemotherapy?
Chemotherapy is a cancer treatment in which certain drugs are used to kill cancerous cells. Chemotherapy drugs are usually cytotoxic chemical substances that are toxic to the cells, restrict their growth, prevent their division, and ultimately kill the cells.
How Is Rituxan Used?
Rituxan has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as a first-line agent to treat several different cancerous and non-cancerous indications including chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL), polyangiitis, pemphigus vulgaris, and rheumatoid arthritis. It is also commonly used for several other indications.
Rituxan may be used in combination with other drugs, including chemotherapy agents.
Available Formulations
Rituxan is only available as an intravenous injection. The solution in the vial should be clear/colorless.
What To Avoid While Taking Rituxan?
While on Rituxan therapy, you must follow some precautions. Always tell your physician about any medication you are already taking. Do not take any drug or medicine (even herbals or over-the-counter medications) without prior consent from your physician or pharmacist, as they may interact with Rituxan.
Avoid any kind of immunization or vaccination without prior consent from your physician. Avoid alcohol as it may enhance the side effects of the treatment. A common side effect during and immediately after treatment is dizziness; therefore, avoid driving or any task that may require concentration.
Copay and Financial Assistance
AmeriPharma™ Specialty Pharmacy alleviates financial burdens for patients and their families
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Advanced software locates funding sources to match you with top-dollar foundation programs
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One of our copay assistance specialists will assist with the application process
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Automatic updates will be sent to you and your physician on the status of the funding
Directions for Use
Rituximab is typically given over a few hours (anywhere between 3 to 8 hours), but it could be given in less time if well tolerated. This medication is typically dosed once per week. The length of infusion and frequency is dependent on the indication for use and severity. Be sure to verify the correct dose and frequency with your provider.
The typical rate for the initial infusion is 50 mg/hr and can be increased to a maximum rate of 400 mg/hr. Dilute Rituxan in an infusion bag with normal saline or 5% dextrose in water. Gently invert to mix and do not shake. Do not mix or dilute with any other medications. Any unused portion left in the vial must be discarded.
Premedication
Premedication is highly recommended prior to infusion with Rituxan to reduce the symptoms of the infusion. Premedication should be given approximately 30 minutes before infusion. Premedication options can include a pain reliever (like acetaminophen/Tylenol), an antihistamine (like diphenhydramine/Benadryl), and a steroid (like methylprednisolone).
Missed Dose
If you have missed an appointment for a Rituxan infusion, consult your physician immediately to reschedule.
Rituxan Side Effects
Serious side effects include:
- Tumor lysis syndrome (TLS)
- Serious infections
- Heart complications
- Stomach and serious bowel problems
- Bone/joint pain
- Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML)
- Kidney complications
- Severe skin and mouth reactions
- Infusion-related reactions
- Allergic reactions
Other common side effects may include:
- Weight gain
- Headache
- Fever or chills
- Stomach pain
- Diarrhea
- Heartburn
- Flushing
- Night sweats
- Weakness or fatigue
- Stuffy/runny nose
- Anxiety
- Depression
Insurances Accepted
We accept Medicare, multi-state Medicaid, Medi-Cal, Blue Shield, and most private insurances. Call us to find out more about your coverage.
Get Started in Minutes
Fill out your information and one of our specialists will call you ASAP.
How Much Can You Save?
Speak with a copay assistance specialist
(877) 778-0318
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