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RITUXAN® (rituximab) Coverage / Reimbursement
RITUXAN® (rituximab) DIN 02241927
Roche Patient Assistance Program 1-888-748-8926
The Roche Patient Assistance Program is a service for patients who require reimbursement and infusion support for Roche oncology, hematology and rheumatology therapies that are approved by Health Canada. Services include call centre support; financial assistance; reimbursement navigation; infusion coordination (if required); and coordination of distribution and pharmacy services. For more information about the program, please call toll-free 1-888-748-8926. For rheumatologists who wish to print off a Patient Enrollment Form, please click here.
RITUXAN is an eligible benefit through some private insurance plans. While RITUXAN is not currently listed on the provincial/ territorial drug benefit program formularies (it is under review), these programs do have special authorization or exception drug mechanisms which allow a physician to request coverage of RITUXAN for individual patients. Please choose the appropriate drug plan/program from the sidebar menu for specific information on RITUXAN reimbursement.
Indication in Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)
RITUXAN in combination with methotrexate is indicated to reduce signs and symptoms in adult patients with moderately to severely active rheumatoid arthritis who have had an inadequate response or intolerance to one or more tumour necrosis factor (TNF) inhibitor therapies.
(RITUXAN is also indicated for use in other areas. Please consult the RITUXAN Product Monograph for other indications)
Contraindications
RITUXAN is contraindicated in patients with known Type I hypersensitivity or anaphylactic reactions to murine proteins, Chinese hamster ovary cell proteins or to any component of this product (see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS in the Product Monograph).
Warnings
Several adverse reactions are associated with RITUXAN, some of which are severe and life-threatening (see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS: NON-HODGKIN’S LYMPHOMA in the Product Monograph). No infusion reactions in the RA population were fatal. This drug should only be used by health professionals experienced in treating rheumatoid arthritis in a setting where medications and supportive care measures for the treatment of hypersensitivity reactions, eg., epinephrine, antihistamines, glucocorticoids are immediately available in the event of an allergic reaction during administration (see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION in the Product Monograph).
Common Adverse Events
Please see the RITUXAN Product Monograph
Resources for Healthcare Professionals and Patients
The Arthritis Society web site
American College of Rheumatology web site
Arthritis Consumer Experts web site
RITUXAN Product Monograph click on Health Professional Information for the full product monograph
® Registered Trade-Mark of IDEC Pharmaceuticals Corporation, used under license by Hoffmann-La Roche Limited
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