Rituximab Eye Medicine: Uses, Brands & Dosage

Rituximab is a powerful medicine used in eye care to treat certain severe autoimmune eye conditions by reducing the activity of your immune system.

Drug class	Biologic (Anti-CD20)
Type	Single
Forms	Intravenous Infusion
Common strength	100 mg / 500 mg vial
Common Indian brands	MabThera, Reditux, Ristova
Prescription status	Prescription (hospital use)

What Rituximab is used for

Rituximab is a specialized medicine prescribed by eye specialists for specific severe autoimmune conditions affecting the eyes. These conditions occur when your body’s immune system mistakenly attacks its own healthy tissues.

Ocular mucous membrane pemphigoid: This is a rare, chronic autoimmune disease that causes inflammation and scarring of the mucous membranes, including those in the eyes. It can lead to severe dry eyes, redness, and in advanced stages, vision loss due to corneal damage and eyelid abnormalities.
Refractory scleritis: Scleritis is a painful inflammation of the sclera, the white outer layer of the eyeball. ‘Refractory’ means it has not responded well to other standard treatments, indicating a more severe or persistent form of the disease.
Granulomatosis with polyangiitis with eye involvement: This is a rare, serious autoimmune disease that causes inflammation of blood vessels in various organs, including the eyes. Eye involvement can range from redness and pain to more severe issues affecting vision.

By treating these underlying autoimmune processes, Rituximab aims to reduce inflammation, prevent further damage, and preserve vision.

How it works

Rituximab is an immunomodulator, specifically a biologic medicine known as an Anti-CD20 antibody. To understand how it works, imagine your immune system has different types of cells that fight off infections. In autoimmune diseases, some of these cells, called B cells, become overactive and mistakenly attack your body’s own healthy tissues, including those in your eyes.

Rituximab works by targeting and depleting these specific B cells. It attaches to a protein called CD20 found on the surface of these B cells, marking them for destruction by your immune system. By reducing the number of these problematic B cells, Rituximab helps to calm down the overactive immune response that is causing the inflammation and damage in your eyes. This helps to reduce the autoimmune attack and control the disease.

It’s important to understand that this medicine doesn’t completely eliminate all B cells, nor does it permanently suppress your immune system. It specifically targets the B cells that are driving the autoimmune attack, allowing your body to recover and reduce inflammation.

How it’s used

Rituximab is administered as an intravenous (IV) infusion, which means it is given directly into your vein through a drip. This is not a medicine you can take at home yourself.

You will receive Rituximab in cycles, meaning you will have several infusions over a period of time, as prescribed by your rheumatologist or uveitis specialist. The exact dosing schedule, including the strength (100 mg or 500 mg vial) and frequency of infusions, will be carefully determined by your specialist based on your specific condition, its severity, and your response to treatment. Each infusion will take several hours, and you will be closely monitored by healthcare professionals throughout the process.

It is crucial to attend all your scheduled infusion appointments and follow your doctor’s instructions precisely. Do not miss any doses or stop treatment without consulting your specialist, as this could affect the effectiveness of the medicine and the control of your condition.

Always follow your ophthalmologist’s exact instructions.

Brands available in India

MabThera
Reditux
Ristova

Brand availability and pricing vary; confirm with your pharmacist.

Please note

Powerful medicine that suppresses the immune system. Screening for tuberculosis and hepatitis is usually required before starting, and it raises the risk of infection. Used only under specialist supervision with regular monitoring. This is given only by specialists in a hospital or clinic setting and is never for self-use.

Precautions & side effects

Rituximab is a powerful medicine that requires careful consideration and monitoring. Here are important precautions:

Specialist Supervision: This medicine is always given under the direct supervision of a rheumatologist or a uveitis specialist. These doctors have specialized knowledge in managing autoimmune conditions and the use of such potent medications.
Infection Screening: Before starting Rituximab, you will undergo thorough screening for infections. This usually includes tests for tuberculosis (TB) and hepatitis (B and C). This is because Rituximab suppresses your immune system, which can increase your risk of developing new infections or reactivating old, dormant ones.
Increased Risk of Infection: Because Rituximab suppresses the immune system, it significantly raises your risk of various infections. You must report any signs of infection (fever, chills, sore throat, cough, unusual fatigue, skin rashes, pain during urination) to your doctor immediately.
Hospital/Clinic Use Only: This medicine is given only by specialists in a hospital or clinic setting. It is never for self-use at home.
Regular Monitoring: You will require regular monitoring by your specialist throughout your treatment. This may include blood tests to check your blood cell counts, liver and kidney function, and to monitor for any signs of infection or other side effects.
Allergic Reactions: While rare, some patients may experience allergic reactions during or after the infusion. You will be closely monitored for any signs of an allergic reaction, such as rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, or breathing difficulties.
Vaccinations: Discuss your vaccination history and any planned vaccinations with your doctor before starting Rituximab, as some vaccines may not be safe or effective while on this treatment.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding, it is crucial to discuss this with your doctor before starting Rituximab.

Always communicate openly with your specialist about your medical history, any other medicines you are taking, and any concerns you may have during your treatment.

Understanding Autoimmune Eye Conditions

Our eyes are incredibly complex and vital organs, and sometimes, our body’s own defense system, the immune system, can mistakenly turn against them. This leads to what are known as autoimmune eye conditions. Instead of attacking foreign invaders like bacteria or viruses, the immune system starts attacking healthy tissues in the eyes, causing inflammation, damage, and potentially affecting vision. Conditions like ocular mucous membrane pemphigoid, refractory scleritis, and granulomatosis with polyangiitis with eye involvement are examples of such diseases. These conditions can cause a range of symptoms, including redness, pain, blurred vision, sensitivity to light, and in severe cases, can lead to scarring and permanent vision loss if not properly managed. The goal of treatment for these conditions is to calm down the overactive immune response, reduce inflammation, prevent further damage, and preserve your precious eyesight.

Living with a chronic eye condition can be challenging, but with the right medical care and support, it is possible to manage symptoms and maintain a good quality of life. At Pristine Eye Hospitals, our specialists are dedicated to providing comprehensive care and support for patients with complex eye conditions. We understand the impact these conditions can have and are here to guide you through your treatment journey.

General Advice for Eye Care and Hygiene

While Rituximab is administered intravenously and not directly into the eye, maintaining good general eye hygiene and care is always important, especially when dealing with an underlying eye condition. Here are some general tips:

Hand Hygiene: Always wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before touching your eyes or the area around them. This helps prevent the introduction of germs that could lead to infections, which is particularly important when your immune system is suppressed.
Avoid Rubbing Eyes: Try to avoid rubbing your eyes, as this can irritate them further and potentially cause damage, especially if you have an inflammatory condition.
Protect Your Eyes: Wear sunglasses outdoors to protect your eyes from harmful UV rays and environmental irritants like dust and wind. If you are in dusty or windy environments, consider wearing protective eyewear.
Regular Eye Check-ups: Even if you are undergoing treatment, regular follow-up eye examinations with your ophthalmologist are crucial to monitor the health of your eyes, detect any changes, and adjust your treatment plan as needed.
Contact Lenses: If you wear contact lenses, discuss this with your eye specialist. In some inflammatory eye conditions, or when your immune system is suppressed, it might be advisable to temporarily discontinue contact lens use or follow very strict hygiene protocols.
Diet and Lifestyle: A balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and omega-3 fatty acids can support overall eye health. Staying hydrated and avoiding smoking are also beneficial for your general well-being.

When to Seek Medical Help

It is crucial to be vigilant and know when to contact your doctor or seek immediate medical attention, especially when you are on a powerful medicine like Rituximab. Here are some situations that warrant prompt medical advice:

Signs of Infection: As Rituximab suppresses your immune system, you are at a higher risk of infections. Report any signs of infection immediately, such as fever (especially if it’s 100.4°F or higher), chills, persistent cough, sore throat, unusual fatigue, body aches, painful urination, or any new skin rashes or sores.
New or Worsening Eye Symptoms: If you experience any sudden changes in your vision, increased eye pain, severe redness, discharge from your eyes, extreme light sensitivity, or any other new or worsening eye symptoms, contact your ophthalmologist or specialist without delay.
Allergic Reaction Symptoms: Although you will be monitored during your infusion, if you develop any signs of an allergic reaction after leaving the hospital, such as rash, itching, hives, swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat, dizziness, or difficulty breathing, seek emergency medical attention immediately.
Unusual Bleeding or Bruising: Report any unusual bleeding, such as nosebleeds, bleeding gums, or easy bruising, to your doctor.
Any Other Severe or Concerning Symptoms: If you experience any other severe or unexplained symptoms that concern you, do not hesitate to contact your specialist or seek medical advice. It is always better to err on the side of caution when your health is involved.

Always keep a list of your current medications and your doctor’s contact information readily available. Open communication with your healthcare team is key to managing your condition effectively and safely.

Frequently asked questions

What is Rituximab used for in eye care?

Rituximab is used to treat specific severe autoimmune eye conditions where the immune system mistakenly attacks the eyes. These include ocular mucous membrane pemphigoid, refractory scleritis (scleritis that hasn't responded to other treatments), and granulomatosis with polyangiitis when it affects the eyes.

How does Rituximab work?

Rituximab works by targeting and reducing the number of specific immune cells called B cells. In autoimmune diseases, these B cells are overactive and cause inflammation and damage in the eyes. By depleting these B cells, Rituximab helps to calm down the immune system's attack on your eye tissues.

What are the common brands of Rituximab available in India?

In India, some common brands of Rituximab include MabThera, Reditux, and Ristova.

How is Rituximab administered?

Rituximab is given as an intravenous (IV) infusion, meaning it is delivered directly into your vein through a drip. It is administered in cycles, as prescribed by your specialist, in a hospital or clinic setting.

Do I need a prescription for Rituximab?

Yes, Rituximab is a prescription-only medicine and is used exclusively in a hospital or clinic setting under the supervision of a specialist. It is never for self-use.

What are the key precautions I should be aware of with Rituximab?

Rituximab is a powerful medicine. Key precautions include that it must be given under a rheumatologist or uveitis specialist, you will need infection screening (like for tuberculosis and hepatitis) before starting, and it raises your risk of infection. You will also require regular monitoring by your specialist.

References

Medically reviewed by Dr. C Jagadesh Reddy, Chief Surgeon: Cornea, Cataract and Refractive Surgery — last reviewed 2026-07-28.

This page is for general education only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Never self-medicate or reuse an old prescription. Always consult a qualified ophthalmologist before starting, changing or stopping any eye medicine.