Ruxience (rituximab-pvvr) is an FDA-approved biosimilar to Rituxan, giving patients access to the same clinical benefits — often at a lower cost, depending on your insurance plan. At Scottsdale Rheumatology Center, our physicians and infusion nurses have experience administering Ruxience for patients throughout the Scottsdale area.
A biosimilar is a biologic medication that the FDA has confirmed has no clinically meaningful differences from its reference product — in this case, Rituxan — in terms of safety, purity, and effectiveness. Ruxience underwent extensive testing before approval to demonstrate this equivalence. For patients, this means the same expected results as the original brand, often with better insurance coverage or a lower copay.
Biosimilars like Ruxience typically cost less than the original brand-name product, which is why many insurance plans place them on a preferred formulary tier. This can translate to lower out-of-pocket costs for patients and fewer delays from prior authorization requirements. Our office helps verify your specific plan's coverage before your first infusion.
Ruxience is administered the same way as other rituximab products: as a two-dose infusion series spaced two weeks apart, with retreatment scheduled based on your clinical response. Our nursing team increases the infusion rate gradually and monitors you closely throughout your visit, particularly during your first infusion.
Because Ruxience shares the same active mechanism as Rituxan, its safety profile is essentially the same. Before starting treatment, our physicians review your medical history and relevant labs, and our nursing staff monitors closely for any infusion-related reactions. Discuss your specific risk factors with your rheumatologist.
One of the main advantages of Ruxience is cost. Because it's a biosimilar rather than the original branded product, it's often significantly less expensive, which can matter for patients facing high copays or coinsurance on biologic therapy. Visit our Health Insurance page or contact our office to find out what Ruxience would cost under your specific plan.
Yes. As an FDA-approved biosimilar, Ruxience has been shown to have no clinically meaningful difference from Rituxan in safety or effectiveness.
Will Ruxience save me money compared to Rituxan?In many cases, yes — biosimilars are typically priced lower than the original brand, though your actual cost depends on your specific insurance plan.
Can I request Ruxience specifically?Talk to your rheumatologist about whether Ruxience is a good option for you; your insurance formulary often plays a role in this decision as well.
Is Ruxience given the same way as Rituxan?Yes, the infusion schedule and process are the same as with Rituxan or other rituximab-class products.
Book an appointment with Scottsdale Rheumatology Center to ask about Ruxience as a cost-effective treatment option.
Related: Rheumatoid Arthritis | Vasculitis | Health Insurance | Infusion Suite
