| Summary: | The coverage of rituximab, under the various government-sponsored drug plans, includes a maximum of two courses per year; rituximab is not currently reimbursed for maintenance treatment. In 2007, the Canadian Agency for Drugs and Technologies in Health reviewed rituximab under the Common Drug Review. Rituximab was given a positive recommendation, however the Committee noted that the evidence for repeated doses was insufficient and that retreatment should be considered only in patients who achieved a response followed by a loss of effect. Clinicians would like to prescribe rituximab to patients, prior to a flare or loss of effect. Therefore, a review of the evidence is needed to support the administration of rituximab as regularly scheduled therapy to maintain remission or low disease activity in patients with moderate to severe rheumatoid arthritis
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