Communication on updated recommendations for management of hepatitis B reactivation in patients treated with MabThera® (rituximab)

Roche would like to inform healthcare professionals of an update in the management of hepatitis B activation in patients treated with MabThera®. Hepatitis B virus (HBV) screening was initially recommended in patients at risk for HBV infection before initiation of treatment with MabThera®. As of August 2012, the crude reporting rates of hepatitis B reactivation associated with the use of MabThera® were 0.017% and 0.006% in haemato-oncology and in autoimmune diseases, respectively. Based on current data and updated clinical guidelines, Roche recommends HBV screening in all patients before the initiation of treatment with MabThera® in all indications, and that patients with positive HBV serology should consult with a liver disease specialist before start of treatment. The MabThera® package insert will be updated to reflect the new recommendations. Please refer to the letter for more information.
Healthcare professional, Therapeutic Products
Published:

Dear Healthcare Professional Letters

12 Dec 2019

Only abstracts of the Dear Healthcare Professional Letters (DHCPL) are provided on this website. Details of the letters can be found on the MOH Alert System, which is accessible via the Health Professionals Portal (HPP). HPP is a one-stop portal for all healthcare professionals in Singapore. Dentists, medical doctors and pharmacists may access HPP at https://www.moh.gov.sg/hpp/, and follow the procedures below to access the MOH Alert system.

Step 1: On the top navigation ribbon of webpage, select 'For Healthcare Professionals' followed by 'Health Professionals Portal' and click on the choice of profession. User will be redirected to the specific HPP webpage for the selected profession.

Step 2: Click on the Restricted Content icon on the left panel of webpage and login via SingPass.

Step 3: Click on the MOH Alert icon under ‘Applications’ section

Step 4: Click on the Drug Alert tab to view the DHCPLs.