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Rituximab ( rih-TUKS-ih-mab ) (Rituxan®) What is this medication used for? Rituximab, a monoclonal antibody, is used to treat autoimmune diseases and certain types of cancers such as non-Hodgkin lymphoma and some tyles of leukemias.
• Nausea and vomiting • Diarrhea • Swelling of the arms and legs • Runny nose • Pain at the injection site • Dry mouth • Kidney damage • Obstruction or blockage of the intestine Special instructions:
What does it look like? • Liquid How is it given?
• Into the vein (IV) or venous access device What are the common side effects? • Flu-like symptoms including fever, chills, nausea, and feeling tired (fatigue, malaise) What are the less common side effects? • Low blood pressure • Headache • Itching (pruritus) • Low blood counts (red blood cells, white blood cells, hemoglobin, or platelets) • Stomach (abdominal) pain
• Another medication will be administered before a rituximab dose to help prevent flu-like symptoms and allergic reactions. • Vital signs will be watched closely. If you take blood pressure medication, let your healthcare provider know when the last dose was taken. • Patients taking rituximab are closely monitored for clinical laboratory signs of active hepatitis B virus during treatment and for several months afterward, because this medication can reactivate hepatitis B.
• Muscle pain • Night sweats • Rash • Dizziness • Cough • Allergic reactions • Feeling tired (fatigue, malaise) • Sore throat • Irregular heartbeat
Notes from Your Healthcare Team
Not all of the possible side effects of this medicine and precautions related to taking it are covered in this information sheet. For a complete list of side effects and precautions, ask your healthcare professional (doctor, nurse, pharmacist) for a manufacturer’s package insert or another reference.
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