Rituximab

Uses

Rituximab is used in the treatment of non-Hodgkin lymphoma, rheumatoid arthritis, chronic lymphocytic leukemia, granulomatosis with polyangiitis, and microscopic polyangiitis.

How it Works

How Rituximab works Rituximab is a monoclonal antibody that targets the unwanted activity of immune cells (B cells) in rheumatoid arthritis and certain types of cancers.

Side Effects

Common side effects of Rituximab include headache, weakness, infection, chills, decreased white blood cell count (neutrophils), fever, infusion site reaction, lymphopenia, abdominal pain, and back pain.

Expert Advice

It is administered as a drip (intravenous infusion) by your doctor or nurse.
You may receive painkillers, antihistamines, and possibly steroids before the drip to help prevent infusion reactions.
Your doctor may order blood tests to check for hepatitis B before treatment and to monitor your blood cells during treatment with this medicine.
Inform your doctor immediately if you notice any signs of infection, such as fever, sore throat, or rash.
Notify your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to conceive, or breastfeeding.
Inform your doctor if you have any heart rhythm problems, are undergoing surgery, or plan to receive any vaccinations.

Other Combinations

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