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In this Article

• What is rituximab (Rituxan)?
• What are the possible side effects of rituximab (Rituxan)?
• What is the most important information I should know about rituximab (Rituxan)?
• What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before receiving rituximab (Rituxan)?
• How is rituximab given (Rituxan)?
• What happens if I miss a dose (Rituxan)?
• What happens if I overdose (Rituxan)?
• What should I avoid while receiving rituximab (Rituxan)?
• What other drugs will affect rituximab (Rituxan)?
• Where can I get more information?

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before receiving rituximab (Rituxan)?

Do not receive this medication if you have ever had a severe allergic reaction to rituximab, or if you are allergic to mouse protein.

If you have any of these other conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely receive rituximab:

• liver disease or hepatitis B (or if you are a carrier of hepatitis B);
• kidney disease;
• systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE);
• lung disease or a breathing disorder;
• a history of heart disease, angina (chest pain), or heart rhythm disorder; or
• a recent or active infection, including herpes, shingles, cytomegalovirus, or any infection that keeps coming back or does not clear up.

FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether rituximab is harmful to an unborn baby. Before you receive this medication, tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment.

It is not known whether rituximab passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not take rituximab without telling your doctor if you are breast feeding a baby.

Older adults may be more likely to have side effects from rituximab, causing breathing difficulty or heart rhythm problems.

How is rituximab given (Rituxan)?

Rituximab is given as an injection through a needle placed into a vein. The medicine must be given slowly through an IV infusion. You will receive this injection in a clinic or hospital setting.

Before you receive rituximab, you may be given other medications to prevent certain side effects that rituximab can cause.

The medicine is usually given once per week for 4 to 8 weeks. In the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, you may receive only two injections of rituximab, with 2 weeks in between treatments.

If you take any medications for high blood pressure, your doctor may ask you not to take them within 12 hours before you receive rituximab. This is to prevent your blood pressure from getting too low during your rituximab infusion. Follow your doctor's instructions.

To be sure rituximab is not causing harmful effects, your blood will need to be tested on a regular basis. Your kidney or liver function may also need to be tested. Do not miss any scheduled appointments.

If you have hepatitis B you may develop liver symptoms after you stop using this medication, even months after stopping. Your doctor may want to check your liver function at regular visits for several months after you stop using rituximab. Do not miss any scheduled visits.

If you need to have any type of surgery, tell the surgeon ahead of time that you are being treated with rituximab.