Health Center

Hematology-Oncology Medical Group of the San Fernando Valley

Drugs that are not chemotherapy

Rituximab injection

What does rituximab injection do?

RITUXIMAB (Rituxan®) is a of protein that interferes with the way certain cells grow and multiply. Rituximab is used to treat non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. It may be given as a single medicine or as part of a regimen containing chemotherapy. Generic rituximab injections are not yet available.

What should my health care professional know before I receive rituximab?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

·bleeding problems

·blood disorders

·chest pain

·difficulty breathing

·heart disease or an abnormal heart rhythm

·infection (especially virus infection such as chickenpox or herpes)

·history of a heart attack

·low blood pressure

·an unusual or allergic reaction to rituximab, abciximab, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives

·pregnant or trying to get pregnant

·breast-feeding

How should I use this medicine?

Rituximab is for infusion into a vein. It is administered in a hospital or clinic setting by a health care professional. Rituximab is given as regular schedule, usually as one dose per week for 4 weeks.

What if I miss a dose?

It is important not to miss a dose. Notify your prescriber or health care professional if you are unable to keep an appointment.

What other medicines can interact with rituximab?

·medicines for high blood pressure

·vaccines

Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including nonprescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.

What side effects may I notice from receiving rituximab?

Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:

Rare or uncommon:

·severe dizziness

·palpitations

·sore throat

·swelling or tightening of the throat or tongue

·vomiting

·swelling in the ankles or feet

·unusual tiredness or weakness

More common:

·chills

·difficulty breathing

·fever

·rash or hives

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

·loss of appetite

·mild dizziness

·flushing

·headache

·itching

·muscle aches

·nausea

·night sweats

·runny nose

·stomach pain

What do I need to watch for while I receive rituximab?

During the infusion of rituximab, you may experience changes in your breathing, fever, chills, dizziness or lightheadedness. These effects are more common with the first infusion. If you start to experience any of these side effects, notify your health care professional right away.

If you are taking medicines for high blood pressure, discuss with your prescriber or health care professional whether or not you should take this medicine before you receive rituximab. Rituximab may cause additional decreases in blood pressure.

Visit your prescriber or health care professional for checks on your progress. You will need to have regular blood checks. The side effects of rituximab can continue after you finish your treatment; report side effects promptly.

Rituximab may make you feel generally unwell. This is not uncommon because rituximab affects good cells as well as cancer cells. Report any side effects as above, but continue your course of medicine even though you feel ill, unless your prescriber or health care professional tells you to stop.

While you are using rituximab you may be more susceptible to infection. Try to avoid people with colds, flu, and bronchitis. Do not have any vaccinations without your prescriber's approval.

Call your prescriber or health care professional for advice if you get a fever, chills or sore throat. Do not treat yourself.

Rituximab can cause blood problems. This can mean slow healing and a risk of infection. Try to avoid cutting or injuring yourself. Problems can arise if you need dental work, and in the day to day care of your teeth. Try to avoid damage to your teeth and gums when you brush or floss your teeth.

Where can I keep my medicine?

Rituximab is administered in a hospital or clinic setting by an appropriate healthcare professional. The medication will be in a bag of fluid and will be given to you through an IV catheter.

NOTE: This information is not intended to cover all possible uses, precautions, interactions, or adverse effects for this drug. If you have questions about the drug(s) you are taking, check with your health care professional.

[ Revised 2/12/99]

This information was obtained from Clinical Pharmacology 2000 . For more information about this drug or about any other drug, click here.

Return to the Hematology-Oncology Medical Group of the San Fernando Valley Home Page