Rituximab
Information about Rituximab
Rituximab uses
Rituximab is used in the treatment of non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL), rheumatoid arthritis, blood cancer (chronic lymphocytic leukemia), granulomatosis with polyangiitis and microscopic polyangiitis.
How rituximab works
Rituximab is a monoclonal antibody. It works by targeting the unwanted activity of immune cells (B cells) in rheumatoid arthritis and certain types of cancers.
Common side effects of rituximab
Headache, Weakness, Infection, Chills, Decreased white blood cell count (neutrophils), Fever, Infusion site reaction, Lymphopenia, Abdominal pain, Back pain, Aplastic anemia, Difficulty in swallowing, Nervousness, Depression, Coagulation disorder, Viral infection, Anaphylactic reaction, Cardiac disorder, Pulmonary fibrosis, Tumor lysis syndrome, Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy
Available Medicine for Rituximab
Expert advice for Rituximab
- It is given as a drip (intravenous infusion) by your doctor or nurse.
- You may be given some painkillers, antihistamine and possibly steroids before the drip to help prevent infusion reaction.
- Your doctor may get blood tests done 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.
- Inform your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to conceive or breastfeeding.
- Inform your doctor if you have any heart rhythm problems, if you are having surgery or if you plan to get any vaccinations.