What to expect

My first infusion took a little longer than the others. That's because my doctor wanted to watch for any infusion reactions.

{Brenda, living with Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis}

How Rituxan is given

Rituxan is given as an intravenous (IV) infusion once weekly for 4 weeks. An IV infusion is given to you through a needle that's placed in a vein. Here are some things you should know about IV infusions:

• Infusions are used to treat a variety of conditions and are given by a trained professional in a doctor's office, an infusion center, or a hospital
• The first Rituxan infusion is given at a slower rate than following infusions in order to closely monitor infusion reactions. If symptoms do occur, they are more likely to happen during the first infusion than during following infusions
• Your first Rituxan infusion may take 3 to 5 hours. If you experience reactions during the infusion, they are usually manageable. To help manage reactions, the infusion is slowed or stopped
• Rituxan infusions can result in some serious, sometimes life-threatening side effects. In the study of people with GPA and MPA, most reactions were mild and manageable
• Infusion reactions with Rituxan may include fever, chills and shakes, itching, and coughing. If you experience any type of reaction, be sure to talk with your doctor
• Before each infusion, be sure to review the Rituxan Medication Guide and discuss it with your doctor
• Rituxan can lower certain blood cell counts. Your doctor may do blood tests during treatment with Rituxan to check your blood cell counts. Be sure to schedule any visits that require lab tests.

This information does not take the place of talking to your doctor about your medical condition or your treatment. Talk with your doctor if you have any questions about your treatment with Rituxan.

Managing side effects

When you take medication, side effects are a concern. That's why it is so important to learn all you can about Rituxan and the possible side effects that can occur when you receive Rituxan therapy. Be sure to ask your doctor or nurse what you can do to help minimize possible side effects of Rituxan.

This information does not take the place of talking to your doctor about your medical condition or your treatment. Talk with your doctor if you have any questions about your treatment with Rituxan. To learn more, please see the Medication Guide.

Infusion reactions: Infusion reactions are the most common side effect of Rituxan treatment. Serious infusion reactions can happen during your infusion or within 24 hours after your infusion of Rituxan. Your doctor should give you medicines before your infusion of Rituxan to decrease your chance of having a severe infusion reaction. Tell your doctor or get medical help right away if you get any of these symptoms during or after an infusion of Rituxan:

• hives (red itchy welts) or rash
• itching
• swelling of your lips, tongue, throat or face
• sudden cough
• shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, or wheezing
• weakness
• dizziness or feel faint
• palpitations (feel like your heart is racing or fluttering)
• chest pain

Fever, chills, and shaking: These common side effects of Rituxan usually happen during the infusion. That is why infusions are given in a doctor's office by a trained professional so they can help manage the process and tend to any reactions you may experience.

The following information may help you prepare:

• The doctor may give you certain medicines before infusions to help reduce side effects such as acetaminophen (Tylenol^®) and diphenhydramine HCI (Benadryl^®)
• Due to the possibility of infusion reactions, the first infusion may take most of the day, but later infusions may take less time. Be sure to schedule enough time for the infusion, and take activities such as crossword puzzles or a book to help you pass the time
• Take an extra sweater to help you stay warm in case the room is chilly

Some tips for your Rituxan infusion

Here are some helpful tips for your Rituxan infusion:

• Remember to set aside enough time—your first infusion may take 3 to 5 hours. Following infusions may take slightly less time than your first. But they will still last several hours, so make sure you set aside enough time in your day
• Be mindful of how you feel—even if you didn't experience side effects from previous infusions, you should still be mindful of how you feel. If you do experience any side effects, be sure to report them to your doctor right away
• Take someone with you—you may find it nice to have this time to yourself and a loved one, so take someone along and pass the time catching up
• Take activities—next time you may want to take activities such as crossword puzzles or a book to read to help you pass the time
• Eating and drinking—there are no special rules about what you should eat or drink before an infusion. You may, however, be at the infusion facility for the better part of the day. So consider taking some snacks or packing a meal
• Additional medications—as always, remember to let your doctor or nurse know about any medications or supplements you're taking
• Review the Medication Guide—before each infusion, remember to review the Medication Guide and ask your doctor any questions you may have