About RITUXAN
What to expect

What to Expect With RITUXAN Treatment

When you're starting or considering RITUXAN treatment, it's good to know what to expect. Review this section to learn more. Find out about:

The RITUXAN infusion experience


Healthy lifestyle tips


Important safety information


Preparing for your RITUXAN infusion

RITUXAN therapy does not require much preparation on your part. However, there are a few things to keep in mind for infusion day.

Review the checklist below before each infusion to make sure you are ready.

  • Read the Medication Guide—Talk to your doctor if you have any questions about your treatment with RITUXAN
  • Ask questions—Be sure to tell your doctor or nurse about any concerns you have before beginning your infusion
  • Pack something to eat or drink—There are no special rules about what you should eat or drink before an infusion. But you may be at the clinic most of the day. So you may want to bring some snacks or a packed meal
  • Bring activities—You may want to bring activities such as crossword puzzles or a book to read to help you pass the time
  • Arrange transportation—The medicines to reduce side effects may make you drowsy or dizzy, so it is a good idea to have someone else drive you home after treatments
  • Ask your doctor or nurse about your medicine—If you take any other medicines, remind your doctor or nurse. Your doctor may give you special instructions that day
 
 

Prepare for infusion day

Download or print your infusion day checklist.

   
 
 

Watch videos to learn more about RITUXAN infusions

A patient shares his thoughts on his first infusion experience.

A leading oncologist discusses possible infusion reactions and how they can be managed.

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

Next Section Your RITUXAN Infusion

Indications

RITUXAN® (Rituximab) is indicated for the treatment of patients with:

  • Previously untreated follicular, CD20-positive, B-cell NHL in combination with first-line chemotherapy and, in patients achieving a complete or partial response to RITUXAN in combination with chemotherapy, as single-agent maintenance therapy
  • Non-progressing (including stable disease), low-grade, CD20-positive, B-cell NHL, as a single agent, after first-line CVP chemotherapy
  • Previously untreated diffuse large B-cell, CD20-positive NHL in combination with CHOP or other anthracycline-based chemotherapy regimens
  • Relapsed or refractory, low-grade or follicular, CD20-positive, B-cell NHL as a single agent

People with serious infections should not receive RITUXAN.

Important Safety Information

  • RITUXAN can cause serious side effects that can lead to death, including infusion reactions, tumor lysis syndrome (TLS; kidney failure due to fast breakdown of cancer cells), severe skin and mouth reactions, and progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML; a rare, serious brain infection).
  • RITUXAN has also been associated with serious and life-threatening side effects, including the return of active hepatitis B virus infection with sudden and serious liver problems including liver failure, and death, other serious infections that can lead to death, heart problems, kidney problems, and stomach and serious bowel problems including blockage and tears in the bowel that can sometimes lead to death.
  • The most common side effects of RITUXAN seen in patients with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma were infusion reactions, fever, chills, low white blood cells, infections, body aches, and tiredness. Before starting treatment with RITUXAN it is important to talk to your doctor about your medical history.
  • Tell your doctor about any side effect that bothers you or that does not go away. These are not all of the possible side effects with RITUXAN. For more information, ask your doctor.

Please see full Prescribing Information, including Medication Guide.

CVP=cyclophosphamide, vincristine, and prednisone or prednisolone; CHOP=cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisone.