Infusion pages Get Tools and Tips for Infusion Day

Watch a step-by-step video of the infusion process, create a checklist for infusion day, download activities you can do during the infusion, and more.

Visit the Infusion Day Resource Center now
R
About RITUXAN

Important Safety Information

Understanding RITUXAN Infusion Reactions

RITUXAN® is given by infusion—through a needle placed in a vein. When side effects occur during the infusion, they are called infusion reactions. 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 can also cause serious side effects, some of which may be life-threatening. Be sure to read the Medication Guide and full Prescribing Information before each RITUXAN treatment.

Your doctor may prescribe medication before each infusion to reduce side effects. And if reactions occur, they can usually be managed with standard medical care.

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.

Why do infusion reactions happen?

When RITUXAN enters the body, it sticks to B-cells that are circulating in the blood by attaching to a marker (called CD20) on their surface. In doing this, the B-cells may clump together, break down, and release substances called cytokines. Cytokines are part of your body’s natural immune response. One of their jobs is to raise your body temperature. But when B-cells are broken down, they may release a large amount of cytokines, which can cause fever, chills, and shakes.

The first infusion of RITUXAN usually reduces the B-cells in the bloodstream that have the CD20 marker. And they will stay at low levels for many weeks. So during the second infusion, there aren’t as many B-cells in the blood to release cytokines. While reactions may still occur, the possibility of having them is lower.

What if infusion reactions occur?

It’s common to have side effects during infusions, especially the first infusion. For that reason, the first infusion of RITUXAN is given slowly. The first time, your infusion may take 4 to 6 hours or more. After your first treatment, you may experience fewer reactions. That means your treatments may take less time. But everyone is different, and some treatments may be shorter or longer.

It is common for you to be given acetaminophen (Tylenol®) and diphenhydramine HCl (Benadryl®) before the RITUXAN infusion to reduce side effects. If infusion reactions occur, they are usually manageable. But if there is a particularly worrisome reaction, it may be necessary to completely stop the infusion. Once the effects of the reaction have gone away, your doctor may decide to start the infusion again at a slower rate.

Watch Oliver Press, MD, discussing cytokines and their role in RITUXAN infusion reactions

Oliver Press, MD, discussing cytokines and their role in RITUXAN infusion reactions

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.

Indications and Important Safety Information

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

  • Relapsed or refractory, low-grade or follicular, CD20-positive, B-cell NHL as a single agent
  • Previously untreated follicular, CD20-positive, B-cell NHL in combination with CVP chemotherapy
  • 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

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).
  • Infusion Reactions
    Serious infusion reactions can happen during your infusion or within 24 hours of receiving RITUXAN. Your doctor should give you medicines before your infusion of RITUXAN to decrease your chance of having a severe infusion reaction. If a serious reaction occurs, the infusion may be stopped and you should receive medical care. Tell your doctor or get medical help right away if you get any of these symptoms: hives 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, or chest pain.
  • Tumor Lysis Syndrome (TLS)
    TLS is caused by the fast breakdown of cancer cells and can occur after treatment with RITUXAN. TLS can cause you to have kidney failure and the need for dialysis treatment. TLS may also cause abnormal heart rhythm. Your doctor may give you medicines to help prevent TLS and do blood tests to check you for TLS.
  • Severe Skin and Mouth Reactions
    Severe skin and mouth reactions can occur in patients who receive RITUXAN.
  • Progressive Multifocal Leukoencephalopathy (PML)
    PML is a rare, serious brain infection caused by a virus. People with a weakened immune system can get PML. Tell your doctor right away if you have any of the following symptoms: confusion or problems thinking, loss of balance, change in the way you walk or talk, decreased strength or weakness on one side of your body, blurred vision or loss of vision.
  • 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 in patients with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL) include: infusion reactions, fever, chills, low white blood cells, infections, body aches, and tiredness. The most common serious side effect in NHL patients was low white blood cells.
  • 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.

Next Section Managing Side Effects