Your RITUXAN Infusion

The first infusion of RITUXAN is given slowly. If there is a reaction, the infusion is slowed or stopped. The first treatment may take 4 to 6 hours or more. Your doctor should prescribe medicines before each infusion of RITUXAN to reduce side effects of infusions (such as fever and chills). 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

These reactions are usually manageable. After your first treatment, your body may become more used to RITUXAN and treatments may take less time. But everyone is different, and some treatments may be shorter or longer.

Most reactions happen during the first RITUXAN infusion. Other rare, but serious, side effects can occur. Be sure to talk to your doctor about all of the side effects that are possible, even after the first RITUXAN infusion.

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.

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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.