Your First Course of Treatment
Rituxan® (rituximab) is given as an intravenous (IV) infusion, along with methotrexate. If you’ve never had an infusion before, there are a few things you should know:
- Infusions are used to treat a variety of conditions and are given by a trained healthcare professional
- Your doctor's office will schedule appointments for your first 2 Rituxan infusions, which may be given at your doctor’s office, an infusion center, or a hospital
- Infusions may take more time than other forms of treatment, but in RA, they’re usually given less often. Each Rituxan infusion generally lasts 4 to 6 hours, so plan accordingly. Take something along to help pass the time
- Before each infusion, be sure to review the Rituxan Medication Guide and discuss it with your healthcare provider
- Side effect information: You may be given additional medicine before each infusion to reduce the risk of infusion reactions. Infusion reactions were the most common side effect of Rituxan treatment. In studies, less than 1% of reactions were serious, and most were mild, manageable, and occurred within 24 hours. If you experience any discomfort during or after treatment, seek immediate medical attention
Learn more about Rituxan side effects
