Rituximab
Trade Name:
Rituxan
Type of Drug:
Rituximab is a monoclonal antibody that belongs to the general class of synthetic substances called biologic response modifiers. It is used to treat certain lymphomas that have lymphocytes with the CD20 receptor.
How Drug Works:
A monoclonal antibody is a protein that fits like a lock and key with a protein on the cancer cell. Rituximab (antibody) attaches to the CD20 protein (antigen) on certain cancerous lymphocytes (white blood cells). Once it attaches to the cells, it brings other immune cells to help kill the cancer cells.
How Drug Is Given:
Rituximab is given as an injection in a vein weekly for 4 weeks. The first infusion is given very slowly to see if you have a reaction. Later infusions are given a little faster if you tolerated the first one well. You will probably get other medicine to prevent a reaction if you have any trouble. The dose depends on your weight and the reason you are taking the drug. Tell your nurse if you begin to feel different at all during the treatment.
Read the following information. If you do not understand it or if any of it causes you special concern, check with your doctor.

Before taking this drug, tell your doctor:

  • If you are trying to become pregnant, are pregnant, or breastfeeding. This drug may cause birth defects if either the male or female is taking it at the time of conception or during pregnancy. Men and women who are taking this drug need to use some kind of birth control. However, do not use oral contraceptives ("the pill") without checking with your doctor.

  • If you think you may want to have children in the future. Many chemotherapy drugs can cause sterility.

  • If you have any of the following medical problems: chickenpox or exposure to chickenpox, gout, heart disease, congestive heart failure, shingles, kidney stones, liver disease, or other forms of cancer.

  • If you are taking any other prescription or over-the-counter drugs, including vitamins and herbals.
Should I avoid any other medicines, foods, alcohol, and/or activities?
Your prescription and nonprescription medicines may interact with other drugs, causing harm. Certain foods or alcohol can also interact with drug products. Never begin taking a new medicine"prescription or nonprescription"without asking your doctor or nurse if it will interact with alcohol, food, or other medicines. Some drug products can cause drowsiness and affect activities such as driving.
Precautions:
While you are being treated with rituximab, and after you stop treatment, do not have any immunizations (vaccinations) without your doctor's okay. Try to avoid contact with people who have recently taken the oral polio vaccine. Check with your doctor about this.
Rituximab can often cause allergic reactions (fever and chills), especially the first treatment. Rarely, decreased blood pressure, swelling of face, and coughing can occur. Tell your nurse or doctor right away if you get a fever or chills, hives, nausea, itching, headache, shortness of breath, or swollen tongue or throat during your treatment. Your nurse will stop the infusion and evaluate you.
Tell all the doctors, dentists, and pharmacists you visit that you are taking this drug.
  • Most of the following side effects probably will not occur.
  • Your doctor or nurse will want to discuss specific care instructions with you.
  • They can help you understand these side effects and help you deal with them.
Side Effects:
More Common Side Effects
  • Allergic reaction with first infusion
Less Common Side Effects
  • Allergic reaction with second and later infusions
  • Nausea
  • Itching
  • Hives
  • Rash
  • Headache
  • Swelling of tongue or throat
Rare Side Effects
  • Tiredness (fatigue)
  • Cough with shortness of breath
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Decreased blood pressure
  • Flushing of face
  • Increased heart rate
  • Vomiting
  • Irregular heartbeat
  • Muscle aches
  • Dizziness
  • Decreased platelet count with increased risk of bleeding
  • Decreased white blood cell count with increased risk of infection
Side Effects / Symptoms of the Drug

Tell your doctor or nurse right away if you develop shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, have a fever over 100.5¡F, have symptoms of infection such as coughing up sputum or burning when urinating, unusual bruising, or bleeding such as nosebleeds, bleeding of gums when you brush your teeth, or black, tarry stools.
Other side effects not listed above can also occur in some patients. Tell your doctor or nurse if you develop any problems.
FDA Approval: This drug is approved for cancer treatment.