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Cancer Treatment Information

Treatment Options > Chemotherapy > OncoLink Rx

Rituximab (Rituxan®)

Hematology-Oncology Patient/Family Education Comittee
Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania
Last Modified: November 1, 2001

Rituximab ( ri TUK si mab)
Other Name: Rituxan®

How it is given:	Rituxan is injected into a vein.
How it works:	Rituximab slows or stops the growth of cancer cells in your body.

Side Effects And Precautions

Let your doctor or nurse know if you have any allergies and what medications you are currently taking, both prescription and over the counter medications. This includes vitamins, herbs, nutritional supplements and any recreational drugs. Ask your doctor about drinking alcoholic beverages. Not everyone experiences side effects during chemotherapy and most side effects are temporary. The side effects that you may experience are:

Common Side Effects

Fever and chills
May occur during the treatment, generally within 30 minutes to 2 hours of beginning the first infusion. This is less common after the first treatment.
What to do: Your doctor may give you diphenhydramine (Benadryl ®) and acetaminophen (Tylenol ®) before your treatment. During the infusion, if you experience lightheadedness, fever, chills, or shakes inform your doctor or nurse immediately. Additional medications may be given to alleviate your discomfort. Your infusion may be slowed or temporarily stopped.

Allergic Reactions
May occur during the treatment, generally within 30 minutes to 2 hours of beginning the first infusion. This is less common after the first treatment.
What to do: Let your doctor or nurse know if you have difficulty breathing or swallowing, develop itching or a rash. Medication may be given to decrease these symptoms. Your infusion may be slowed or temporarily stopped.

Uncommon Side Effects

Nervous system changes
Dizziness may occur during the treatment, generally within 30 minutes to 2 hours of beginning the first infusion. Less common after the first treatment.
What to do: Call your doctor or nurse if you feel dizzy or lightheaded.

Decrease in blood pressure and irregular heart beat
May occur during the treatment, generally within 30 minutes to 2 hours of beginning the first infusion. Less common after the first treatment.
What to do: Notify your doctor or nurse if you feel a lightheaded, dizzy, sweaty, nauseated, or short of breath. Your nurse will check your heart rate and blood pressure frequently during the infusion. Ask your doctor about not taking blood pressure medications before your treatment.

Muscle pain and joint pain
You may experience bone pain, joint pain, or muscle aches with this treatment.
What to do: Let your doctor know of any discomfort that you may experience.

Nausea and Vomiting
What to do: Take your anti-nausea medications as prescribed. Try to drink 6-8 glasses of fluid a day. Avoid eating fatty foods, large meals, and acidic foods (e.g. tomatoes, lemons, oranges, grapefruits) and spicy or hot foods when you feel nauseated. Call your doctor or nurse if you are unable to keep fluids down for more than 12 hours or if you feel lightheaded or dizzy at any time.

Decrease in the number of white blood cells (neutropenia)
Puts you at risk of infection.
What to do: Call your doctor or nurse for a fever of 100.4 F or greater. Avoid people with the flu or colds. When working in your yard, wear protective clothing including long pants and gloves. Do not handle pet waste. Keep all cuts or scratches clean. Shower or bath daily and refer to Chemotherapy and You (NCI, 1997) for mouth care. Do not cut cuticles or ingrown nails. You may wear nail polish but not fake nails. Ask your doctor or nurse before scheduling dental appointments or procedures. Ask you doctor or nurse before you or a family member has any vaccinations.

Decrease in platelets (thrombocytopenia)
Puts you at risk for bruising and bleeding.
What to do: Call your doctor or nurse if you notice any unusual bruising or bleeding. Do not floss or use toothpicks. Use a soft-bristle toothbrush or cotton swab. Ask your doctor or nurse before scheduling dental appointments or procedures. Use an electric razor to avoid cuts. Do not use medication containing aspirin or ibuprofen without asking your doctor or nurse.

Decrease in red blood cells (anemia)
Causes loss of energy.
What to do: Call your doctor or nurse if you feel more tired than usual or short of breath while doing normal activities.