History & Overview Annual Report President's Pages Center News Community Affairs
Make a Gift Fred's Team Donating Blood & Platelets Volunteering Thrift Shop Park Avenue Potluck Cookbook
Press Releases Information for Journalists News@MSKCC
Manhattan New Jersey Long Island Westchester
Working at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Work Sites College Recruitment About Nursing Job Fairs & Career Days Job Search & Apply Online
Making an Appointment
Recommended Links
Resources on other
Web sites

Also Known As: Rituxan™, Mabthera, C2B8

Rituximab is a genetically engineered monoclonal antibody, a type of protein which helps fight foreign invaders in the body. It works by attaching to a substance called CD20 that is on the surface of lymphoma cells and on normal B-cells, a type of white blood cell that helps fight infection and develop immunity. The monoclonal antibody then causes the B-cells and lymphoma cells to die or to be cleared from the body.

Rituximab is usually given once a week for a period of four consecutive weeks or in combination with chemotherapy.

How It Is Given:

Intravenously (by vein, IV)

Side Effects:

The following early side effects are usually related to the infusion of rituximab and can last for several hours after the completion of the infusion. They occur within 30 minutes to 2 hours of the beginning of the first infusion and occur significantly less with later infusions.

  • Fever
  • Chills
  • Nausea
  • Itching
  • Fatigue
  • Headache
  • Wheezing or difficulty breathing
  • A sensation of swelling of the tongue or throat
  • Runny nose
  • Vomiting
  • Low blood pressure, and possibly dizziness
  • Pain at sites where there is lymphoma

Late side effects include:

  • A temporary decrease in the number of platelets, the cells that help clot blood
  • A decrease in the number of B cells
  • Rarely, a late toxic skin reaction

Special Points:

  • Benadryl® (diphenhydramine), Tylenol® (acetaminophen), and possibly Ativan® (lorazepam) will be administered as premedications before the rituximab infusion to help minimize the risk of an allergic reaction. If you are given diphenhydramine or lorazepam, you cannot drive; someone must escort you home.
  • Tell your doctor or nurse if you are taking any other medications, including over-the-counter preparations that do not require a prescription, herbal remedies, vitamins, or dietary supplements.

Call Your Doctor or Nurse If You Have:

  • A fever of 100.5° F (38° C) or higher.
  • Excessive vomiting.
  • An inability to eat or drink.
  • Black bowel movements, bruising, faint red rash, or other signs of bleeding.
  • Severe fatigue.
  • Severe pain that does not resolve within a couple of hours of treatment.
  • Skin lesions.
  • Any questions, concerns, or any unexplained problems.
PrintEmail This Page