Rituximab
Say it: rih-TUX-ih-mab · Brand names: Rituxan, Rituxan Hycela, Truxima, Ruxience, Riabni
Rituximab is a targeted antibody medicine that marks certain blood cancer cells so your immune system can destroy them.
What it is
Rituximab sticks to a protein called CD20 on B cells, a type of white blood cell. This marks the cells, both cancer and healthy ones, for your immune system to destroy. Healthy B cells usually come back over several months after treatment ends.
Often used for
- non-Hodgkin lymphoma, such as follicular lymphoma and diffuse large B-cell lymphoma
- chronic lymphocytic leukemia
- some lymphomas and leukemias in children
- some non-cancer conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis
How you get it
Most people get rituximab as an infusion into a vein. The first infusion is given slowly and can take several hours, and later ones are often faster. One form is a shot under the skin that takes a few minutes, given after at least one full infusion. It may be given weekly, every 3 or 4 weeks with chemotherapy, or every few months as maintenance. Your schedule may be different.
Common side effects and what helps
- Fever, chills, or shaking during the first infusion. Your team will slow or pause the infusion if needed.
- Infections, such as colds. Wash your hands often and avoid sick people.
- Feeling tired. Rest and short walks can help.
- Low white blood cells. Your team will check your blood.
- Nausea. Eat small, bland meals.
- Night sweats. Use light bedding and keep the room cool.
- Itching or rash. Use gentle soap and unscented lotion.
Call your care team right away if you have
- Trouble breathing, wheezing, chest pain, swelling of the face or throat, or feeling faint during or after the infusion
- Painful sores or blisters on the skin, lips, or mouth, or peeling skin
- Yellow skin or eyes, dark urine, or very bad tiredness (possible signs of hepatitis B coming back)
- Confusion, trouble thinking, loss of balance, trouble speaking, or vision changes
- A fever of 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit (38 degrees Celsius) or higher
- Very bad belly pain
Before you start, tell your team
- If you have ever had hepatitis B or a liver problem
- If you have heart or lung problems
- If you have an infection now or get infections often
- If you have recently had or are planning to get a vaccine
- If you are pregnant, may become pregnant, or are breastfeeding
- All the medicines, vitamins, and herbal products you take
Good to know
- Serious infusion reactions can happen, most often with the first infusion. You will get medicines before each infusion and be watched closely.
- You will have a blood test for hepatitis B before you start. Rituximab can make an old hepatitis B infection active again.
- A rare but serious brain infection called PML can happen. Tell your team right away about any changes in thinking, balance, speech, or vision.
- Do not get live vaccines during treatment. Ask your team which vaccines are safe.
- This medicine may harm an unborn baby. Use birth control during treatment and for 12 months after the last dose.
Questions to ask
- How long will my first infusion take?
- Do I need a hepatitis B test or medicine to prevent hepatitis B?
- Which vaccines should I get, and when?
- Will I get rituximab as an infusion or a shot under the skin?
Part of these treatment plans
Side effect guides
- Fatigue (tiredness)
- Nausea and vomiting
- Low white blood cells and infection risk
- Skin rash (including EGFR-inhibitor rash)
Sources
Quick answers
- What is Rituximab?
- Rituximab is a targeted antibody medicine that marks certain blood cancer cells so your immune system can destroy them. Brand names: Rituxan, Rituxan Hycela, Truxima, Ruxience, Riabni.
- What is Rituximab used for?
- non-Hodgkin lymphoma, such as follicular lymphoma and diffuse large B-cell lymphoma; chronic lymphocytic leukemia; some lymphomas and leukemias in children; some non-cancer conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis.
- How is Rituximab given?
- Most people get rituximab as an infusion into a vein. The first infusion is given slowly and can take several hours, and later ones are often faster. One form is a shot under the skin that takes a few minutes, given after at least one full infusion. It may be given weekly, every 3 or 4 weeks with chemotherapy, or every few months as maintenance. Your schedule may be different.
- What are the common side effects of Rituximab?
- Fever, chills, or shaking during the first infusion. Infections, such as colds. Feeling tired. Low white blood cells. Nausea. Night sweats. Itching or rash.
- When should I call my care team while taking Rituximab?
- Trouble breathing, wheezing, chest pain, swelling of the face or throat, or feeling faint during or after the infusion; Painful sores or blisters on the skin, lips, or mouth, or peeling skin; Yellow skin or eyes, dark urine, or very bad tiredness (possible signs of hepatitis B coming back); Confusion, trouble thinking, loss of balance, trouble speaking, or vision changes; A fever of 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit (38 degrees Celsius) or higher; Very bad belly pain.
- Which chemotherapy plans include Rituximab?
- DA-EPOCH-R, FCR, IBR, R-CHOP, R-DHAP, R-GemOx, RICE.
Last updated: 2026-10-27. Medically reviewed by Veli Bakalov, MD, medical oncologist (October 2026). General education from Step by Step, the patient portal of HemeOncBuddy.