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Rituximab

Pronounced

"rye-TUX-ih-mab"

Common brand names:

Rituxan

Uses

Rituximab is used to treat certain types of cancer (such as non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, chronic lymphocytic leukemia). It works by slowing or stopping the growth of cancer cells.

Some brands of rituximab are also used to treat rheumatoid arthritis and can decrease joint pain and swelling. This drug is also used to treat certain types of blood vessel disease (such as granulomatosis with polyangiitis, microscopic polyangiitis) and can decrease the swelling of the blood vessels. Rituximab is also used to treat a certain skin condition (pemphigus vulgaris). It helps to reduce the number of skin lesions.

This monograph is about the following rituximab products: rituximab, rituximab-abbs, rituximab-arrx, and rituximab-pvvr.

How to Use This Medication

Read the Medication Guide provided by your pharmacist before you start using rituximab and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Your doctor should prescribe other medications (such as acetaminophen, an antihistamine, methylprednisolone) for you to take before each treatment to help reduce side effects, such as fever and chills. Carefully follow your doctor's instructions.

This medication is given by slow injection into a vein by a health care professional as directed by your doctor. The dosage and treatment schedule are based on your medical condition, body size, and response to treatment.

RxAnswers™ is a copyrighted combined product from TraceGains and First DataBank, Inc.

Drug information is selected from data included with permission and copyrighted by First DataBank, Inc. This is a summary and does not contain all possible information about this product. For complete information about this product or your specific health needs, ask your healthcare professional. Always seek the advice of your healthcare professional if you have any questions about this product or your medical condition. This information is not intended as individual medical advice and does not substitute for the knowledge and judgment of your healthcare professional. This information does not contain any assurances that this product is safe, effective or appropriate for you.

This information is intended only for residents of the United States. Products sold under the same brand names in other countries may contain different ingredients.

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Information expires December 2025.