How do you prepare for a Rituxan infusion?
Key Points
- Rituxan (rituximab) may be administered via intravenous infusion.
- Preparation includes discussing medications, conditions, and vaccinations with your doctor.
- Your first infusion may take 4-6 hours, with subsequent ones being shorter.
What Is Rituxan and How Is It Given?
Rituxan (rituximab) is an antibody therapy that can be given alone or in combination with chemotherapy. It targets a protein called CD20 and is used for the treatment of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL) and chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), as well as other conditions.
Rituxan may be administered via an intravenous infusion, which involves administering the therapy through a needle placed in a vein in your arm. Your infusion will take place at an infusion center.
How to Prepare for a Rituxan Infusion
Before Your Infusion: What to Discuss with Your Doctor
- Medications, vitamins and supplements: Inform your doctor about all the medications you take, including prescription medication, over-the-counter (OTC) medications, vitamins and supplements. It’s especially important that you mention if you have taken a tumor necrosis factor (TNF) inhibitor medication or a disease modifying anti-rheumatic drug (DMARD).
- Medical conditions: Share your medical history with your doctor, including any history of heart, lung, kidney issues, or if you have a weakened immune system.
- Infections: Notify your doctor about any infections you may have, including chronic ones such as hepatitis B virus (HBV).
- Vaccinations: Tell your doctor about any recent or scheduled vaccinations. Include ones for yourself, as well as those given to other members of your household.
- Blood tests and screening: Get any blood tests done that your doctor recommends, including screening for HBV and a complete blood count. Confirm with your doctor the best timing for your blood tests in relation to your scheduled infusion.
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding: Inform your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding.
Preparing at Home
- Read. Read your Medication Guide for Rituxan and ask your doctor about any questions you have.
- Address any concerns early. If you have any urgent concerns or questions then don’t wait for your scheduled infusion. Contact your doctor for advice.
- Arrange transportation. It can help to have someone drive you to and from your appointments, especially for your first infusion. Sometimes the medications you need alongside your Rituxan infusion can make you drowsy or dizzy, so you may find you always need someone to drive you home.
- Allow time. Leave in plenty of time so that you are not late for your appointment. Also, plan on being at the infusion center for a while. Your first Rituxan infusion is likely to take 4-6 hours or more because extra care is taken to monitor for infusion-related reactions. Subsequent infusions are likely to take 3-4 hours or less.
- Review visitor policies. Check with your infusion center first, but you should be able to take another adult along to keep you company.
- Arrange childcare. Young children may not be allowed in the infusion center.
- Plan what to wear. Wear comfortable clothing. Layers are ideal. Avoid strong smelling fragrance because other patients may be sensitive to the smell.
Related questions
- What are the new drugs for rheumatoid arthritis (RA)?
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What to Bring
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Paperwork: Ensure you have any required paperwork and your insurance card and identification.
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Food and drink. Pack a drink and something to eat - you'll be there a while.
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Activities. Pack something to pass the time - a book, crossword puzzle or device and some headphones for example.
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Medications.Pack medications, such as regular pain medication, you may need during your infusion.
During and after your infusion you may experience side effect or adverse reactions that make you feel unwell. Stay in close contact with your healthcare provider for any concerns.
This is not all the information you need to know about Rituxan. Always review the full prescribing information and consult your doctor for personalized guidance.
References
- Rituxan. Rituxan therapy. How you will receive Rituxan. [Accessed April 29, 2020]. Available online at: https://www.rituxan.com/patient/starting-rituxan/rituxan-infusion-process.html.
- Rituxan. Rituxan therapy. Preparing for your Rituxan infusion. [Accessed April 29, 2020]. Available online at: https://www.rituxan.com/patient/starting-rituxan/rituxan-infusion-process/preparing-for-infusion.html.
- Fox Chase Cancer Center. Infusion Therapy Guide for Patients. [Accessed April 29, 2020]. Available online at: https://www.foxchase.org/sites/fccc/files/assets/FCCC_InfusionGuide.pdf.
Read next
How long does it take for Rituxan to work?
Patients treated with Rituxan may notice an early response within 7-8 weeks of treatment. Most rheumatoid arthritis patients will notice some improvement in their symptoms, such as improvement in their levels of pain and inflammation, within 16 weeks of starting treatment with Rituxan. Continue reading
What are biosimilar drugs and how do they compare to biologics?
A biosimilar is a biological product that is similar to a reference biologic (usually the originally approved product) and for which there are no clinically meaningful differences in terms of safety, purity, and potency. The most recently approved biosimilar is Starjemza (ustekinumab-hmny), an interchangeable biosimilar to Stelara, cleared by the FDA on May 22, 2025.
Continue reading
Does Rituxan cause hair loss?
It’s possible for Rituxan (rituximab) to cause hair loss. This includes losing hair anywhere on your body, such as your head, legs, eyebrows, and eyelashes. Hair loss (alopecia) does not seem to be a common side effect of Rituxan. Continue reading
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Drug information
- Rituxan Information for Consumers
- Rituxan prescribing info & package insert (for Health Professionals)
- Side Effects of Rituxan (detailed)
- Rituxan user reviews (53)
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