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How do you prepare for a Rituxan infusion?

Medically reviewed by Kristianne Hannemann, PharmD. Last updated on March 27, 2025.

Official Answer by Drugs.com

Key Points

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

Preparing at Home

Related questions

What to Bring

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

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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.

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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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