Rituximab

• Infusion reaction (Fever, wheeziness, a rash or fall in blood pressure or you may feel unwell) during or shortly after the infusion.
• Inform the nurse who is giving you the infusion so they can slow the rate down.
• Mild nausea and vomiting may occur
• There are medications available, which may prevent or decrease these side effects. If you are given these medications, take them as directed
• Diarrhea
• Joint and muscle pain or weakness

​Inform your healthcare professional if:

• You are allergic to rituximab, other proteins which are like rituximab, or any of the other ingredients of this medicine
• You have an active infection at the moment
• You have a weak immune system.
• You have severe heart failure or severe uncontrolled heart disease.
• You are pregnant, think that you might be pregnant or are planning to become pregnant. This is because rituximab can cross the placenta and may affect your baby.
• You are planning to breastfeed
• You are planning for any vaccination
• You are planning for any surgery
• You have or have ever had viral hepatitis or any other liver disease
  

Always check with your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking any other medicine, including medicines on prescription from your GP, medicines bought from a pharmacy or any herbal or complementary medicines.

• Rituximab is given through a drip into a vein (intravenous infusion) in hospital by a specially trained nurse. The first infusion takes around six hours, although following infusions will be a bit shorter.
• Before you are given rituximab you will be prescribed other medications to reduce possible side effects from the infusion such as pain and fever.
• Usually two infusions are given two weeks apart.  
  

​If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. Then take your next dose at the usual time. Do not take two doses to make up for the missed dose. (or change to whatever is appropriate).