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Rituximab
Rituximab is a drug that is administered intravenously to treat non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, chronic lymphocytic leukemia, and other conditions. Common side effects of this prescription medication include fever, infections, and chills. Before using it, let your healthcare provider know if you have any medical problems, such as diabetes, any current infection, or cold sores.
What Is Rituximab?
Rituximab (Rituxan®) is a prescription medication approved for treating the following conditions:- Wegener's granulomatosis (WG)
- Microscopic polyangiitis (MPA).
(Click What Is Rituximab Used For? for more information on this topic, including possible off-label uses.)
Are There Side Effects?
Just like any medicine, rituximab may cause side effects. However, not everyone who uses the drug will experience problems. In fact, most people tolerate it quite well. If side effects do occur, in most cases, they are minor and either require no treatment or are treated easily by you or your healthcare provider. Serious reactions are less common.Some of the most common side effects include but are not limited to:
- Fever
- Infections
- Chills
- Infusion reactions.
(Click Side Effects of Rituximab to learn more, including potentially serious problems you should report immediately to your healthcare provider.)
Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD