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Learn MoreImmunotherapy
Brand names:
Rituxan®, Riabni®, Ruxience®, Truxima®
Other names:
Anti-CD20 Monoclonal Antibody, C2B8 Monoclonal Antibody
Rituximab is a type of medicine called a monoclonal antibody. It is used to treat certain types of cancer and autoimmune diseases, including immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) and autoimmune hemolytic anemia (AIHA).
Rituximab works by suppressing the immune system. It prevents B-cells in the immune system from attacking healthy cells. Disorders that cause the body’s own antibodies to attack healthy cells are called autoimmune disorders.
Rituximab is called immunotherapy because it uses the patient’s immune system to attack targeted cells. It is also called targeted therapy because it targets specific cells.
Rituximab may be used along with other medicines. This medicine may be given in the hospital.
It may take several hours to receive a rituximab infusion. The care team will check your child’s blood pressure, heart rate, breathing, and temperature during the infusion. This helps the care team watch for side effects.
Your child will have regular blood tests to check for changes in liver function and blood counts.
Given into a vein by IV
Symptoms of an allergic reaction may include rash, hives, itching, runny nose, fever, chills, headache, muscle ache, shortness of breath, coughing, tightness in the throat, dizziness, low blood pressure, pain in the chest, side, or back, swelling of the face or neck.
Not all patients who take rituximab will have these side effects. Common side effects are in bold, but there may be others. Please report any symptoms or side effects to your care team. Find more information on side effects.
In rare cases, there can be severe side effects. If your child experiences the following, tell your care team right away.
Be sure to discuss all questions and instructions with your care provider or pharmacist.