Rituxan Infusion Therapy

Rituxan is a biologic therapy that is indicated to treat:

• moderately to severely active rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and currently taking methotrexate

What Is Rituxan?  

Rituxan (rituximab) is a prescription medication administered for patients in all IVX Health centers via IV infusion. 

How Rituxan Works  

Rituxan works by targeting immune cells called B-cells. Overactive B-cells are believed to play a role in the symptoms and joint damage of rheumatoid arthritis. 

What Is Rituxan Used For?  

Doctors order rituximab to treat: 

• moderately to severely active rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and currently taking methotrexate

Rituxan Infusion Dosage and Administration 

Patients receive rituximab intravenously. Treatment time for a Rituxan infusion at a medical clinic like IVX Health usually lasts 4-6 hours for the first treatment and 2-3 hours for the following treatments. 

Dosage and Frequency  

Rituxan is administered in “courses”. Each course consists of two 1-gram infusions given two weeks apart. The courses are separated by 6 months for a total of 4 infusions per year. 

Administering Rituxan via IV Infusion  

1. The nurse prepares the patient’s arm by using rubbing alcohol to sterilize the location that is being used to insert the IV needle.
2. Following needle insertion, the IV line is held in place with tape. 
3. The nurse attaches the patient’s IV line to the line coming down from the bag of medication. 

Every half-an-hour, the patient’s nurse takes his or her vitals. 

Rituxan Infusion Side Effects  

As with all medications, side effects are possible. 

Common side effects of Rituxan include: 

• Infusion-related reactions 
• Infections 
• Body aches 
• Tiredness 
• Nausea 
• Low white and red blood cell counts 
• Swelling 
• Diarrhea 
• Muscle spasms 

Additional more serious side effects include: 

• Tumor lysis syndrome 
• Serious infections 
• Heart problems 
• Kidney problems 
• Stomach and serious bowel problems 
• Severe skin and mouth reactions 

How To Prepare for a Rituxan Infusion  

It is essential that patients inform their physician if they currently have, or have had, any of the conditions listed below: 

• A severe reaction to Rituxan or a rituximab product 
• A history of heart problems, irregular heartbeat, or chest pain 
• Lung or kidney problems 
• A serious or recurring infection 
• A weakened immune system 
• Any other medical conditions 
• Are currently taking any medications, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements 

Before treatment, patients should get a good night’s sleep. In addition, they need to drink an adequate amount of fluid and eat a meal before their Rituxan IV infusion treatment at IVX Health. 

During treatment with Rituxan, patients need to avoid receiving live vaccines. 

How to Get a Referral for Rituxan IV Infusions  

Every Rituxan referral must be accompanied by a physician’s order for treatment. 

• Patient information should include: 
• Name 
• Current address 
• Home and mobile phone number 
• Insurance information 

Information the physician must include on the patient’s order for Rituxan IV therapy: 

• Patient’s name and DOB 
• Order date 
• Diagnosis 
• Physician’s name and NPI# 
• Office address, phone, and fax numbers 
• Provider’s signature 

Supporting clinical documentation from the physician should include: 

• Patient’s current weight and height 
• Hepatitis B status & date 
• Most recent CBC results 
• Patient has moderately to severely active rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and is currently taking methotrexate 

If you or someone you care about has one of the conditions that Rituxan infusions treat, you may want to learn more about IV infusion treatments with rituximab. To find an IVX Health infusion center near you, please click here.

Patients chose IVX Health to receive their ongoing Rituxan treatments because:

• ALL private suites
• Comfortable recliners, with chairs for guests
• Evening & weekend appointments
• Friendly clinical staff deliver personal service
• Big screen TVs, high-speed WiFi, free snacks