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Patient information - Non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) - Rituximab

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It is important to understand that rituximab is not a traditional chemotherapy drug and has a different way of working. It is an immunotherapy treatment (also called anticancer drug) that works with your immune system to detect and destroy cancer cells. Immunotherapy can potentially affect any organ of the body.

The treatment schedule below explains how the immunotherapy drug for this treatment is given.

Rituximab
This treatment cycle is repeated every 7 days. Your doctor will tell you how many treatment cycles you will have.
Day Treatment How it is given How long it takes
1 Rituximab (ri-TUX-i-mab) By a drip into a vein 1st cycle: About 4 to 6 hours

Cycles thereafter: About 3 to 4 hours

Anticancer drugs (drugs used to treat cancer) can sometimes cause serious problems. It is important to get medical help immediately if you become unwell.

Emergency

IMMEDIATELY go to your nearest hospital Emergency Department, or contact your doctor or nurse if you have any of the following at any time:

Emergency contact details

Ask your doctor or nurse from your treating team who to contact if you have a problem

 

  • a temperature of 38ºC or higher
  • chills, sweats, shivers or shakes
  • shortness of breath
  • uncontrolled vomiting or diarrhoea
  • pain, tingling or discomfort in your chest or arms
  • you become unwell.
Daytime:
Night/weekend:
Other instructions:

During your treatment immediately tell the doctor or nurse looking after you if you get any of the following problems: 

  • leaking from the area where the drugs are being given 
  • pain, stinging, swelling or redness in the area where the drugs are being given or at any injection sites
  • a skin rash, itching, feeling short of breath, wheezing, fever, shivers, or feeling dizzy or unwell in any way (allergic reaction).

Treatment delays

There may be times when your treatment is delayed. This can happen if your doctor thinks you are likely to have severe side effects, if you get severe side effects, if your blood counts are affected and causing delays in treatment, or if you are finding it hard to cope with the treatment. Your doctor will explain if you need any delays to your treatment and the reason why.

Blood tests and monitoring

Anti-cancer drugs can reduce the number of blood cells in your body. You will need to have regular blood tests to check that your blood cell count has returned to normal. If your blood count is low, your treatment may be delayed until it has returned to normal. Your doctor or nurse will tell you when to have these blood tests.

Central venous access devices (CVADs)

Your treatment may be given through a central venous access device (CVAD).  Your doctor or nurse will explain this to you. For more information, see the eviQ patient information sheets on CVADs.

Medications for blood pressure

Rituximab may lower your blood pressure. Tell your doctor if you are taking any blood pressure medications. Your doctor may advise you to temporarily stop your blood pressure medications before your rituximab infusions.

Other medications given during this treatment

  • Rituximab premedication: before your treatment with rituximab you will need to take some tablets called a premedication to help prevent you from having a reaction to the rituximab. 
  • Supportive medicines: you may need to take some medicines to help stop infections and to help stop or lower some of the side effects of your treatment. Your doctor or nurse will tell you how and when to take these medicines.

Cancer treatments can cause damage to normal cells in your body, which can cause side effects. Everyone gets different side effects, and some people will have more problems than others.

The table below shows some of the side effects you may get with this treatment. You are unlikely to get all of those listed and you may also get some side effects that have not been listed.

Tell your doctor or nurse about any side effects that worry you. Follow the instructions below and those given to you by your doctor or nurse.

Immediate (onset hours to days)

Allergic reaction

  • Allergic reactions are uncommon but can be life threatening.
  • If you feel unwell during the infusion or shortly after it, or:
    • get a fever, shivers or shakes
    • feel dizzy, faint, confused or anxious
    • start wheezing or have difficulty breathing
    • have a rash, itch or redness of the face

While you are in hospital: Tell your doctor or nurse immediately.

After you leave: Contact your doctor or nurse immediately, or go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department.

Flu-like symptoms

  • You may get: 
    • a fever
    • chills or sweats 
    • muscle and joint pain 
    • a cough
    • headaches.
  • Tell your doctor or nurse if you get any of the symptoms listed above. 
  • Tell your doctor or nurse immediately, or go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department if you have a temperature of 38°C or higher.

Headache

  • You can take paracetamol if you have a headache.
  • Tell your doctor or nurse immediately, or go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department if you get a very bad headache that is not helped by pain medication.

Early (onset days to weeks)

Infection risk (neutropenia)

  • This treatment lowers the amount of white blood cells in your body. The type of white blood cells that help to fight infection are called neutrophils. Having low level of neutrophils is called neutropenia. If you have neutropenia, you are at greater risk of getting an infection. It also means that your body can’t fight infections as well as usual. This is a serious side effect, and can be life threatening.
  • Wash your hands often.
  • Keep a thermometer at home and take your temperature regularly, and if you feel unwell.
  • Do your mouth care regularly.
  • Inspect your central line site (if you have one) daily for any redness, pus or swelling.
  • Limit contact with people who are sick.
  • Learn how to recognise the signs of infection.
  • Ask your doctor or nurse for eviQ patient information - Infection during cancer treatment.
  • Tell your doctor or nurse immediately, or go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department if you get any of the following signs or symptoms:
    • a temperature of 38°C or higher
    • chills, shivers, sweats or shakes
    • a sore throat or cough
    • uncontrolled diarrhoea
    • shortness of breath
    • a fast heartbeat
    •  become unwell even without a temperature.

Low platelets (thrombocytopenia)

  • This treatment lowers the amount of platelets in your blood. Platelets help your blood to clot. When they are low, you are at an increased risk of bleeding and bruising.
  • Try not to bruise or cut yourself.
  • Avoid contact sport or vigorous exercise. 
  • Clear your nose by blowing gently.
  • Avoid constipation.
  • Brush your teeth with a soft toothbrush.
  • Don't take aspirin, ibuprofen or other similar anti-inflammatory medications unless your doctor tells you to.
  • Tell your doctor or nurse if you have any bruising or bleeding. 
  • Tell your doctor or nurse immediately, or go to your nearest hospital Emergency Department if you have any uncontrolled bleeding.

Tiredness and lack of energy (fatigue)

  • You may feel very tired, have no energy, sleep a lot, and not be able to do normal activities or things you enjoy.
  • Do not drive or operate machinery if you are feeling tired.
  • Nap for short periods (only 1 hour at a time)
  • Prioritise your tasks to ensure the best use of your energy.
  • Eat a well balanced diet and drink plenty of fluids (unless you are fluid restricted).
  • Try some gentle exercise daily.
  • Allow your friends and family to help.
  • Tell your doctor or nurse if you get any of the symptoms listed above.

Nausea and vomiting

  • You may feel sick (nausea) or be sick (vomit).
  • Drink plenty of fluids (unless you are fluid restricted).
  • Eat small meals more frequently.
  • Try food that does not require much preparation.
  • Try bland foods like dry biscuits or toast.
  • Gentle exercise may help with nausea.
  • Anti-sickness medication is usually not needed but may help in some people.
  • Ask your doctor or nurse for eviQ patient information - Nausea and vomiting during cancer treatment. 
  • Tell your doctor or nurse immediately, or go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department if you have uncontrolled vomiting or feel dizzy or light-headed.

Skin rash

  • You may get a red, bumpy rash and dry, itchy skin. 
  • Moisturise your skin with a gentle non-perfumed moisturising cream like sorbolene or aqueous cream.
  • Do not scratch your skin.
  • Protect your skin from the sun by wearing sun-protective clothing, a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses and sunscreen of SPF 50 or higher.
  • Talk to your doctor or nurse about other ways to manage your skin rash.

Late (onset weeks to months)

Low red blood cells (anaemia)

  • You may feel dizzy, light-headed, tired and appear more pale than usual.
  • Tell your doctor or nurse if you have any of these signs or symptoms. You might need a blood transfusion.
  • Tell your doctor or nurse immediately, or go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department if you have any chest pain, trouble breathing, or feel like your heart is racing.

Changes in the way your brain works [progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML)]

  • This treatment can affect your central nervous system. This can be very serious.
  • Tell your doctor or nurse immediately, or go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department if you get any of the following symptoms:
    • trouble with your speech or vision
    • confusion or memory loss
    • changes in your personality 
    • weakness in your arms and legs
    • poor balance or coordination
    •  fits (seizures).

Blood clot risk

  • Cancer and anticancer drugs can increase the risk of a blood clot (thrombosis).
  • Tell your doctor if you have a family history of blood clots.
  • A blood clot can cause pain, redness, swelling in your arms or legs, shortness of breath or chest pain.
  • If you have any of these symptoms go to your nearest hospital Emergency Department.

Medications and vaccinations

  • Before you start treatment, tell your doctor and pharmacist about any medications you are taking, including over-the-counter products, vitamins or herbal supplements. 
  • Don’t stop or start any medications during treatment without talking to your doctor and pharmacist first.
  • Paracetamol is safe to take if you have a headache or other mild aches and pains. It is recommended that you avoid taking aspirin, ibuprofen and other anti-inflammatory type medications for pain while you are having treatment. However, if these medications have been prescribed by your doctor, do not stop taking them without speaking with your doctor.
  • Do not have any vaccinations without discussing with the doctor who is managing your cancer treatment.
  • People you live with should be fully vaccinated, including having live vaccines according to the current vaccination schedule. Extra care needs to be taken with hand washing and careful disposal of soiled nappies for infants who have recently received the rotavirus vaccine.

Other medical and dental treatment

  • If you go to hospital or any other medical appointment (including dental appointments), always tell the person treating you that you are receiving anticancer drugs.
  • Before you have any dental treatment, talk to your doctor. 

Diet and food safety 

  • While you are receiving this treatment it is important that you try to maintain a healthy diet.
  • Speak to your doctor or nurse about whether drinking alcohol is safe with your treatment.
  • If you have any concerns about recent weight loss or weight gain or questions about your diet, ask to speak to a dietitian.
  • Avoid drinking or cooking with untreated water (e.g. water from rainwater tanks, bores or rivers) due to risk of contamination. If you intend to drink or cook with rainwater, you should bring it to a boil and allow the water to cool down before drinking or cooking with it. For more information see the NSW Health - Rainwater tanks opens in a new tab or window webpage.
  • There are some foods that may cause infection in high risk individuals and should be avoided. For more information on foods to avoid and food hygiene please ask for a copy of the Listeria and food brochure opens in a new tab or window.

Fertility

  • Some cancer treatments can reduce your fertility. This can make it difficult or impossible to get pregnant or father a child.
  • Talk to your doctor or nurse before you start any treatment. Depending on your situation there may be fertility sparing options available to you and/or your partner, discuss these with your doctor or nurse. 

Pregnancy and breastfeeding 

  • Some cancer treatments can be dangerous to unborn babies. Talk to your doctor or nurse if you think there is any chance that you could be pregnant.
  • Do not try to get pregnant or father a child during this treatment. Contraception should be used during treatment and after stopping treatment. Ask your doctor or nurse about what type of contraception you should use.
  • If you are planning pregnancy/fatherhood after completing this treatment, talk to your doctor. Some doctors advise waiting between 6 months and 2 years after treatment.
  • Do not breastfeed if you are on this treatment, as anti-cancer medications can also pass into breast milk.

Sex life and sexuality 

  • The desire to have sex may decrease as a result of this treatment or its side effects. 
  • Your emotions and the way you feel about yourself may also be affected by this treatment. 
  • It may help to discuss your concerns with your partner and doctor or nurse.

Quitting smoking

  • It is never too late to quit smoking. Quitting smoking is one of the best things you can do to help your treatment work better.
  • There are many effective tools to improve your chances of quitting.
  • Talk to your treating team for more information and referral to a smoking cessation support service.

Staying active

  • Research shows that exercise, no matter how small, has many benefits for people during and after cancer treatment.
  • Talk to your doctor before starting an exercise program. Your doctor can advise whether you need a modified exercise program.

For more information about cancer treatment, side effects and side effect management see our Patient and carers section. 

Telephone support

  • Call Cancer Council on 13 11 20 for cancer information and support
  • Call the Leukaemia Foundation on 1800 620 420 (Mon to Fri 9am­ – 5pm)
  • Call the Lymphoma Nurse Support Line on 1800 953 081 (Mon to Fri 9am - 5pm)
  • Call the Myeloma Australia Support Line on 1800 693 566 (Mon to Fri 9am - 5pm)

Haematology, transplant and cellular therapy information

General cancer information and support

Quit smoking information and support

Quitting smoking is helpful even after you have been diagnosed with cancer. The following resources provide useful information and support to help you quit smoking. Talk to your treating team about any other questions you may have.

This document is a guide only and cannot cover every possible situation. Your treating team will consider your individual situation when making decisions about your care. Contact your doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or radiation therapist if you have any questions or concerns about your treatment, or you are having problems coping with side effects. While eviQ aims to provide reliable information, eviQ and the Cancer Institute NSW do not endorse or accept responsibility for the accuracy, currency, reliability or correctness of the content of linked external information sources. Use of this document is subject to eviQ’s disclaimer available at www.eviQ.org.au

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https://www.eviq.org.au/pi/125

05 May 2025