Rituximab
Rituximab is a monoclonal antibody medication used to treat certain cancers and autoimmune disorders. It works by targeting and destroying B-cells that express the CD20 antigen, helping to eliminate abnormal or overactive B-cells. This medication is primarily used in conditions like non-Hodgkin lymphoma, chronic lymphocytic leukemia, rheumatoid arthritis, and vasculitis.
Rituximab is a monoclonal antibody that depletes B-cells and is used to treat various cancers and autoimmune diseases.
This medication carries a boxed (black box) warning — the strongest type of FDA warning. Review the full prescribing information before use.
Key facts at a glance
- ATC
- L01FA01
- RxNorm
- 121191
- Generic
- Rituximab
- Class
- atc-l01
- Brands
- Rituxan Hycela, Truxima, Rituxan, Ruxience, Riabni
- Availability
- rx
- Lactation
- unknown
- Routes
- —
- Forms
- injection
- Regions
- US, EU, CN, JP
- Monitoring
- —
This page is for informational purposes only.
Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Dosage and administration
- Usual dose
- 375mg/m²
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- weekly for 4-8 doses
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 375mg/m²
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- weekly for 4-8 doses
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 375mg/m²
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- weekly for 4-8 doses
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
Overdose information
Special Populations
11 groupspregnancy
first trimesteravoid if possible
avoid use during pregnancy unless benefits outweigh risks; discuss potential fetal harm with patient
regular fetal monitoring including ultrasound assessments
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
pregnancy
second trimesteravoid if possible
use only when benefits clearly outweigh risks; consider timing of administration
regular fetal monitoring; assess B-cell counts in newborn if exposed
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pregnancy
third trimesteravoid if possible
avoid within 3 months of delivery if possible; plan delivery timing with obstetrician
fetal monitoring; assess neonatal B-cell counts and immune function at birth
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
lactation
breastfeedingdiscontinue breastfeeding
discontinue breastfeeding during treatment and for at least 6 months after last dose
infant should be monitored for infection susceptibility
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
geriatric
elderlyno specific dose adjustment required
use with caution; monitor for increased risk of infections; consider comorbidities
regular monitoring of blood counts and for signs of infection
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pediatric_age
children under 2 yearsnot recommended
not approved for use in children under 2 years; insufficient safety data
not applicable
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
pediatric_age
children 2 to 17 yearsuse adult dosing
approved for granulomatosis with polyangiitis and microscopic polyangiitis in children 2 years and older; follow standard pediatric dosing protocols
monitor blood counts; watch for infusion reactions; assess for infections
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
renal_impairment
mild to moderateno specific dose adjustment
use with caution; monitor renal function closely during infusion
monitor serum creatinine and renal function tests
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
renal_impairment
severeuse with caution
use only if benefits outweigh risks; close monitoring required
frequent renal function monitoring; monitor for infusion reactions
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
hepatic_impairment
mild to moderateno specific dose adjustment
use with caution; limited clinical data available
monitor liver function tests
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
hepatic_impairment
severenot recommended
avoid use in severe hepatic impairment due to limited data
not applicable
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
Statistics and clinical data
Commonly prescribed since
First FDA approval year for Rituximab
Drug class
Therapeutic classification
Common uses
Primary therapeutic indications
Mechanism of action
Pharmacodynamic mechanism
Rituximab is used to treat B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma, chronic lymphocytic leukemia, rheumatoid arthritis, granulomatosis with polyangiitis, microscopic polyangiitis, and pemphigus vulgaris. It may also be used in other conditions involving abnormal or excessive B-cell activity.
Rituximab is a monoclonal antibody that specifically binds to the CD20 antigen found on the surface of B-lymphocytes. Once bound, it triggers B-cell destruction through complement-dependent cytotoxicity and antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity, effectively reducing the number of abnormal or overactive B-cells in the body.
Rituximab is administered by intravenous infusion and requires premedication to reduce infusion reactions. It significantly depletes B-cells, which may increase infection risk. Live vaccines should be avoided during treatment. Close monitoring is required, and the medication should only be administered under physician supervision. Patients should report any signs of infection, heart problems, or severe skin reactions promptly.
Contraindications
Conditions and patient states where this medication should be avoided or used with caution.
Do not use (1)
Known allergy to this medication or its components
Use caution (1)
Consult healthcare provider for benefits vs risks assessment
Official drug label
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This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed July 26, 2026. · Read our editorial policy