Rituxan (Rituximab) Infusion Protocol

Rituxan 375mg/m2 I/V

Rituxan is administered only as an intravenous infusion. Do not administer as an intravenous push or bolus. It should only be administered by a healthcare professional with appropriate medical support to manage severe infusion-related reactions, which can be fatal, if they occur. Use a sterile needle and syringe to prepare Rituxan

First infusion (Day 1)

Initiate infusion at a rate of 50 mg/h

In the absence of an infusion-related reaction, increase infusion rate by 50 mg/h increments every 30 min, to a maximum of 400 mg/h

Total infusion time: 4 hrs and 15 min

Second infusion (Day 15) and subsequent infusions

Initiate infusion at a rate of 100 mg/h

In the absence of an infusion-related reaction, increase infusion rate by 100 mg/h increments every 30 min, to a maximum of 400 mg/h

Total infusion time: 3 hrs and 15 min

Maintenance treatment

Initiate infusion at a rate of 100 mg/h

In the absence of an infusion-related reaction, increase infusion rate by 100 mg/h increments every 30 min, to a maximum of 400 mg/h

Maintenance dose (500 mg) infusion bag concentration will change and the infusion drip rate will change accordingly

Total infusion time: 2 hrs

Infusion-Related Reactions Rituxan can cause severe, including fatal, infusion-related reactions. Severe reactions typically occurred during the first infusion with time to onset of 30-120 min. Depending on the severity of the infusion-related reaction and the required interventions, temporarily or permanently discontinue Rituxan. Institute medical management (e.g., glucocorticoids, epinephrine, bronchodilators, or oxygen) for infusion-related reactions as needed. Resume infusion at a minimum 50% reduction in rate after symptoms have resolved.