Monoclonal antibody (targeted cancer/immune therapy)
Last reviewed June 2026
Who is this for?
Rituximab (sold as Mabthera in Nigeria) is a powerful medicine given through a drip into your vein that works by targeting and destroying certain white blood cells called B-cells — this helps treat certain cancers and conditions where your immune system attacks your own body.
Binds to CD20 antigen on B lymphocyte surfaces, triggering B-cell destruction through antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC), complement-dependent cytotoxicity (CDC), and direct induction of apoptosis, thereby reducing pathogenic B cells in malignancies and autoimmune conditions.
Prescription Required
You need a doctor's prescription to buy this drug.
Explore this drug
This is NOT a tablet you take at home. Rituximab is given as a slow drip (infusion) into your vein by a doctor or nurse in a hospital. The dose depends on your body size and condition, and each session can take several hours. Your doctor will decide how many sessions you need and how often.
Since this drug is given by your doctor in a hospital, if you miss a scheduled infusion appointment, contact your doctor immediately to reschedule. Do not try to make up for it on your own.
This medicine is only available in specialist hospitals — do not buy from unauthorized sellers or markets. Always attend all your scheduled hospital appointments for infusions and blood tests. Because this drug weakens your defence system, avoid crowded places and people who are sick, and report any sign of infection to your doctor immediately.
Tell your doctor about all medicines you are taking, especially blood pressure drugs, as rituximab can cause a drop in blood pressure during infusion. Other medicines that weaken the immune system (like steroids or methotrexate) can increase your risk of infections when combined. Avoid live vaccines (like yellow fever vaccine) while on this treatment — discuss with your doctor first.
Check your specific combination
Is it safe to take Rituximab with your other drugs?
Rituximab is NOT safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding — it can harm the unborn baby, and women of childbearing age should use reliable contraception during and for 12 months after treatment.
Mabthera is stored in the hospital pharmacy in a refrigerator (2–8°C). You will not typically store this at home. If for any reason you have it, keep it in a fridge, away from heat, sunlight, and out of the reach of children.
For information only — not medical advice. Always talk to a doctor or pharmacist before changing your medication.
Names this drug is sold under — especially in Nigerian and West African pharmacies
No brand names recorded for Rituximab yet.
Counterfeit Drug Warning
Fake drugs are a serious problem in Nigeria. Always buy from a registered pharmacy. If the packaging looks different from what is described above, do not use it.