Monoclonal antibody (targeted cancer/immune therapy)
Last reviewed June 2026
Who is this for?
Rituximab hyaluronidase is a strong injectable medicine that works by targeting and destroying certain white blood cells (called B-cells) in your body. The hyaluronidase part helps the medicine spread under the skin so it can be absorbed properly. It is given as an injection under the skin (subcutaneous) instead of into a vein.
Binds to CD20 antigen on B lymphocytes, triggering cell death through antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity and complement-dependent cytotoxicity, thereby depleting malignant and autoreactive B cells. Hyaluronidase enzyme facilitates subcutaneous tissue penetration, enabling rapid drug delivery.
Prescription Required
You need a doctor's prescription to buy this drug.
Explore this drug
This is NOT a tablet — it is an injection given under the skin by a trained healthcare worker in a hospital or clinic. The typical dose is 1,400 mg for non-Hodgkin lymphoma or 1,600 mg for chronic lymphocytic leukaemia, given as a single injection over about 5-7 minutes. Your doctor will decide the schedule, which is usually once every few weeks as part of a treatment cycle. You must receive your first dose through a vein (IV) before switching to this under-the-skin version.
Since this drug is given by a healthcare worker on a set schedule, if you miss an appointment, contact your hospital or doctor immediately to reschedule. Do not try to make up for a missed dose on your own.
This is a specialist hospital medicine — never buy it from roadside sellers or unregistered pharmacies, as it requires proper cold storage and must be administered by trained medical personnel. Report any signs of infection (fever, chills, persistent cough) to your doctor immediately since this drug lowers your body's ability to fight infections. Always attend all scheduled appointments and blood tests so your doctor can monitor how your body is responding.
Live vaccines (like yellow fever vaccine) should be avoided while on this medicine as it weakens your immune system; blood pressure medications may need adjustment because rituximab can lower blood pressure during treatment; other medicines that suppress the immune system can increase your risk of serious infections when combined with this drug.
Check your specific combination
Is it safe to take Rituximab with your other drugs?
This medicine is NOT safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding — it can harm the unborn baby and affect the baby's immune system, so women of childbearing age must use effective contraception during treatment and for 12 months after the last dose.
Store in a refrigerator (2°C to 8°C). Do not freeze. In Nigeria's hot climate, never leave it outside the fridge — heat and sunlight will spoil it. Keep in the original carton to protect from light. Always keep out of reach of children. If your hospital or pharmacy cannot guarantee cold storage, report this to your doctor.
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 hyaluronidase 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.