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Med of the Month: Rituximab

  • Writer: Lauren Fang
    Lauren Fang
  • Sep 1
  • 2 min read

Purple background with "Med of the Month: Rituximab" text. Close-up of purple cells with glowing bubbles on the right, creating a scientific mood.

This September, in honor of Blood Cancer Awareness Month, we’re highlighting rituximab: the first monoclonal antibody ever approved to treat cancer. Since 1997, it has transformed care for B-cell lymphomas and autoimmune diseases, earning the nickname “Vitamin R.” For dental providers, it’s not just history: patients on rituximab face real oral and systemic risks, making collaboration with physicians critical. Read on to learn what dental providers must know about rituximab:


Generic Name: Rituximab

Brand Name(s): Rituxan

Pronunciation: ri TUX i mab


About this drug:

  • Rituximab is used to treat Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma and Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia.

  • It is also used to treat Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA), Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis (GPA) (Wegener’s Granulomatosis), Microscopic Polyangiitis (MPA), and Pemphigus Vulgaris (PV).

  • Rituximab helps the immune system destroy cancer cells.


Dentistry-related tidbits:

  • Speak with the patient's physician before proceeding with dental treatment due to the risk of life-threatening side effects. It is always best to do dental work and periodontal treatment before the patient begins chemotherapy.

  • Rituximab may cause cardiac issues, including myocardial infarction.

  • Rituximab may cause stomatitis and oral herpetic ulcers. Consider prescribing Magic Mouthwash (see below).

  • Rituximab may cause hypertension. Always check the patient’s blood pressure and pulse before each procedure.

  • At this time, there are no known restrictions for local anesthetics with or without epinephrine with this medication. However, it is recommended to speak with the patient's oncologist before giving a patient local anesthetic.

  • Many medications commonly prescribed by dentists may increase the risk of renal problems when combined with rituximab (including NSAIDs, clindamycin, aminoglycoside antibiotics, and antivirals). It’s important to use a tool like the MedAssent DDS Rx Check to practice safe prescribing.

  • Speak with the patient's oncologist before prescribing a steroid to a patient on rituximab to avoid an increased risk of infection while they are immunosuppressed.


Fun facts:

  • Rituximab, approved in 1997, was the first monoclonal antibody approved by the FDA to treat cancer (specifically non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma). That was a huge milestone and paved the way for the entire field of antibody-based therapies.

  • It is most commonly given with cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisone (R-CHOP), but also with other chemotherapeutic combinations, with small molecule targeted therapies, as a monotherapy, or as maintenance therapy. R-CHOP is the gold standard treatment for Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma.

  • Rituximab has demonstrated safety and activity in so many diseases that it has been nicknamed “vitamin R”.


Magic Mouthwash Recipe:

  • 50 mL Viscous Lidocaine 2%

  • 50 mL Mylanta

  • 50 mL Diphenhydramine (Benadryl) at 12.5 mg per 5 mL elixir

  • 50 mL Nystatin (100,000U per 5 mL) suspension

  • 50 mL Prednisolone at 15 mg per 5 mL solution

  • 50 mL distilled water

Dispense: 300 mL (15-day supply)

Sig: Swish thoroughly, gargle, and spit one teaspoonful (5 mL) after meals and before bed. Shake well before using. Instruct patients to not eat or drink if they feel oral numbness.


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