HCPCS Code J9312: Injection, Rituximab, 10 mg

Yes. Quite a bit. It's possible for the patient to have rashes, itching, fever, headaches, chills. Those are just the mild to moderate ones. Serious potential problems include tumor lysis syndrome, infections, cardiac issues, kidney injuries, and liver injuries. It's important to monitor the patient the whole time and for at least an hour after the infusion.

It can take anywhere between 3 to 6 hours, although, subsequent infusions down the line might be quicker. Also, the 3 to 6 hours comes with patient monitoring, given the potential side effects of this medication.

Oncologists and rheumatologists are the ones who normally administer this. If not them, it's usually the infusion specialists who are part of the team.