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Compare Rituxan vs. Cytoxan

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.

Key takeaways

Rituxan (rituximab) and cyclophosphamide are both used to treat various cancers, but they work differently and have different uses. Rituxan (rituximab) is a monoclonal antibody that targets specific immune cells called B cells, making it a targeted type of therapy called immunotherapy. It is given as an intravenous infusion and is used for blood cancers like non-Hodgkin lymphoma and chronic lymphocytic leukemia, as well as autoimmune conditions like rheumatoid arthritis. Cyclophosphamide, on the other hand, is a form of chemotherapy. It's an alkylating agent that damages the DNA of cancer cells, leading to cell death. It can be taken orally or intravenously and is used for a broader range of cancers, including lymphomas, leukemias, and breast cancer, as well as nephrotic syndrome in children. Rituxan (rituximab) infusions can take several hours and may cause serious infusion-related reactions, while cyclophosphamide requires you to stay well-hydrated to prevent bladder and kidney problems. Both medications can weaken your immune system, but cyclophosphamide also has a higher risk of causing secondary cancers and fertility issues.

Rituxan (rituximab)
Cyclophosphamide
Rituxan (rituximab)
Cyclophosphamide
Summary of Rituxan vs. Cytoxan
Summary for Anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody
Prescription only
Rituxan (rituximab) is a monoclonal antibody. It treats certain types of blood cancers (e.g., non-Hodgkin lymphoma) and autoimmune conditions (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis) by targeting specific immune cells. Rituxan (rituximab) is given as an infusion through the vein (IV), typically at an infusion center. Your oncologist will give you premedications before each dose to lower the risk of serious infusion-related reactions. Other possible side effects of this medication include rash and weakness. Rituxan (rituximab) is available as many different brands (or biosimilars), but they don't all treat the same conditions.
Summary for Anticancer agent
Prescription only
Cyclophosphamide is an anticancer medication used in the treatment of many types of adult and childhood cancers, as well as a certain type of kidney problem in children (nephrotic syndrome). It’s typically used in combination with other anticancer medications. Depending on the treatment regimen, cyclophosphamide can be taken as a pill by mouth or injected into the veins (intravenously or IV). This medication can cause serious bladder and kidney problems, so it’s important to stay well hydrated during treatment.
Indications of Rituxan vs. Cytoxan
Indications for
Blood cancers

•Certain types of CD20-positive non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL) in adults and children ages 6 months and older

•CD20-positive chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) in adults

Autoimmune conditions

•Moderate to severe rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in adults

•Granulomatosis with polyangitis (GPA) and microscopic polyangitis (MPA) in adults and children ages 2 years and older

•Moderate to severe pemphigus vulgaris in adults

Indications for

•Lymphomas

•Multiple myeloma

•Leukemias

•Mycosis fungoides (a type of lymphoma affecting the skin)

•Ovarian cancer

•Breast cancer

•Certain childhood cancers (e.g., neuroblastoma, retinoblastoma)

•Nephrotic syndrome (kidney problem) in children - pill form only
Pros and Cons of Rituxan vs. Cytoxan
Pros and Const for Anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody
Pros

•Works in a more targeted, specific way than chemotherapy

•Might only need a dose once every 6 months for certain conditions

•Doesn’t typically cause hair loss

Cons

•Can cause serious infusion-related reactions

•Each infusion can last over 3 hours, so can be inconvenient

•Higher risk of infections can last a year after your last dose (sometimes longer)

Pros and Const for Anticancer agent
Pros

•Commonly used anticancer treatment option for many kinds of cancers

•Also available as an oral pill (depending on treatment regimen and dose)

•Can use in children for certain cancers or conditions

Cons

•Raises your risk for infections, bleeding, or bruising

•Not safe in pregnancy or while breastfeeding

•Can affect your ability to have children in the future
Common Side Effects of Rituxan vs. Cytoxan
Common Side Effects for

•Fever (53%)

•Lower white blood cell counts (up to 48%)

•Chills (33%)

•Infection (31%)

•Weakness (26%)

•Nausea (23%)

•Headache (19%)

•Night sweats (15%)

•Rash (15%)

Please note: Side effects listed were reported by people who took Rituxan (rituximab) alone for NHL in clinical studies.
Common Side Effects for

•Nausea

•Vomiting

•Diarrhea

•Lack of appetite

•Hair loss

•Fever
Warnings of Rituxan vs. Cytoxan
Common Side Effects for

•Infusion-related reactions

•Serious skin reactions

•Hepatitis B reactivation

•Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy

•Tumor lysis syndrome

•Serious infections

•Serious heart problems

•Kidney problems

•Gut blockage and tears

•Vaccines

•Harm to unborn baby

•Combination treatment for people with autoimmune conditions

Common Side Effects for

•Low blood cell counts, leading to infection and bleeding risk

•Kidney and urinary tract injury or damage

•Heart problems

•Lung problems

•Risk for developing other cancers

•Liver injury or damage

•Harm to unborn baby and effects on fertility

•Low sodium levels
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Key takeaways

Summary of Rituxan vs. Cytoxan

Indications of Rituxan vs. Cytoxan

Pros and Cons of Rituxan vs. Cytoxan

Common Side Effects of Rituxan vs. Cytoxan

Warnings of Rituxan vs. Cytoxan

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