The dark side of Rituximab
Severe and sometimes fatal infusion reactions may occur with
rituximab. These reactions may occur while you receive rituximab or
within 24 hours after you receive it. Tell your doctor right away if you
develop blurred vision, chest pain, cough, dizziness, drowsiness,
fainting, fast or irregular heartbeat, headache, hives, itching,
numbness of an arm or leg, shortness of breath, swelling (eg, lips,
tongue, throat, face), trouble breathing, weakness, or wheezing while
you receive or after you receive rituximab.
Severe and sometimes fatal skin and mouth reactions (Stevens-Johnson syndrome/toxic epidermal necrolysis) may occur during treatment with rituximab. Tell your doctor right away if you experience red, swollen, peeling, or blistered skin; or sores or ulcers on your skin, lips, or in your mouth.
If you have had hepatitis B before or carry the virus, rituximab can cause the virus to become active again. This can lead to severe and sometimes deadly liver problems. Your doctor will watch you for hepatitis B infection before treatment, while you take rituximab, and for several months after you stop rituximab. Do not take rituximab if you have active hepatitis liver disease.
A rare viral infection of the brain (progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy [PML]) can occur with the use of rituximab in certain patients. PML is serious and sometimes fatal. Most cases of PML have occurred within 12 months of the last dose of rituximab. Tell your doctor right away if you notice new or worsening medical problems, such as confusion, disorientation, or problems thinking; decreased strength or weakness; unusual vision problems (eg, blurred vision, loss of vision); trouble walking or talking; or loss of balance or coordination.
http://www.drugs.com/cdi/rituximab.html
Severe and sometimes fatal skin and mouth reactions (Stevens-Johnson syndrome/toxic epidermal necrolysis) may occur during treatment with rituximab. Tell your doctor right away if you experience red, swollen, peeling, or blistered skin; or sores or ulcers on your skin, lips, or in your mouth.
If you have had hepatitis B before or carry the virus, rituximab can cause the virus to become active again. This can lead to severe and sometimes deadly liver problems. Your doctor will watch you for hepatitis B infection before treatment, while you take rituximab, and for several months after you stop rituximab. Do not take rituximab if you have active hepatitis liver disease.
A rare viral infection of the brain (progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy [PML]) can occur with the use of rituximab in certain patients. PML is serious and sometimes fatal. Most cases of PML have occurred within 12 months of the last dose of rituximab. Tell your doctor right away if you notice new or worsening medical problems, such as confusion, disorientation, or problems thinking; decreased strength or weakness; unusual vision problems (eg, blurred vision, loss of vision); trouble walking or talking; or loss of balance or coordination.
http://www.drugs.com/cdi/rituximab.html