About Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL)

Chronic lymphocytic leukemia, or CLL, is a type of cancer. CLL is the most common chronic leukemia in the United States. In fact, over 15,000 new cases of CLL are expected each year. For some people with CLL, the disease grows so slowly they may not need treatment.

In either case, CLL is considered a serious disease. When treated, CLL may respond to treatment for a period of time. Then, the disease may advance. But did you know people with CLL have more treatment options than ever before?

In this section, learn more about:

What chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is—The signs and symptoms and how is it diagnosed Go Now
How CLL is treated—The goals of treatment and some treatment options for CLL, including watch-and-wait, chemotherapy, and targeted therapy Go Now
Useful tips for talking with your doctor about CLL Go Now

This information does not take the place of talking with your doctor. Discuss with your doctor any questions you have about your medical condition or your treatment.

Next Section CLL Overview

Indications

RITUXAN® (Rituximab) is indicated in combination with fludarabine and cyclophosphamide (FC chemotherapy) for the treatment of patients with:

Previously untreated CD20-positive CLL
Previously treated CD20-positive CLL

People with serious infections should not receive RITUXAN.

Safety Information

RITUXAN can cause serious side effects that can lead to death, including: infusion reactions, tumor lysis syndrome (TLS; kidney failure due to fast breakdown of cancer cells), severe skin and mouth reactions, and progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML; a rare, serious brain infection).
RITUXAN has also been associated with serious and life-threatening side effects, including: the return of active hepatitis B virus infection with sudden and serious liver problems including liver failure, and death, other serious infections that can lead to death, heart problems, kidney problems, and stomach and serious bowel problems including blockage and tears in the bowel that can sometimes lead to death.
The most common side effects of RITUXAN seen in clinical trials of patients with CLL were infusion reactions and low white blood cells, which can increase the risk of infections. Before starting treatment with RITUXAN it is important for you to talk to your doctor about your medical history.
Tell your doctor about any side effect that bothers you or that does not go away. These are not all of the possible side effects with RITUXAN. For more information, ask your doctor.

Please see full Prescribing Information, including Medication Guide, in PDF format.