Common Rituxan Side Effects
As with any treatment, side effects are a risk with Rituxan® (rituximab). The most common side effects that occur during Rituxan infusions include:
Debbie—
living with RA since 2001
taking Rituxan since 2006
- fever
- chills and shake
- itching
- hives
- sneezing
- throat irritation or tightness
- headache
- nausea
- cough
Other side effects include:
- aching joints
- upper respiratory tract infection
- decreased blood cell counts
- lung problems
If you experience any of these side effects, it's important to tell your healthcare professional. Not everyone experiences these side effects, and many of them can be resolved. But it's important to make sure they're not signs of more serious conditions— progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML), infusion reactions, tumor lysis syndrome (TLS), and severe skin reactions. For more information about these serious conditions, visit Understanding Rituxan's Safety Info. For more information about side effects, please see the full Prescribing Information, including the Medication Guide.
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Indication
Rituxan® (rituximab) in combination with methotrexate is indicated to reduce signs and symptoms and to slow the progression of structural damage in adult patients with moderately to severely active rheumatoid arthritis who have had an inadequate response to one or more TNF antagonist therapies.
Important Side Effect Information
Among the risks associated with Rituxan® (rituximab) are some potentially serious and life-threatening side effects, including:
- Serious infections, including progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML)
- Severe infusion reactions
- Tumor lysis syndrome (TLS)
- Severe skin reactions
Other potential serious side effects include Hepatitis B virus reactivation and heart problems.
Common Side Effects include infusion reactions and infections.
For more information please talk to you doctor and see the Rituxan Medication Guide.
This information does not take the place of talking to your doctor about your medical condition or your treatment. Talk with your doctor if you have any questions about your treatment with Rituxan.
