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Rituxan Side Effects

Generic name: rituximab

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on May 14, 2024.

Note: This document provides detailed information about Rituxan Side Effects associated with rituximab. Some dosage forms listed on this page may not apply specifically to the brand name Rituxan.

Applies to rituximab: intravenous solution.

Important warnings This medicine can cause some serious health issues

Intravenous route (solution)

Fatal infusion-related reactions may occur within 24 hours of rituximab infusion; approximately 80% of fatal reactions occurred with the first infusion.

Monitor patients and discontinue rituximab infusion after severe reactions.

Severe and potentially fatal mucocutaneous reactions can occur.

Reactivation of hepatitis B virus (HBV) may occur; in some cases, it results in fulminant hepatitis, hepatic failure, or death.

Screen patients for HBV infection prior to treatment.

Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) and death can also occur.

Intravenous route (solution)

Warning: Fatal Infusion Reactions, Severe Mucocutaneous Reactions, Hepatitis B Virus Reactivation, and Progressive Multifocal Leukoencephalopathy. Fatal infusion-related reactions within 24 hours of rituximab infusion; approximately 80% of fatal infusion reactions occurred with first infusion.

Monitor patients and discontinue rituximab-pvvr infusion for severe reactions.Severe mucocutaneous reactions, some with fatal outcomesHepatitis B virus (HBV) reactivation, in some cases resulting in fulminant hepatitis, hepatic failure, and deathProgressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) resulting in death

Intravenous route (solution)

Fatal infusion reactions may occur within 24 hours of rituximab infusion; approximately 80% of fatal reactions occurred with the first infusion.

Monitor patients and discontinue rituximab-abbs infusion for severe reactions.

Severe and potentially fatal mucocutaneous reactions can occur.

Reactivation of hepatitis B virus (HBV) may occur with some cases resulting in fulminant hepatitis, hepatic failure, or death.

Screen patients for HBV infection prior to treatment.

Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML), including fatal PML, can also occur.

Intravenous route (solution)

Warning: Fatal Infusion-Related Reactions, Severe Mucocutaneous Reactions, Hepatitis B Virus Reactivation, and Progressive Multifocal Leukoencephalopathy. Fatal infusion-related reactions within 24 hours of rituximab infusion; approximately 80% of fatal reactions occurred with first infusion.

Monitor patients and discontinue rituximab-arrx infusion for severe reactions.Severe mucocutaneous reactions, some with fatal outcomes.Hepatitis B virus (HBV) reactivation, in some cases resulting in fulminant hepatitis, hepatic failure, and death.Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) resulting in death.

Serious side effects of Rituxan

Along with its needed effects, rituximab (the active ingredient contained in Rituxan) may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor or nurse immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking rituximab:

More common

  • back pain
  • black, tarry stools
  • bleeding gums
  • bloating or swelling of the face, arms, hands, lower legs, or feet
  • blood in the urine or stools
  • blurred vision
  • body aches or pain
  • burning or stinging of the skin
  • chest pain or tightness
  • chills
  • confusion
  • cough
  • difficulty with breathing
  • dizziness, faintness, or lightheadedness when getting up suddenly from a lying or sitting position
  • drowsiness
  • dry mouth
  • ear congestion
  • fever
  • flushed, dry skin
  • fruit-like breath odor
  • headache
  • hives or welts, itching, rash
  • increased hunger
  • increased thirst
  • increased urination
  • large, hive-like swelling on the face, eyelids, lips, tongue, throat, hands, legs, feet, or genitals
  • lower back or side pain
  • nausea
  • nervousness
  • noisy breathing
  • pain or tenderness around the eyes and cheekbones
  • painful cold sores or blisters on the lips, nose, eyes, or genitals
  • painful or difficult urination
  • pale skin
  • pinpoint red spots on the skin
  • pounding in the ears
  • seizures
  • slow or fast heartbeat
  • sneezing
  • sore throat
  • sores, ulcers, or white spots in the mouth or on the lips
  • stomach pain
  • stuffy or runny nose
  • sweating
  • swelling of the tongue or throat
  • swollen glands
  • tingling of the hands or feet
  • trouble breathing
  • unusual bleeding or bruising
  • unusual tiredness or weakness
  • unusual weight gain or loss
  • vomiting

Less common

  • blistering, peeling, or loosening of the skin
  • blisters on the trunk, scalp, or other areas
  • burning, crawling, itching, numbness, prickling, “pins and needles”, or tingling feeling
  • decreased frequency and amount of urine
  • diarrhea
  • difficulty with moving
  • discouragement
  • feeling sad or empty
  • irregular heartbeat
  • irritability
  • joint or muscle pain
  • loss of appetite
  • loss of interest or pleasure
  • lump or growth on the skin
  • muscle cramp, pain, or stiffness
  • numbness or tingling in the hands, feet, or lips
  • painful blisters on the trunk of the body
  • pain or redness at the injection site
  • pain, swelling, or redness in the joints
  • pounding or irregular heartbeat or pulse
  • red skin lesions, often with a purple center
  • red, itchy lining of the eye
  • redness of the face, neck, arms, and occasionally, upper chest
  • stabbing pain
  • trouble concentrating
  • trouble sleeping

Incidence not known

  • blue-yellow color blindness
  • blurred vision or other change in vision
  • burning or stinging of the skin
  • decreased vision
  • dilated neck veins
  • dry cough
  • extreme tiredness or weakness
  • eye pain, tearing
  • feeling of discomfort, illness, or weakness
  • irregular breathing
  • nosebleed
  • painful cold sores or blisters on the lips, nose, eyes, or genitals
  • sensitivity of the eye to light
  • severe stomach pain
  • severe vomiting, sometimes with blood
  • sores, welts, or blisters
  • stomach cramps
  • swelling, stiffness, redness, or warmth around many joints
  • swollen lymph glands
  • vision loss

Other side effects of Rituxan

Some side effects of rituximab may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.

Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

More common

  • fear
  • lack or loss of strength
  • loss or thinning of the hair
  • night sweats
  • throat irritation

Less common

  • agitation or anxiety
  • bone pain
  • burning, dry, or itching eyes
  • change in taste
  • discharge, excessive tearing
  • dry eyes
  • excessive muscle tone
  • feeling of constant movement of self or surroundings
  • heartburn
  • increase in body movements
  • lightheadedness
  • muscle tension
  • redness, pain, or swelling of the eye, eyelid, or inner lining of the eyelid
  • sensation of spinning
  • sleepiness
  • swelling of the stomach

For healthcare professionals

Applies to rituximab: intravenous solution.

Cardiovascular

Dermatologic

Gastrointestinal

Hematologic

Hepatic

Hypersensitivity

Immunologic

Local

Metabolic

Musculoskeletal

Nervous system

Ocular

Oncologic

Other

Psychiatric

Renal

Respiratory

References

1. (2001) "Product Information. Rituxan (rituximab)." Genentech

2. Cerner Multum, Inc. "UK Summary of Product Characteristics."

3. Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (2006) APPGuide online. Australian prescription products guide online. http://www.appco.com.au/appguide/default.asp

Frequently asked questions

Further information

Rituxan side effects can vary depending on the individual. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Some side effects may not be reported. You may report them to the FDA.