Ratings & Reviews

In 1997, Rituxan was approved by the FDA to treat B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphomas.  Rituxan was also approved for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis.  Rituxan is marketed by Biogen Idec and Genentech.  The drug interferes with the growth of cancer cells and slows their growth and spreading.

Side effects include mental deterioration, vision lose, paralysis, coma, memory failure, cognition failure, and muscle weakness.  More serious potential side effects include cardiac arrest, acute renal failure, infection, pulmonary toxicity, and immune toxicity.  Rituxan may also increase the risk of contracting a serious viral infection of the brain that can lead to disability or death.

In 2006, the FDA issued a public health advisory, warning doctors and the public that two lupus patients who were prescribed Rituxan died from Progressive Multifocal Leukoencephalopathy Infections.  The FDA was also advised that 23 rheumatoid arthritis and lymphoma patients were diagnosed with brain infections while taking Rituxan.