Does rituximab cause PML?

The risk of PML in patients with RA, as determined in this analysis based on patient-market rituximab exposure estimates, is very low, with an overall reporting rate of 2.56 confirmed PML cases per 100,000 patients.

Is leukoencephalopathy progressive?

Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy is a rare brain infection. It occurs when something triggers a common virus, JCV. PML primarily affects people with weakened immune systems. The disease is progressive, meaning it gets worse over time.

How fast does PML progress?

Symptoms can progress quickly over weeks and include mental deterioration, vision loss, speech disturbances, lack of coordination, paralysis, and coma. Specific symptoms relate to the affected areas of the brain by PML. Seizures can occur in 1 out of 5 people. How is PML diagnosed?

What causes leukoencephalopathy?

St… Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) is a disease of the white matter of the brain, caused by a virus infection that targets cells that make myelin–the material that insulates nerve cells (neurons).

What are the side effects of rituximab infusions?

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.

When to discontinue Rituxan after a severe reaction?

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 infusion after severe reactions. Severe and potentially fatal mucocutaneous reactions can occur.

Can a heart attack be caused by Rituxan?

People with serious infections should not receive Rituxan Heart Problems: Rituxan may cause chest pain, irregular heartbeats, and heart attack. Your healthcare provider may monitor your heart during and after treatment with Rituxan if you have symptoms of heart problems or have a history of heart problems.