Rituxan is a cancer medicine that interferes with the growth and spread of
cancer cells in the body. It is also used to treat other non-cancer
conditions.

Rituxan is an intravenous (IV) infusion given by a healthcare professional. It
is a prescription medicine used alone or in combination with other medicines
to treat the following conditions:

  * non-Hodgkin's lymphoma or chronic lymphocytic leukemia in adults;

  * rheumatoid arthritis in adults;

  * granulomatosis with polyangiitis and microscopic polyangiitis (rare disorders that cause inflammation of blood vessels and other tissues in the body) in adults and children 2 years of age and older; or

  * pemphigus vulgaris (a severe autoimmune reaction that causes blisters and breakdown of the skin and mucous membranes) in adults.





Get emergency medical help if you have **signs of an allergic reaction to
Rituxan:** (hives, difficult breathing, swelling in your face or throat) **or
a severe skin reaction** (fever, sore throat, burning eyes, skin pain, red or
purple skin rash with blistering and peeling).

Some side effects may occur during the injection (or within 24 hours
afterward). Tell your caregiver right away if you feel itchy, dizzy, weak,
light-headed, short of breath, or if you have a rash or hives, chest pain,
wheezing, sudden cough, or pounding heartbeats or fluttering in your chest.

**Rituximab may cause a serious brain infection that can lead to disability or
death.** Call your doctor right away if you have any of the following symptoms
(which may start gradually and get worse quickly):

  * confusion, memory problems, or other changes in your mental state;

  * weakness on one side of your body;

  * vision changes; or

  * problems with speech or walking.

Rituxan can lead to other serious side effects including infections, heart
attacks or other heart problems, kidney failure, and intestinal blockage
and/or damage. Talk to your doctor about your risk.

Call your doctor at once if you have any of these other side effects, **even
if they occur several months after you receive Rituxan, or after your
treatment ends.**

  * painful skin or mouth sores, or a severe skin rash with blistering, peeling, or pus;

  * redness, warmth, or swelling of the skin;

  * severe stomach pain, vomiting, constipation, bloody or tarry stools;

  * irregular heartbeats, chest pain or pressure, pain spreading to your jaw or shoulder;

  * tiredness or jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes);

  * **signs of infection** \- fever, chills, cold or flu symptoms, cough, sore throat, mouth sores, headache, earache, pain or burning when you urinate; or

  * **signs of tumor cell breakdown** \- confusion, weakness, muscle cramps, nausea, vomiting, fast or slow heart rate, decreased urination, tingling in your hands and feet or around your mouth.

Common Rituxan side effects may include:

  * low white and red blood cells (fever, chills, body aches, pale skin, unusual tiredness, infections);

  * nausea, diarrhea;

  * swelling in your hands or feet;

  * headache, weakness;

  * painful urination;

  * muscle spasms;

  * depressed mood; or

  * cold symptoms such as stuffy nose, sneezing, sore throat.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your
doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to
FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Rituxan side effects (more detail)