Rituxan (rituximab), lupus, and PML

[Guest guest]

,

It wasn't said that the deaths were related to lupus CNS/brain involvement;

the patients died from a viral infection of the brain (PML - progressive

multifocal leukoencephalopathy).

This complication has also been seen in, for example, lymphoma patients

treated with Rituxan (rituximab), AIDS patients, and MS patients treated

with Tysabri (natalizumab). PML has also been reported in lupus patients who

have not been treated with Rituxan.

Again, it has to be stressed that Genentech is stating that approximately

10,000 lupus patients have been treated with Rituxan and, so far, these are

the only two reports of PML. Rituxan can be a organ-preserving and

life-saving therapy for lupus patients.

Not an MD

I'll tell you where to go!

Mayo Clinic in Rochester

http://www.mayoclinic.org/rochester

s Hopkins Medicine

http://www.hopkinsmedicine.org

[ ] Re: RESEARCH - The efficacy and safety of Rituxan in

patients with active RA despite MTX

> Interesting articles about Rituxan! Thanks for posting. The article I

> read today only said that the FDA's concern was for lupus patients -- it

> seems to be a good alternative for people with RA. And the people with

> lupus who were adversely affected by the drug may have had brain

> involvement due to the lupus.

> Take care,

>