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A case of progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) has been reported in a rheumatoid arthritis patient taking rituximab (Rituxan) who had not previously received anti-tumor necrosis factor therapy, according to the FDA and the drug’s manufacturer.

The case is the third seen with rituximab in rheumatoid arthritis, according to a “Dear Healthcare Professional” letter issued by Genentech. The previous two were seen in patients who had received anti-TNF drugs earlier.

PML causes inflammation in the brain, which has been fatal in about half of patients. It is caused by reactivation of latent JC virus infection, presumably a result of immune suppression.... Read More - http://www.msrc.co.uk/index.cfm/fuseact ... ageid/1394

On the This Is MS website home page there is an article, "PML Seen with Rituxan for Lupus" dated December 20; is there a pattern here? Tysabri (natalizumab, a monoclonal antibody) has problems with PML; Rituxan (rituximab, another monoclonal antibody) seems to have a problem with PML when prescribed for Lupus; now squiffy has posted Rituxan prescribed for rheumatoid arthritis has found a third case of PML. I think I would be cautious about taking a monoclonal antibody for MS.