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
