Rituximab (Systemic)

Brand Names : Rituxan

Side Effects of This Medicine

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:

More common

Black, tarry stools; bleeding gums; bloating or swelling of face, arms, hands, lower legs or feet; blood in urine or stools; blurred vision; cough or hoarseness; dizziness; dry mouth; fatigue; feeling of swelling of tongue or throat; fever and chills; flushed, dry skin; flushing of face; fruit-like breath odor; headache; increased hunger; increased thirst; increased urination; itching; lower back or side pain; nausea; nervousness; pain or tenderness around eyes and cheekbones; painful or difficult urination; pale skin; pinpoint red spots on skin; pounding in the ears; rapid weight gain; runny nose; shortness of breath; skin rash; slow or fast heartbeat; sore throat; sores, ulcers or white spots in mouth or on lips; stuffy or runny nose; sweating; swollen glands; tightness of chest; tingling of hands or feet; troubled breathing; troubled breathing with exertion; unexplained weight gain; unusual bleeding or bruising; unusual tiredness or weakness; unusual weight gain or loss; vomiting; wheezing

Less common

blistering, peeling, loosening of the skin; blisters in the mouth; blisters on the trunk, scalp or other areas; burning, crawling, itching, numbness, prickling, �pins and needles�, or tingling feeling; burning, tingling, numbness or pain in the hands, arms, feet, or legs, ; confusion; decreased frequency and amount of urination; diarrhea; difficulty in moving; discouragement; feeling sad or empty; increased thirst; irregular heartbeat; irritability; joint or muscle pain; loss of appetite; loss of interest or pleasure; muscle pain or stiffness; muscle cramps; nervousness; numbness or tingling in hands, feet, or lips; pain at place of injection; pain, swelling, or redness in joints; red, itchy lining of eye; red skin lesions, often with a purple center; stabbing pain; trouble concentrating; trouble sleeping; swelling of face or fingers; swelling of feet or lower legs; weight gain

Rare

Chest pain

This medicine may also cause the following side effects that your doctor will watch for:

Less common

High blood pressure; low white blood cell count

Other side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. However, check with your doctor if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome:

More common

Back pain; fear; increased cough; joint pain; lack or loss of strength; muscle aching or cramping; night sweats; pain; pain in joints; rash; swollen joints; throat irritation

Less common

Abdominal or stomach pain; agitation or anxiety; change in taste; dry eyes; excessive muscle tone; feeling of constant movement of self or surroundings; feeling of weakness; general feeling of discomfort or illness; heartburn; increase in body movements; lightheadedness; muscle tension; pain at injection site; sensation of spinning; sleepiness or unusual drowsiness; swelling of stomach; trouble in sleeping

After you stop using this medicine, it may still produce some side effects that need attention. During this period of time check with your doctor immediately if you notice any of the following:

Black, tarry stools; blood in urine or stools; painful or difficult urination; pinpoint red spots on skin; unusual bleeding or bruising; unusual tiredness or weakness

Other side effects not listed above may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your doctor.