• Rituximab is a biologic drug.
• It is given as 2 infusions every 2 weeks.
• It can control serious lupus disease in blood vessels, skin, joints and other organs. It also improves quality of life and function.
• Rituximab has side effects, such as:

  –If you have Hepatitis B, it can get activated again.

  –Infusion reaction while receiving the infusion such as skin itching or rash.

  –Rarely, infusion reactions can be severe and cause hives, headache, chills, fever, shortness of breath, throat or tongue swelling, difficulty breathing and a       drop in blood pressure.

  –Serious infections