Reply To: rituxin (again)

Hi Lori- Hmm you raise a lot of good questions- I have so far only seen case reports of PML with azothioprine ( Imuran) and usually when used with other immunosupressives – I don’t believe it carries a specific warning by the FDA but theoretically can cause – I also looked up info about the blood test- it was developed for patients with MS who go on an agent called Tysabri which is associated with PML- it is a blood test to look for antibodies to see if you have been exposed to the PML virus ( called the polyoma virus) that can become active when you are immune suppressed- they use it in patients who are considered at high risk of this before starting Tysabri – it was just approved by the FDA and not sure if available yet . the plot thickens yet again! I have a friend who is on Rituximab finishing a protocol of every 3 month infusions and also received cytoxan for a hematologic disease and has done very well works full time no issues except occasional sinus infection. I learn so much from everyone on this forum-