Zevalin Side Effects – Infusion Reaction and Fatal Skin Reactions

Zevalin is a drug used in the treatment of some forms of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, and a necessary part of the treatment regimen is an infusion of another medication called rituxima. This infusion sometimes causes an allergic reaction that usually starts 30 minutes to 2 hours after the infusion. The allergic reaction may be characterized by the following symptoms:

  • Heart attack
  • Cardiogenic shock
  • Ventricular fibrillation
  • Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS)
  • Hypoxia
  • Pulmonary infiltrates
  • Hypotension (low blood pressure)
  • Bronchospasm
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Increased coughing
  • Chest pain
  • Closing of the throat
  • Swelling of the lips, tongue and face
  • Hives

Zevalin is also known to cause two forms of potentially deadly and serious skin conditions called toxic epidermal necrolysis and Steven-Johnson syndrome or erythema multiforme. The symptoms of toxic epidermal necrolysis are:

  • Fever
  • A fast spreading and painful red area on the skin
  • Top layer of skin peeling
  • Raw areas of skin that look scalded
  • May spread to eyes, mouth and genitals

The symptoms of Steven-Johnson syndrome or erythema multiforme are:

  • Painful skin, lesions and blisters
  • Mucous membrane lesions
  • Mouth rash or blisters
  • Throat rash or blisters
  • Anus rash or blisters
  • Genital rash or blisters
  • Conjunctival rash or blisters

Because Zevalin is made from human blood it may also carry infections. Zevalin lowers the immune response and may increase the chance of infection. Zevalin is not approved for use by pregnant women and should not be used during breast-feeding without a doctor’s approval.

Less serious Zevalin side effects can include:

  • Anxiety
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Loss of appetite
  • Headache
  • Muscle aches or weakness
  • Flushing
  • Dizziness

If you or a loved one has suffered any injury from taking Zevalin, you may be entitled to recover damages to compensate you for your injuries. To find out if your case qualifies for a Zevalin lawsuit, you need to have it evaluated by an experienced Zevalin lawyer. See Hiring a Zevalin Attorney and Lawyer to find a lawyer who will be able to help you.

Check out the following articles for more information about Zevalin, filing an Zevalin lawsuit and finding an Zevalin attorney.

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