A third Rituximab dose caused severe shock in a man with kidney disease

A 52-year-old man with primary membranous nephropathy had been taking Rituximab and Methylprednisolone without major issues. He received a third infusion of the drug Rituximab, a type of treatment for kidney disease. About 24 hours later, he suffered a severe hypersensitivity reaction. This event included anaphylactic shock, acute hives, and swelling under the skin. His blood pressure dropped significantly, and he experienced fever and difficulty swallowing. The reaction was classified as a severe adverse event requiring immediate medical attention. Prior to this incident, the man generally tolerated the medication well. This specific case report details the sudden and dangerous nature of the reaction. It serves as a warning that serious allergic responses can happen even after a patient has used the drug before. The medical team notes that rare but serious events require further study to understand their causes. Patients and doctors must be prepared to manage these severe allergic phenomena quickly. Prolonged observation after infusion and clear patient education are essential to ensure safety.