Before rituximab or other biologic and targeted therapies, check hepatitis B serology (surface antigen and core antibody) and assess tuberculosis risk, with testing where indicated. Hepatitis B reactivation after rituximab can be severe, and tuberculosis reactivation is a known risk with some biologic classes.
If hepatitis B markers are positive, involve hepatology about prophylaxis before the first dose.
- Check HBsAg and anti-HBc before rituximab.
- Assess tuberculosis risk and test per local protocol.
- Involve hepatology early if hepatitis B markers are positive.
- Record the results before the first dose.
Why it matters
Reactivation of these infections is a preventable cause of serious harm.
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