Tysabri (Natalizumab)
What is Tysabri?
Tysabri is a prescription medicine approved for patients with relapsing
forms of Multiple Sclerosis (MS). Tysabri works to slow the worsening
of disability that is common in patients with MS as well as to decrease
the number of flare-ups (relapses). Tysabri is an antibody (a protein
made by your immune system) that works differently than other MS drugs.
This drug is thought to inhibit white blood cells from getting into the
brain and attacking the nerves which results in fewer brain lesions that
cause MS symptoms.
The Benefits of Tysabri:
Tysabri may offer many MS patients the strength to reach their high
hopes. It has been proven to slow the worsening of disability and lower
the frequency of flare-ups. Tysabri has also been shown to reduce the
number of new-active MRI lesions.
Like all medicines, Tysabri should only be used by certain patients.
Every MS patient’s experience is different and there is no single
MS treatment that is right for everyone. But, if you have a relapsing
form of MS, Tysabri may be the right MS treatment for you. Talk to your
doctor to find out if Tysabri is right for you.
What You Need to Know Before Taking Tysabri:
Like all medicines, treatment with Tysabri has benefits and risks. You
need to know as much as possible about both before you start Tysabri.
Tysabri increases your chances of getting a rare brain infection, Progressive
Multifocal Leukoencephalopathy (PML) that usually causes death or severe
disability. Because of the chance of getting PML, Tysabri is generally
recommended for patients who have not been helped enough by, or cannot
tolerate other treatments for MS. It is not recommended for patients
with a weakened immune system, such as HIV infection or AIDS, leukemia
or lymphoma, or organ transplant patients.
Tysabri Side Effects:
Treatment with Tysabri may come with side effects such as headache,
infections (urinary tract, lung, and vaginitis), pain in arms and legs
or joints, feeling tired, depression, diarrhea, rash or stomach pain.
Signs of allergic reactions may include hives, rash, itching, flushing
of skin, trouble breathing, chest pain, dizziness, chills, nausea and
low blood pressure. Discuss your questions about side effects or possible
allergic reactions with your physician and your infusion nurse.
Dosing and Length of Infusion:
Tysabri 300 mg/100 cc is administered by an intravenous (IV) infusion
once every 4 weeks. The infusion itself will take approximately 1 hour
and you will be observed for an additional hour to make sure you are
not having any reactions that may need medical help.
