Tysabri (Natalizumab) Drug Information: Description, User Reviews, Drug Side Effects, Interactions

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February 9, 2012

Tysabri

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TYSABRI®
(natalizumab) Injection

WARNING

PROGRESSIVE MULTIFOCAL LEUKOENCEPHALOPATHY

TYSABRI (natalizumab) increases the risk of progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML), an opportunistic viral infection of the brain that usually leads to death or severe disability. Cases of PML have been reported in patients taking TYSABRI (natalizumab) who were recently or concomitantly treated with immunomodulators or immunosuppressants, as well as in patients receiving TYSABRI as monotherapy [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].

Because of the risk of PML, TYSABRI (natalizumab) is available only through a special restricted distribution program called the TOUCH® Prescribing Program. Under the TOUCH® Prescribing Program, only prescribers, infusion centers, and pharmacies associated with infusion centers registered with the program are able to prescribe, distribute, or infuse the product. In addition, TYSABRI (natalizumab) must be administered only to patients who are enrolled in and meet all the conditions of the TOUCH Prescribing Program [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
Healthcare professionals should monitor patients on TYSABRI (natalizumab) for any new sign or symptom that may be suggestive of PML. TYSABRI (natalizumab) dosing should be withheld immediately at the first sign or symptom suggestive of PML. For diagnosis, an evaluation that includes a gadolinium-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan of the brain and, when indicated, cerebrospinal fluid analysis for JC viral DNA are recommended [see CONTRAINDICATIONS, WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS ].

DRUG DESCRIPTION

TYSABRI (natalizumab) is a recombinant humanized IgG4K monoclonal antibody produced in murine myeloma cells. Natalizumab contains human framework regions and the complementarity-determining regions of a murine antibody that binds to a4-integrin. The molecular weight of natalizumab is 149 kilodaltons. TYSABRI (natalizumab) is supplied as a sterile, colorless, and clear to slightly opalescent concentrate for intravenous infusion.

Each 15 mL dose contains 300 mg natalizumab; 123 mg sodium chloride, USP; 17.0 mg sodium phosphate, monobasic, monohydrate, USP; 7.24 mg sodium phosphate, dibasic, heptahydrate, USP; 3.0 mg polysorbate 80, USP/NF, in water for injection, USP at pH 6.1.

What are the possible side effects of natalizumab (Tysabri)?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: skin rash, hives, itching; dizziness, fever; nausea, vomiting; feeling flushed; chest pain, difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat; feeling light-headed or fainting.

Call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

nausea, stomach pain, loss of appetite, itching, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes);
signs of infection such as fever, chills,...

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What are the precautions when taking natalizumab (Tysabri)?

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

This medication should not be used if you have ever had a certain medical condition. Before using this medicine, consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have ever had: a certain virus infection (progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy-PML).

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: weakened immune system (such as leukemia, lymphoma, HIV infection, organ transplant), current infections, history of certain virus infections that keep coming back (such as...

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Last reviewed on RxList: 5/20/2011
This monograph has been modified to include the generic and brand name in many instances.