Tysabri (Natalizumab) Patient Information: How Should I Take the Drug at RxList

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May 27, 2012

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Tysabri Patient Information including How Should I Take

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before receiving natalizumab (Tysabri)?

Natalizumab increases the risk of a serious viral infection of the brain that can lead to disability or death. This risk is higher if you have a weak immune system or are receiving certain medicines.

Natalizumab is available only to select patients through a restricted-use program called the TOUCH Prescribing Program. To receive this medication, you must be enrolled in this program and meet all requirements. You will be interviewed before receiving each dose of this medicine to make sure you still meet these requirements.

You should not receive natalizumab if you have ever had a brain infection called progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy.

Before receiving natalizumab, tell your doctor if you have:

HIV or AIDS;
herpes or shingles;
leukemia, lymphoma;
if you have had a recent organ transplant;
if you are using any steroid medicines; or
if you are being treated with chemotherapy or radiation.

If you have any of these conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely receive this medication.

FDA pregnancy category C. This medication may be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment.

It is not known whether natalizumab passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not receive this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How is natalizumab given (Tysabri)?

Natalizumab is given as an injection through a needle placed into a vein. You will receive this injection in a clinic or hospital setting every 4 weeks. The medicine must be given slowly through an IV infusion, and can take up to 1 hour to complete.

Before you receive your first dose of natalizumab, your doctor may want you to have an MRI to make sure you do not have any signs of a brain infection.

After you receive natalizumab, your caregivers may want to watch you for at least 1 hour in case you have any type of reaction to the medication. An allergic reaction can occur up to 2 hours after your infusion.

During your treatment, it is extremely important that your doctor check you every 3 to 6 months to make sure you are not developing any signs of serious infection. Do not miss any scheduled visits to your doctor.

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