Natalizumab (Tysabri): A Comprehensive Medication Profile

Summary or Key Points

Natalizumab, sold under the brand name Tysabri, is a medication used primarily to manage Multiple Sclerosis and Crohn’s Disease. It is an integrin receptor antagonist, working to slow down disease progression. Understanding the dosing, administration, and potential side effects is essential for the effective use of Natalizumab. Always consult your healthcare provider before adjusting your medication, or consider scheduling a telemedicine appointment with one of our professionals for personalized guidance.

Names of Medication

US Brand Name: Tysabri
Generic Name: Natalizumab

The term ‘generic name’ refers to the official medical name for the active ingredient in the medicine. This is the name we use in parenthesis (Natalizumab).

Pharmacologic Category

Natalizumab belongs to the pharmacologic category known as Integrin Receptor Antagonists. Other medications in this category include Vedolizumab (Entyvio).

Dosing

Natalizumab is indicated to treat the following conditions in adults:

• Multiple Sclerosis: 300 mg IV infusion every 4 weeks. Treatment duration is based on patient response and condition progression. Always consult with your doctor before adjusting your dose. If you need immediate assistance, schedule a telemedicine appointment with one of our professionals.
• Crohn’s Disease: 300 mg IV infusion every 4 weeks. Continuation of treatment should be carefully reconsidered for patients who have not experienced therapeutic benefit by 12 weeks. Don’t change your dosing without consulting your healthcare provider. For instant consultation, consider one of our telemedicine appointments.

Dosage Forms and Strengths

Natalizumab is available as a 300 mg/15 ml solution in single-dose vials for intravenous infusion.

Administration Instructions

Natalizumab is given as an intravenous (IV) infusion over one hour. It should be administered by a healthcare provider experienced in giving intravenous infusions. The medication needs to be diluted before being given.

Adverse Reactions and Side Effects

While Natalizumab can be effective for treating Multiple Sclerosis and Crohn’s Disease, it may cause some side effects. The frequency of these effects can vary, and not every patient will experience them.

• Common (may affect up to 1 in 10 people): Headache, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, joint pain, fever, fatigue, and infusion-related reactions such as discomfort or pain, flushing, feeling hot, sweating, chills, and chest discomfort.
• Uncommon (may affect up to 1 in 100 people): Allergic reactions, including hives, itching, difficulty breathing, and swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat.
• Rare (may affect up to 1 in 1,000 people): Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML), a serious and potentially fatal brain infection. Symptoms can be similar to an MS attack, including clumsiness, progressive weakness, and visual, speech, and sometimes personality changes.

If you experience any side effects, contact your healthcare provider immediately or consider scheduling a telemedicine consultation with one of our professionals.

Contraindications

A ‘contraindication’ is a condition or factor that serves as a reason to withhold a certain medical treatment due to the harm that it would cause the patient. Contraindications for Natalizumab include:

• Progressive Multifocal Leukoencephalopathy (PML): Natalizumab increases the risk of developing PML, a rare and potentially fatal brain infection, making its use contraindicated in patients who have had this infection in the past.
• Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV): Natalizumab can weaken the immune system, making it potentially hazardous for patients with HIV or other conditions that affect the immune system.
• Allergy to Natalizumab: Any previous allergic reactions to Natalizumab make further use potentially dangerous.

If you have any of these conditions, discuss it with your healthcare provider. You may also schedule a telemedicine consultation with our team for personalized advice.

Drug to Drug Interactions

Natalizumab can potentially interact with:

• Interferon beta (Avonex, Rebif)
• Glatiramer acetate (Copaxone)

Interactions between drugs can alter their effects and increase the risk of side effects. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any new medication.

Natalizumab in Pregnancy

The safety of Natalizumab in pregnancy has not been conclusively established. It is classified as a Category C medication, which means it has shown adverse effects in animal studies, but there are no definitive studies in humans. Therefore, it should only be used during pregnancy if the benefits outweigh the risks. Discuss any potential risks with your healthcare provider or schedule a telemedicine consultation with our team for personalized advice.

Natalizumab while Breastfeeding

It’s currently unclear whether Natalizumab is excreted in human breast milk. Due to the lack of conclusive data, it’s recommended to avoid breastfeeding while taking Natalizumab. If you’re nursing and considering Natalizumab, consult with your healthcare provider for advice.

Estimated Cost of Medication

The estimated cost of a 30-day supply of Natalizumab, without insurance but using a GoodRX coupon, is around $6,900. Prices can vary based on your location and the pharmacy you visit. Please note that this is an estimate and actual costs may differ.

Possible Alternatives

For both Multiple Sclerosis and Crohn’s Disease, there are alternative treatments and lifestyle changes that could potentially help manage symptoms. However, it is crucial to discuss these alternatives with your healthcare provider before making any changes to your treatment plan.

• Multiple Sclerosis Alternatives: Other disease-modifying therapies such as Interferon beta-1a, Glatiramer acetate, Dimethyl fumarate, and lifestyle changes like a balanced diet, regular exercise, and avoiding smoking can be considered.
• Crohn’s Disease Alternatives: Medications like corticosteroids, immunosuppressants, and biologic therapies can be alternatives. Lifestyle changes, such as a low-residue or high-calorie diet and stress management, can also be beneficial.

Recent Updates on Natalizumab Research

Recent research suggests that Natalizumab might be beneficial for managing refractory neuroinflammatory conditions beyond Multiple Sclerosis. There is ongoing research regarding the long-term safety of Natalizumab and its role in treating other autoimmune conditions. These updates are significant, demonstrating the continual advancements in our understanding of Natalizumab’s potential applications.

Brief Legal Disclaimer

This article is for informational purposes only and not intended as medical advice. Always consult a healthcare professional for diagnosis and treatment. Reliance on the information provided here is at your own risk.
Brief Legal Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and not intended as medical advice. Always consult a healthcare professional for diagnosis and treatment. Reliance on the information provided here is at your own risk.