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Natalizumab
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About natalizumab
| Type of medicine | Monoclonal antibody |
| Used for | Multiple sclerosis |
| Also called | Tysabri |
| Available as | Concentrate for intravenous infusion |
In multiple sclerosis, inflammation in the brain damages nerve cells. Natalizumab reduces this nerve damage by stopping the cells that cause this inflammation from going into the brain.
Before taking natalizumab
Before taking natalizumab make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:
- If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding.
- If you suffer from Progressive Multifocal Leukoencephalopathy (PML). This is a rare infection of the brain.
- If you have an infection, or if you are at risk of an infection due to a problem with your immune system.
- If you have cancer.
- If you have ever had an allergic reaction to this or any other medicine.
- If you are taking any other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal or complementary medicines.
How to take natalizumab
- Natalizumab will be prepared for you and given to you by a specialised doctor.
- It is given once a month by infusion (as a drip) usually into a vein in the arm, over 1 hour.
Getting the most from your treatment
- Your doctor will give you a Patient Alert Card to carry with you whilst you are having natalizumab. It contains information for you to read.
- It is important that you have natalizumab regularly each month. Missing doses can lead to complications.
- If you are having any treatment like an operation or dental treatment, tell the person carrying out the treatment which medicines you are taking and show them the Patient Alert Card that you have been given.
- Before taking any 'over-the-counter' medicines, check with your pharmacist which medicines are safe for you to take with natalizumab.
Can natalizumab cause problems?
Along with their useful effects all medicines can cause unwanted side effects, which usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side effects continue or become troublesome.
| Common side-effects - these affect less than 1 in 10 people who take this medicine | What can I do if I experience this |
| Feeling sick or being sick | Eat little and often. Stick to simple foods such as dry toast. |
| Dizziness | Getting up slowly may help. Make sure your reactions are normal before driving, operating machinery or doing any other jobs that could be dangerous if you were not fully alert. |
| Headache | Ask your pharmacist to recommend a suitable pain-killer. If the headache continues, speak with your doctor. |
Other unwanted effects associated with the infusion are: flushing, tiredness, stiffness, high temperature, joint pain and itching.
If you believe the symptoms of your multiple sclerosis are getting worse or you notice any new symptoms, speak with your doctor as soon as possible.
Important: If you develop unexplained fever, severe diarrhoea, long spells of dizziness with headache and neck stiffness, weight loss or loss of energy; or if you notice an itchy rash, swelling of your face or mouth or develop difficulty breathing soon after receiving natalizumab, contact your doctor without delay.
How to store natalizumab
- Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
- Store in a refrigerator protected from light. Do not freeze.
Important information about all medicines
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References
- British National Formulary; 54th Edition (September 2007) British Medical Association and Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain, London (link to current BNF).
- Manufacturer's PIL, Tysabri ® Biogen Idec Ltd, electronic Medicines Compendium. Approved 11/2006, accessed 13 November 2007.
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