Natalizumab (Intravenous)
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Dec 15, 2021.
Progressive Multifocal LeukoencephalopathyNatalizumab increases the risk of progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML), an opportunistic viral infection of the brain that usually leads to death or severe disability.Risk factors for PML include the presence of anti-JC virus antibodies, duration of therapy, and prior use of immunosuppressants. These factors should be considered in the context of expected benefit when initiating and continuing treatment with natalizumab.Monitor patients, and withhold natalizumab immediately at the first sign or symptoms suggestive of PML.Because of the risk of PML, natalizumab is available only through a restricted distribution program called the TOUCH(R) Prescribing Program .
Commonly used brand name(s)
In the U.S.
- Tysabri
Available Dosage Forms:
- Solution
Therapeutic Class: Immune Suppressant
Pharmacologic Class: Monoclonal Antibody
Uses for natalizumab
Natalizumab injection is used to treat patients with relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis (MS). Natalizumab will not cure MS, but it may slow some of the disabling effects and decrease the number of flare-ups (relapses) of the disease.
Natalizumab injection is also used to treat moderate to severely active Crohn's disease (CD) when other medicines or treatments did not work well. Natalizumab will not cure CD, but may prevent it from occurring again.
Natalizumab is available only under a restricted distribution program called the TOUCH® Prescribing program.
Before using natalizumab
In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of taking the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For natalizumab, the following should be considered:
Allergies
Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to natalizumab or any other medicines. Also tell your health care professional if you have any other types of allergies, such as to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. For non-prescription products, read the label or package ingredients carefully.
Pediatric
Appropriate studies have not been performed on the relationship of age to the effects of natalizumab injection in the pediatric population. Safety and efficacy have not been established.
Geriatric
Appropriate studies performed to date have not demonstrated geriatric-specific problems that would limit the usefulness of natalizumab injection in the elderly.
Breastfeeding
There are no adequate studies in women for determining infant risk when using this medication during breastfeeding. Weigh the potential benefits against the potential risks before taking this medication while breastfeeding.
Interactions with medicines
Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. When you are receiving natalizumab, it is especially important that your healthcare professional know if you are taking any of the medicines listed below. The following interactions have been selected on the ba..
