Natalizumab-injection

Name: Natalizumab-injection

What should I do if I forget a dose?

If you miss an appointment to receive a natalizumab infusion, call your doctor as soon as possible.

Brand names

  • Tysabri®

How to use

This medicine comes with a Medication Guide. Read it carefully before you start using natalizumab and each time you receive another dose. Ask your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist any questions that you may have about this medicine.This medication is given by a health care professional in an infusion center, usually every 4 weeks or as directed by your doctor. This medication is mixed in a solution and injected slowly into a vein, usually over 1 hour. It should not be given as a rapid injection. You will be monitored for 1 hour after your treatment is finished to make sure you do not have a serious reaction to the medication. (See also Side Effects section.)It is important to use this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. Do not miss any doses without your doctor's approval.Tell your doctor if your condition worsens. When using this medication for Crohn's disease, if your condition does not improve after 12 weeks of treatment, your doctor will need to switch your treatment plan.

Precautions

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 herpes, shingles), mental/mood disorders (such as depression).During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.It is not known if this drug passes into breast milk. Because of the possible risk to the infant, breast-feeding is not recommended while using this drug. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Notes

Laboratory and/or medical tests (such as MRI, liver function, anti-JCV antibody test) may be performed before you start treatment and repeated periodically to monitor your progress or check for side effects. Consult your doctor for more details.Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about lifestyle changes that might benefit you. Examples of lifestyle changes include stress reduction programs and maintaining a healthy diet. A doctor-approved exercise program may also help MS patients maintain strength, balance, and muscle tone. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details.

Storage

Not applicable. This medication is given in an infusion center and will not be stored at home.MEDICAL ALERT: Your condition can cause complications in a medical emergency. For information about enrolling in MedicAlert, call 1-888-633-4298 (US) or 1-800-668-1507 (Canada).

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Reviewed on 4/16/2014 References
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