Tysabri is prescribed to patients with multiple sclerosis (MS), to delay and reduce neurologic disability and the frequency of attacks, but only after they become part of a special program designed to reduce fatalities, called TOUCH. The FDA has approved the drug for use in patients with relapsing forms of MS. Tysabri can cause fatal viral infections of the brain that usually lead to death or severe disability.
What are some important things I should know about Tysabri?
Tysabri was originally approved in 2004, but was withdrawn in 2005 after the FDA received several reports of serious injury and death. Tysabri is now a restricted drug, and can only be used for patients who have completed the TOUCH Validation System, which was designed to make sure the patients understand the benefits as well as the risks of the drug, minimize deaths from Tysabri, and make sure not to use Tysabri in patients who are immunocompromised or using certain medications.
Tysabri is for patients with relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis.
Tysabri is not for patients who have a compromised immune system, and opportunistic infection, or are using certain medications like antineoplastics, immunosuppressants, or immunomodulators.
Tysabri can cause serious viral infections that can cause severe brain damage, disability or death. These infections are opportunistic, and because of Tysabri, the body will not be able to defend itself.
Tysabrin increases the risk of developing an opportunistic brain infection called progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy. This infection can lead to death or severe disability. It is incurable. Symptoms of this infection vary. Call your doctor immediately if you notice:
- clumsiness
- weakness
- speech changes
- visual changes
- headache