Tysabri® 300 MG 15mL vial

What TYSABRI is used for?

TYSABRI is used to treat relapsing remitting Multiple Sclerosis (MS).

The cause of MS is not yet known. MS affects the brain and spinal cord. In MS, the body’s immune system reacts against its own myelin (the ‘insulation’ surrounding nerve fibres). In relapsing remitting MS, people have ‘exacerbations’ from time to time (e.g. blurred vision, weakness in the legs or arms, or loss of control of bowel or bladder function). These are followed by periods of recovery. Recovery may be complete or incomplete. If it is incomplete there is ‘progression of disability’.

TYSABRI has not been tested in clinical trials in people with MS who are 65 years and over. TYSABRI has not been studied in patients with chronic progressive MS.

How it works

TYSABRI slows down the progression of physical disability in people with relapsing remitting MS and decreases the number of flare-ups (relapses). Some people feel better when they start to take TYSABRI. However, TYSABRI cannot repair damage that has already been caused by MS. When you start on TYSABRI you might not notice any improvement, but TYSABRI may be working to help prevent your MS from becoming worse.

TYSABRI contains the active ingredient natalizumab (rmc). Natalizumab is a type of protein. It decreases the inflammation in your brain that is caused by MS and thereby reduces nerve damage.

TYSABRI works by binding to white blood cells and preventing them from moving into the brain and spinal cord where they cause inflammation, an important part of the MS disease process.

Your doctor, however, may prescribe TYSABRI for another purpose.

Ask your doctor if you have any questions about why it has been prescribed for you.

This medicine is only available with a doctor’s prescription.

There is not enough information to recommend this medicine for children or adolescents under 18 years of age or elderly 65 years and over.

When you must not be given it
Do not use TYSABRI if you have had an allergic reaction to:

natalizumab or any of the other ingredients listed at the end of this leaflet
any other proteins that are of mouse origin.

Symptoms of allergic reactions may include shortness of breath, wheezing or difficulty breathing, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or other parts of the body, rash, itching or hives on the skin.