Does Tysabri cause PML?

TYSABRI® (natalizumab) increases the risk of PML, an opportunistic viral infection of the brain that usually leads to death or severe disability. Risk factors for the development of PML include the presence of anti-JCV antibodies, duration of therapy, and prior use of immunosuppressants.

What are the chances of getting PML?

The risk of developing PML is less than 1 in 1000 users, but it increases to 11 per 1000 users if all 3 risk factors are present.

Can you stop PML?

There’s no known way to prevent the JC virus. You can’t completely eliminate your risk of PML, either, but you can make an informed decision about immune suppressing drugs. If you have an immune system disorder and are thinking about taking an immunomodulator, talk to your doctor about the risks of PML.

Why does Tysabri increase risk of PML?

Natalizumab is thought to increase the risk of PML infection by preventing lymphocytes from adhering to the endothelium of the blood–brain barrier, thereby reducing their migration from the blood into the CNS and suppressing T cell-mediated immune responses in the brain.

Is Tysabri FDA approved for MS?

Tysabri, an integrin receptor antagonist, is approved as monotherapy for the treatment of relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis (MS), to include clinically isolated syndrome, relapsing-remitting disease, and active secondary progressive disease in adults.

Can Tysabri make MS worse?

No, Tysabri shouldn’t make your MS worse. Studies have shown this medication to be effective for treating certain types of MS. (For details, see the “Who is Tysabri prescribed for?” section below.) If you’re receiving Tysabri and you stop treatment, you may have worsening MS symptoms.

Does Tysabri make your hair fall out?

While taking Tysabri, it’s not likely that you’ll lose your hair. In clinical trials of Tysabri, hair loss wasn’t a side effect. However, some other MS drugs, such as teriflunomide (Aubagio) and mitoxantrone, may cause hair loss. And Crohn’s disease itself may cause some hair loss.

Does Tysabri suppress the immune system?

TYSABRI may increase your chance of getting an unusual or serious infection because TYSABRI can weaken your immune system. Low platelet counts. TYSABRI may cause the number of platelets in your blood to be reduced.