Key Takeaways
- Tysabri (natalizumab) is an IV infusion therapy approved for adults with relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis, including relapsing-remitting MS.
- In a two-year clinical study, Tysabri reduced relapses by 67 percent and lesions showing active inflammation on MRI by 92 percent compared to placebo.
- Tysabri is given as a one-hour IV infusion every four weeks, which is a different schedule than other MS infusion therapies such as Briumvi or Ocrevus.
- Starting Tysabri involves an order from your neurologist, baseline testing, and a treatment plan built around your health history.
- Smart Infusion Therapy Services provides Tysabri infusions across Eau Claire, Wausau, Madison, and Onalaska, Wisconsin, working directly with your neurologist to coordinate care.
How Does Tysabri Reduce MS Relapses?
Multiple sclerosis (MS) happens when the immune system mistakenly attacks the protective covering around nerve fibers in the brain and spinal cord. This can lead to relapses, which are periods when new or worsening symptoms appear, ranging from fatigue and vision changes to difficulty with movement and coordination.
Tysabri, known by its chemical name natalizumab, is a monoclonal antibody (a lab-made protein that attaches to one specific target) that is thought to block certain immune cells from crossing into the brain and spinal cord. By limiting that movement, Tysabri may reduce the inflammation and nerve damage that drive MS relapses.
In a two-year clinical trial called AFFIRM, people who took Tysabri had 67 percent fewer relapses than people who took a placebo (an inactive treatment), according to the Multiple Sclerosis Association of America. A summary of the AFFIRM results on PubMed Central, a National Institutes of Health database, also reports 92 percent fewer gadolinium-enhancing lesions (areas of active inflammation that show up on MRI) and 83 percent fewer new or enlarging T2 lesions (another type of MRI lesion). The risk of disability progression that lasted at least 12 weeks was 42 percent lower. Results vary from person to person, and Tysabri does not cure MS.
Who Is Tysabri Prescribed For?
Tysabri is approved for adults with relapsing forms of MS. This includes clinically isolated syndrome, relapsing-remitting MS, and active secondary progressive MS. It is used on its own (called monotherapy) rather than alongside other medicines that weaken the immune system, according to the FDA-approved prescribing information on DailyMed. Your neurologist may consider Tysabri if your disease is active or if another MS therapy has not given you the results you hoped for.
Because Tysabri affects the immune system, it is not the right fit for everyone. Your neurologist will review your full health history, including any past immune-suppressing treatments, before ordering Tysabri. Tysabri also carries a boxed warning, the FDA's strongest type of warning, for progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML), a rare brain infection caused by the JC virus. The risk is higher in people who have JC virus antibodies, have taken Tysabri for a longer time, or have used certain immune-weakening medicines in the past.
How Is Tysabri Different From Other MS Infusions?
Smart Infusion Therapy Services offers several infusion and injection therapies for relapsing MS, and each one follows its own schedule. Comparing them can help you understand what to expect once you and your neurologist choose a treatment.
| Therapy | How It Is Given | Typical Schedule |
|---|---|---|
| Tysabri (natalizumab) | 1-hour IV infusion | Every 4 weeks |
| Briumvi (ublituximab) | IV infusion: 150 mg over 4 hours on day 1, then 450 mg over 1 hour on day 15 | Every 24 weeks after the two starting doses (450 mg over 1 hour) |
| Ocrevus (ocrelizumab) | IV infusion lasting about 2 to 3.5 hours | Every 6 months after starting doses |
| Ocrevus Zunovo | 10-minute injection under the skin | Twice a year |
Dosing details come from the Briumvi manufacturer's dosing page, which lists all four therapies, and the Tysabri prescribing information. Your neurologist weighs things like disease activity, your treatment history, and your lifestyle when recommending one of these MS infusion therapies. Tysabri's four-week schedule means more frequent visits than some other options, though many patients value the regular check-ins that come with it. You can also read about Briumvi and Ocrevus on the Smart Infusion blog, or see the full list of infusion therapies offered.
What Does a Tysabri Treatment Plan Look Like?
Before you start Tysabri, you will typically have a brain MRI and a test for John Cunningham virus (JCV) antibodies. Your neurologist may order other lab work as well. Tysabri is also only available through the TOUCH Prescribing Program, a safety monitoring program required by the FDA, according to the prescribing information on DailyMed.
Once treatment begins, each infusion takes about one hour. For the first 12 infusions, you will be observed for an additional hour afterward to watch for signs of a reaction. Your neurologist reviews your treatment at 3 months, at 6 months, and every 6 months after that. For people who test negative for JC virus antibodies, retesting over time is generally recommended, and your neurologist will decide the schedule.
You do not need to manage this process alone. Once your neurologist orders Tysabri, Smart Infusion Therapy Services coordinates directly with their office to schedule your first infusion and set up ongoing monitoring. If you are wondering whether Tysabri might be an option for you, bring that question to your neurologist at your next appointment. You can also learn more about neurology infusion services at Smart Infusion.
Ready to Start Tysabri at Smart Infusion?
Tysabri is a well-studied option for adults living with relapsing forms of MS, with a four-week infusion schedule that has been shown in a clinical study to reduce relapses and new MRI lesions. Smart Infusion coordinates directly with your neurologist and specialty pharmacy, providing Tysabri treatment in a comfortable outpatient setting with experienced infusion nurses and ongoing communication with your care team. Smart Infusion Therapy Services has locations in Eau Claire, Wausau, Madison, and Onalaska, Wisconsin.
When your neurologist has ordered Tysabri, request an appointment with Smart Infusion Therapy Services to schedule your first infusion.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Tysabri used for?
Tysabri is used to treat relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis in adults, including relapsing-remitting MS and active secondary progressive MS. It is given as an IV infusion to help reduce how often relapses happen and reduce the number of new lesions in the brain and spinal cord.
How is Tysabri infusion for MS different from a pill or injection?
Unlike oral MS medications you take at home, Tysabri is given as a one-hour IV infusion at a clinic every four weeks. This lets the infusion team monitor you closely during and after treatment.
How can I find Tysabri infusion for MS near me in Wisconsin?
Smart Infusion Therapy Services offers Tysabri infusion therapy at its Eau Claire, Wausau, Madison, and Onalaska centers. You can request an appointment online once you have an order from your neurologist.
Do I need a referral to start Tysabri at Smart Infusion?
Yes. An order from your neurologist is required before Smart Infusion Therapy Services can begin Tysabri infusions. If you do not have a current order, the Smart Infusion team can help coordinate with your care team.
