Drug
Natalizumab
Pronounced
"nay-tal-IZ-oo-mab"
Uses
Natalizumab is used to treat multiple sclerosis-MS. It is not a cure for MS, but it is thought to help by preventing your immune system from attacking the nerves in your brain and spinal cord. It helps decrease the number of episodes of worsening symptoms and may prevent or delay disability. Natalizumab is also used to treat a bowel condition called Crohn's disease (CD). It is not a cure for CD, but it is thought to work by preventing your immune system from causing inflammation/swelling within your bowels. Natalizumab is a protein called a monoclonal antibody.
Warning
Natalizumab increases your risk of getting a rare but very serious (sometimes fatal) brain infection (progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy-PML). This risk may be higher the longer you use natalizumab and if you recently used or are currently using other medications that weaken the immune system/increase your risk of infection (such as immunosuppressants, cancer chemotherapy) or other medications that affect the immune system (immunomodulators). Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information. See also Side Effects and Drug Interactions sections. The risk of PML may also be higher if you have been infected with the virus that causes this infection (JC virus). Your doctor may order a test to see if you have been infected with this virus. Because this medication increases the risk of PML, it is usually used alone and only when other treatments have not worked or you are unable to use them.
To receive natalizumab in the United States, you must understand, agree to, and carefully follow the requirements of the REMS Program for this medication. If you live in Canada or any other country, consult your doctor and pharmacist for your country's regulations.
How to Use This Medication
Read the Medication Guide provided by your pharmacist before you start using natalizumab and each time you receive another dose. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
This medication is given by injection into a vein by a health care professional as directed by your doctor, usually every 4 weeks. This medication is usually given over 1 hour.
Infusion reactions may happen during the infusion of this drug and for a short time afterward. Tell your doctor right away if you have any symptoms of infusion reactions such as chills, fever, flushing, nausea, dizziness, tiredness, or chest pain.
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 gets worse. When using this medication for Crohn's disease, if your condition does not get better after 12 weeks of treatment, your doctor will need to switch your treatment plan.