Connect with others who understand.

Sign up Log in
Resources
About MyMSTeam
Powered By
Real members of MyMSTeam have posted questions and answers that support our community guidelines, and should not be taken as medical advice. Looking for the latest medically reviewed content by doctors and experts? Visit our resource section.

Anyone Have Insight On Tysabri? Specifically Side Effects And Issues With Insurance Coverage...

A MyMSTeam Member asked a question 💭
Port Saint John, FL
August 9, 2018
View reactions
A MyMSTeam Member

I was on Tysabri for 1.5 years and had no side effects. I only stopped Tysabri to start my family. I may go back on it again in the future. The once a month 2 hour infusion wasn't bad at all.

August 9, 2018
A MyMSTeam Member

On tysabri for 23 infusions sofar and love it. Minor headaches here and there otherwise few side effects. Covered fully by insurance.

August 10, 2018
MyMSTeam

Tysabri (Natalizumab) Overview

Side Effects:
- Common Side Effects:
- Fatigue
- Stomach pain
- Nausea and vomiting
- Sore throat
- Headache
- Skin irritation at the injection site
- Joint pain
- Depression
- Vaginal infection
- General skin problems (bleeding, crusting, blistering)

- Serious Side Show Full Answer

Tysabri (Natalizumab) Overview

Side Effects:
- Common Side Effects:
- Fatigue
- Stomach pain
- Nausea and vomiting
- Sore throat
- Headache
- Skin irritation at the injection site
- Joint pain
- Depression
- Vaginal infection
- General skin problems (bleeding, crusting, blistering)

- Serious Side Effects:
- Herpes infections
- Hypersensitivity reactions
- Liver damage (Signs include dark brown urine, yellow skin, extreme tiredness)
- Increased risk of brain infection (Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy or PML)
- Elevated risk of leukemia and other cancers

- Allergic Reactions:
- Trouble breathing
- Severe dizziness
- Rash
- Itching or swelling of the face, tongue, and throat

Important Notes:
- Tysabri lowers the immune system defenses, increasing the risk of infections (urinary tract, respiratory system, etc.).
- Always follow your doctor’s instructions exactly when taking Tysabri.
- Seek medical help immediately if you experience symptoms of an allergic reaction or signs of liver damage.

Insurance Coverage:
- Tysabri is administered through a restricted program called the TOUCH Prescribing Program.
- Due to its high cost and the need for specialized administration, insurance coverage can vary.
- It's essential to check with your insurance provider to understand the specifics of your coverage for Tysabri.

For more detailed information, you can visit:
- [Tysabri — Biogen](https://www. tysabri.com)
- [Tysabri — National MS Society](https://www.nationalmssociety.org/Treating-MS/M...)

July 8, 2024
A MyMSTeam Member

Yes. I have been on Tysabri for 3 years now with no flare ups or new lesions! I go in every month to get my infusion at my MS Clinic. I usually start to feel sluggish approximately 3 to 5 days before it's time for my infusion. I usually sleep during my transfusion. I have gotten nauseated a couple of times but I think it was more from side effects of my radiotherapy for my skin cancer than it was from my Tysabri Infusion. I will stay pretty exhausted for a couple of days then I'm good to go until my next infusion.
I haven't had any problems at all with getting my Infusions. My MS Team are the ones that filled out the paperwork for my Tysabri from the Pharmaceutical Maker. I was approved within a couple of days.
I feel better on Tysabri than on Copaxone or Gilenya. I hope this helps.

January 22, 2020
A MyMSTeam Member

Sorry I thought I had posted this already. Some information I have posted, but seeing it again doesn’t hurt.
Information about ocrevus is in the below information.

Dr. Aaron Boster made several MS videos and here’s one about benign MS.
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=FOF2eY9KSfI

Repost - FYI:
Sorry in advance for the long read:
For cognitive and fatigue issues the medication Ampyra might help. It’s worth a try. See video as it mentions that it can help with walking problems or any where there is demyelination. For vision issues steroid infusion has helped others in this forum.
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=UT8xlpRnsmU

This is a webinar that mentions MS medications and how they compare to each other. This information is scattered all over the internet and great to have it in one webinar. A must see.
“Published on Apr 23, 2018
Join RMMSC Medical Director Dr. Timothy Vollmer for an in-depth look at disease modifying therapies (DMTs) – the front line in our fight against MS. This webinar will give you a better understanding of the treatment options for MS, including insight into how specific DMTs work, their comparative safety, and their comparative effectiveness.”

Mentions tysabri side effects and how they don’t use tysabri on patients that are JCV positive cause it causes high PML risk.

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=lDvb6tVCxOI

Some data presented👇:
@ Avonex decreases relapses by 30% and has no effect on brain atrophy.

@ Copaxone
Decreases relapse rates by 30%
Decreases brain atrophy by 20%

@ Aubagio Tablet
Decreases relapse rates by 30%
Decreases brain atrophy by 20%
@Gelenya
Decreases relapse rates by 60%
Decreases mri activity by 60 to 70%
Decreases brain atrophy by 34%
Chance to improve symptoms is moderately high.

@ Tysabri:
Decreases relapse rates by 67%
Decreases mri activity by 80%
Decreases brain atrophy by 45%
Not recommended to use this medication if you are JCV positive.

@ Tecfidera. Tablets
Decreases relapse rates by 50%
Decreases mri activity by 50%
Decreases brain atrophy by 30%
@ Ocrevus
decreases relapse rates by 80%
decreases mri activity by 95%
decreases brain atrophy by 45%
Chance of improving symptoms is very high in RRMS.

Decreasing relapse rates should be a must when fighting MS.
Other MS information 👇
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=sG1DPWKW99E
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=0_iPucV2SxM
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=J4prsO-FDzs
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=7ObnkCuU7xo&l...
http://mscured.com/stem-cell-transplant/what-is...
Scroll down then Press home to watch this video.

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=T1ipXA4I0_M
This video was 2016 and need to follow up to see where this doctor is with his stem cell work and his nerve damage repair progress.
https://m.youtube.com/watch.

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=ou-p_RDUbB4
...

August 9, 2018

Related content

View All

Medication

A MyMSTeam Member asked a question 💭
Hot Springs, AR

Is Anyone On Tysabri? I Start On Thursday And Am Super Nervous For Any Side Effects. This Is My First Ever Infusion. Thank You!

A MyMSTeam Member asked a question 💭
Vineland, NJ

Tysabri - Side Effects?

A MyMSTeam Member asked a question 💭
Wellington, NZ

Already a Member? Log in