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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.

Has Anyone Done The Lemtrada Treatments? My Dr Is Recommending This Or Tysabri. Any One With Experience With These?

A MyMSTeam Member asked a question 💭
Garner, NC
February 15, 2019
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A MyMSTeam Member

I had my first round of Lemtrada last July.MRI in December no new lesions and 1 active one is no longer active.Have not experienced the serious side effects.Feeling much better.I think it has worked great for me.

February 16, 2019
A MyMSTeam Member

I like lemtrada it has helped me quite a bit so I would b team lemtrada😉

February 16, 2019
A MyMSTeam Member

My neurologist told me that I have an "aggressive" form of MS, and he recommended Lemtrada, even though it has a whole bunch of serious side effects.

My husband and I had decided to fight MS however we could (e.g., I've been following the diet and other lifestyle pieces of George Jelinek's Overcoming MS book/website, etc.), so after considering the potential side effects vs what kind of situation I'd be headed toward if I didn't do Lemtrada, we decided that I would do it.

I finished my second course in 2016, and I haven't been on any MS drugs since before the first course. There were definitely some challenging aspects to the treatment - I had low heart rate at the end of one day of the first year's course of treatment and had to see a cardiologist before I could finish that course, and after the first course, I spiked a fever and had to go to the ER and spend a few days at the hospital because I'd caught a very common infection that I wouldn't have caught if my immune system was in full force.

But after the treatment, I've had no problems and feel incredibly blessed.

I don't know what it's like to take Tysabri, but I'd strongly recommend considering Lemtrada.

February 15, 2019
A MyMSTeam Member

Tysabri even if your jc+

It’s been out way longer and regulated hardcore lemtrada new and I hear it is an option I just stick to things with high results that have been out longer

February 17, 2019
MyMSTeam

Both Lemtrada (Alemtuzumab) and Tysabri (Natalizumab) are treatments for multiple sclerosis (MS) with specific considerations and potential side effects. Here are some key points from the knowledge base:

Lemtrada (Alemtuzumab)
- Usage: Recommended for patients who haven't responded well to at least two other MS drugs
- Show Full Answer

Both Lemtrada (Alemtuzumab) and Tysabri (Natalizumab) are treatments for multiple sclerosis (MS) with specific considerations and potential side effects. Here are some key points from the knowledge base:

Lemtrada (Alemtuzumab)
- Usage: Recommended for patients who haven't responded well to at least two other MS drugs.
- Administration: Infusion at a medical facility, possibly with pre-treatment corticosteroids.
- Side Effects:
- Serious: Autoimmune disorders of the blood and kidneys, increased cancer risk (melanoma, thyroid cancer, blood cancers).
- Common: Fatigue, itching, nausea, vomiting, sore throat, headache, dizziness, insomnia, herpes infection, hives, fever, cold symptoms, sinusitis, thyroid problems, pain in various body parts.
- Long-term monitoring: Blood and urine tests for up to 48 months post-treatment.
- Precautions: Not suitable for people with HIV, active infections, or certain health conditions (thyroid, liver, kidney problems). Not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women.

Tysabri (Natalizumab)
- Usage: For adults with relapsing forms of MS, usually when other treatments haven't worked.
- Administration: Monthly intravenous infusion, with monitoring for infusion reactions.
- Side Effects:
- Serious: Herpes infections, hypersensitivity reactions, liver damage, increased risk of progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML), leukemia, and other cancers.
- Signs of liver damage: Dark brown urine, yellow skin, extreme tiredness.
- Precautions: Not recommended for those with weakened immune systems, John Cunningham virus, pregnant or breastfeeding women.

Community Insights
- JC Virus and PML: Some people avoid Tysabri due to the risk of PML, especially if JC virus positive.
- Monitoring: Doctors closely monitor JC virus levels and other potential side effects.

Always follow your doctor's instructions and discuss any concerns or questions with them to determine the best treatment option for your specific situation.

July 18, 2024

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