Tyruko (Natalizumab-Sztn) for Multiple Sclerosis

Tyruko (natalizumab-sztn) is a prescription medication approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis in adults.

How Tyruko Works and How It’s Taken

Tyruko is a type of medication called an integrin receptor antagonist. It works by blocking certain immune cells from sticking to blood vessel walls and moving into inflamed areas of the body. In multiple sclerosis, this may help reduce inflammation and immune system activity, which can lower damage to the brain and spinal cord.

Doctors prescribe Tyruko for adults with relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis. This includes clinically isolated syndrome, relapsing-remitting disease, and active secondary progressive disease.

By targeting this pathway, the medication may help manage symptoms and slow disease activity.

Tyruko is given as an intravenous infusion. This means it is put into a vein. The infusion takes about one hour and is given once every four weeks.

Typical Dosing for Multiple Sclerosis

The usual dose for multiple sclerosis is 300 milligrams given by intravenous infusion over one hour every four weeks.

This information is based on prescribing information, but your healthcare provider may tailor your treatment plan. Always follow their guidance.

Tyruko Side Effects

In clinical studies of Tyruko used as monotherapy (alone) for relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis in adults, the most common side effects occurred in about 10 percent to 38 percent of people. These include:

Headache
Fatigue (feeling tired)
Urinary tract infection
Joint pain
Lower respiratory tract infection, such as a lung or chest infection
Gastroenteritis (stomach flu)
Vaginitis
Depression
Pain in your arms or legs
Abdominal discomfort (stomach area discomfort)
Diarrhea
Rash

Serious Side Effects and Warnings

Tyruko can cause serious side effects that require immediate medical attention. These include:

Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) — This rare brain infection caused by JC virus can lead to severe disability or death.
Serious herpes infections — These can include herpes encephalitis or meningitis, which are infections of the brain or its lining.
Acute retinal necrosis — This serious eye infection can lead to vision loss or blindness.
Hepatotoxicity — This can include severe liver damage or liver failure.
Hypersensitivity — Serious allergic reactions can include anaphylaxis, which is a severe allergic reaction that can cause trouble breathing, hives, or swelling.
Immunosuppression — Tyruko can lower your immune system’s ability to fight infections.
Hematological abnormalities — These can include anemia and thrombocytopenia (low platelet count), which can cause severe bleeding.

Get medical help right away if you think you are having a serious reaction.

How To Save on Tyruko

Sandoz, the manufacturer of Tyruko, offers the Sandoz One Source program. Eligible people with commercial insurance may pay as little as $0.

The Sandoz One Source program also provides live support with insurance benefits through care specialists and helps coordinate monthly infusions. Nurse educators are available seven days a week to answer questions. The program also provides welcome kits with educational information and support.

To learn more, visit the Sandoz One Source program website or call 855-489-7856, option 2.

What To Know Before Taking Tyruko

Before starting Tyruko, your doctor may check your John Cunningham virus (JCV) antibody status. This helps identify your risk for a rare brain infection called progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML).

Do not take Tyruko if you have or have had PML.

Tell your doctor if you have any allergies to natalizumab-sztn or any ingredients in Tyruko. Do not take it if you have had a hypersensitivity reaction to natalizumab products or any of the ingredients in Tyruko.

Tell your doctor about all medicines you take, including prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.

Tell your doctor if you have or had any nervous system problems, infections, or a weakened immune system. Tyruko can increase the risk of infections.

Because of the risk of PML, Tyruko is only available through a restricted safety program called the TYRUKO REMS Program.

Tyruko is also FDA approved to treat adults with moderately to severely active Crohn’s disease who did not respond well to other treatments.

If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding while taking Tyruko, talk with your doctor about the risks and benefits.

Community FAQs

These answers are fact-checked by our editorial staff.

How effective is Tyruko?
In studies of adults with relapsing multiple sclerosis, Tyruko helped reduce disease activity.

In one two-year study:

17 percent of people taking Tyruko had worsening disability, compared with 29 percent taking placebo (an inactive treatment).
The relapse rate was 0.22 with Tyruko and 0.67 with placebo.
67 percent of people taking Tyruko had no relapses, compared with 41 percent taking placebo.

In another two-year study:

The relapse rate was 0.33 with Tyruko and 0.75 with placebo.
54 percent of people taking Tyruko had no relapses, compared with 32 percent taking placebo.

How long does Tyruko take to work for multiple sclerosis?
In studies of people with multiple sclerosis, results were measured over two years. These studies did not report exactly when people may start to feel better after starting Tyruko.

Should I take Tyruko for multiple sclerosis if I have an infection?
Tyruko can increase your risk of infections. Tell your doctor if you have an infection or signs of infection before starting or during treatment. It can also increase the risk of a serious brain infection called progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML).

People who take long-term medicines that weaken the immune system, such as chronic immunosuppressant or immunomodulatory therapy, usually should not be treated with Tyruko.