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na-ta-LYE-zoo-mab
Natalizumab increases the risk of progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML), an opportunistic viral infection of the brain that usually leads to death or severe disability. Natalizumab is available only through a special restricted distribution program called the TOUCH(TM) Prescribing Program in which only prescribers, infusion centers, and pharmacies associated with infusion centers registered with the program are able to prescribe, distribute, or infuse the product. Patients must be enrolled in and meet all the conditions of the TOUCH(TM) Prescribing Program to receive the drug. Monitor patients for any new sign or symptoms that may be suggestive of PML and discontinue therapy at the first sign or symptoms suggestive of PML .
Commonly used brand name(s):
In the U.S.
Available Dosage Forms:
Therapeutic Class: Immune Suppressant
Pharmacologic Class: Monoclonal Antibody
Natalizumab is used to treat patients with relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis (MS), and patients who have not been helped by other medicines. natalizumab will not cure MS, but may delay physical disability and extend the time between relapses .
Natalizumab is also used to treat Crohn's disease (CD) in patients who have not been helped by other medicines. natalizumab will not cure CD, but may prevent it from occurring again .
natalizumab is only available with your doctor's prescription .
In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of taking the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For natalizumab, the following should be considered:
Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to natalizumab or any other medicines. Also tell your health care professional if you have any other types of allergies, such as to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. For non-prescription products, read the label or package ingredients carefully.
Appropriate studies have not been performed on the relationship of age to the effects of natalizumab in the pediatric population. Safety and efficacy have not been established .
Appropriate studies on the relationship of age to the effects of natalizumab have not been performed in the geriatric population. However, no geriatrics-specific problems have been documented to date .
| Pregnancy Category | Explanation | |
|---|---|---|
| All Trimesters | C | Animal studies have shown an adverse effect and there are no adequate studies in pregnant women OR no animal studies have been conducted and there are no adequate studies in pregnant women. |
There are no adequate studies in women for determining infant risk when using this medication during breastfeeding. Weigh the potential benefits against the potential risks before taking this medication while breastfeeding.
Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. Tell your healthcare professional if you are taking any other prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicine.
Certain medicines should not be used at or around the time of eating food or eating certain types of food since interactions may occur. Using alcohol or tobacco with certain medicines may also cause interactions to occur. Discuss with your healthcare professional the use of your medicine with food, alcohol, or tobacco.
The presence of other medical problems may affect the use of natalizumab. Make sure you tell your doctor if you have any other medical problems, especially:
A nurse or other trained health professional will give you natalizumab. natalizumab is given through a needle placed in one of your veins .
Natalizumab comes with a medication guide. It is very important that you read and understand this information. Be sure to ask your doctor about anything you do not understand.
You must enroll in a prescribing program called TOUCH in order to begin receiving natalizumab. Your doctor will explain the program and have you sign an enrollment form. Be sure to ask your doctor if you have any questions about the TOUCH prescribing program. It is very important that you understand and follow all of the instructions .
Your doctor will want to check your progress 3 months after the first injection, 6 months after the first injection, and every 6 months after that .
Tell your doctor if you are currently taking interferon beta (e.g., Avonex®, Betaseron®, Rebif®), azathioprine (e.g., Imuran®), 6-mercaptopurine (e.g., Purinethol®), cyclosporine (e.g., Gengraf®, Neoral®, Sandimmune®), or methotrexate (e.g., Rheumatrex®, Trexall®). Natalizumab should not be given together with these medicines .
natalizumab may increase your risk of developing infections, including a serious brain infection called progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML). Check with your doctor right away if you are having more than one of these symptoms: back pain; blurred vision; confusion; convulsions; dizziness; drowsiness; fever; headache; or unusual tiredness or weakness .
Liver problems may occur while you are using natalizumab. Stop using natalizumab and check with your doctor right away if you are having more than one of these symptoms: abdominal pain or tenderness; clay-colored stools; dark urine; decreased appetite; fever; headache; itching; loss of appetite; nausea and vomiting; skin rash; swelling of the feet or lower legs; unusual tiredness or weakness; or yellow eyes or skin .
natalizumab may cause a serious type of allergic reaction called anaphylaxis. Anaphylaxis can be life-threatening and requires immediate medical attention. Tell your doctor right away if you have a rash; hives; itching; swelling of the face, tongue, and throat; trouble breathing; or chest pain after you get the injection .
Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.
Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:
More commonSome side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:
More commonOther side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
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