Natalizumab (Tysabri) Treatment for Multiple Sclerosis
Natalizumab, also known as Tysabri, is a highly effective injectable drug treatment used to reduce nerve damage caused by MS.
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What is natalizumab treatment for multiple sclerosis?
Multiple sclerosis, or MS, causes inflammation in the brain that damages the nerve cells. This inflammation happens when white blood cells get into the brain and spinal cord.
Natalizumab (brand name, Tysabri) is a highly effective injectable drug treatment that works to stop the white blood cells from getting through to the brain, reducing nerve damage caused by MS.
Natalizumab is appropriate for patients who have relapsing MS that’s very active. At Welbeck, our MS specialists deliver this treatment within our state-of-the-art Neurology centre.
What does natalizumab treatment for MS involve?
Natalizumab treatment is straightforward. The drug is administered as two injections, usually every 4 weeks, with most patients receiving 6 doses in total at Welbeck.
You will be monitored for 1 hour after each dose of natalizumab, with a nurse checking your heart rate, temperature and blood pressure. You should allow 2 hours in total for each treatment appointment.
If you’ve received all 6 of these doses without any adverse reaction, you will be shown how to inject the medication yourself, so that you can continue your treatment at home.
What are the risks of natalizumab treatment for MS?
Side effects of natalizumab are similar to those of other very effective disease-modifying therapies (DMTs), which include:
- hives (an itchy skin rash)
- headache
- shivers
- stomach upset
- joint pains
- sore throat
- feeling sick, tired or dizzy
- infections - of the urinary tract (UTI), lungs, nose, or throat
- serious allergic reaction with hives, swelling of your face, lips or tongue, difficulty breathing, chest pain, fever, and flushing (redness across your face and chest)
A rare but serious side effect of natalizumab is a type of brain infection called progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML). Before recommending and administering this treatment, your consultant will assess your personal risk of PML and make an informed decision as to whether this treatment is appropriate for you.
How to prepare for natalizumab treatment for MS
Before you can begin natalizumab treatment for MS, you will have an MRI scan of your brain. This will be compared to future scans, which will help to indicate if the treatment is working. A blood test will also be done to screen for PML.
Recovery and aftercare
You will need to have regular blood tests to check how your liver is working, and one every 6 months to screen for PML.
During the first 5 years of treatment, you’ll also have MRI scans. This is to check how well the drug is controlling your MS, and will also indicate your risk of PML. You may need to have scans every 3, 6, or 12 months, depending on your PML risk.
There is no recovery or aftercare needed from the injection itself, but the injection site may feel a little tender for a few days after.
How much does a private Natalizumab subcutaneous injection for MS cost?
Please contact our Neurology centre for pricing information.
Why choose Welbeck?
At Welbeck, our neurologists are experts in their field and are dedicated to providing world-class care to every patient.
With access to colleagues across other specialties, our consultants are also able to refer within the Welbeck ecosystem if required to ensure you receive the treatment you need as quickly as possible, all under one roof.
All appointments, testing, treatment, and follow-up appointments take place within our state-of-the-art facilities, enabling us to deliver accurate diagnostics and advanced treatments.
Booking a private natalizumab treatment for MS
To book an appointment for this treatment, you must be referred by either your GP or a consultant neurologist following a consultation with them. Self-referrals are not accepted for this test.
If you would like to schedule a consultation with a Welbeck consultant, please get in touch to make an appointment. Your health is important to us, so we strive to offer same-day appointments whenever possible.
Our consultants are recognised by the major health insurance companies. If you have private health insurance, your treatment at Welbeck can begin once you have obtained authorisation. We also provide care to self-paying patients. Learn more about the different payment options at Welbeck.
FAQs
How does the treatment work?
Natalizumab binds to immune cells in your blood stream, preventing them from passing from the blood into the central nervous system where they can damage nerves in your brain.
Can you have natalizumab treatment if you are trying for a baby, are pregnant or are breastfeeding?
It’s unlikely that natalizumab would have any adverse effects on conception, pregnancy, or breastfeeding. However, it’s important to discuss your treatment with your consultant if any of these apply to you, as they may advise changes to your treatment.
How effective is natalizumab?
Each DMT is rated as ‘moderate’, ‘good’ or ‘high’ in effectiveness. This is based on how much it can reduce relapses and slow down disease progression. The effectiveness of natalizumab is classed as 'high'.