How is it used?

Before taking

While taking

Warnings

Pending revision, the material in this section should be considered in light of more recently available information in the MedWatch notification at the beginning of this monograph.

Natalizumab is used to prevent episodes of symptoms and slow the worsening of disability in patients with relapsing forms (course of disease where symptoms flare up from time to time) of multiple sclerosis (MS; a disease in which the nerves do not function properly and people may experience weakness, numbness, loss of muscle coordination, and problems with vision, speech, and bladder control). Natalizumab is usually used by people who were not helped by other medications for MS or who cannot take these medications. Natalizumab is also used to treat and prevent episodes of symptoms in people who have Crohn's disease (a condition in which the body attacks the lining of the digestive tract, causing pain, diarrhea, weight loss, and fever) who have not been helped by other medications or who cannot take other medications.- Natalizumab is in a class of medications called immunomodulators. It works by stopping certain cells of the immune system from reaching the brain and spinal cord and causing damage.

Natalizumab comes as a concentrated solution (liquid) to be diluted and injected slowly into a vein by a doctor or nurse. It is usually given once every 4 weeks in a registered infusion center. It will take about 1 hour for you to receive your entire dose of natalizumab.

Natalizumab may cause serious allergic reactions that are most likely to happen within 2 hours after the beginning of an infusion, but may happen at any time during your treatment. You will have to stay at the infusion center for 1 hour after your infusion is finished. A doctor or nurse will monitor you during this time to see if you are having a serious reaction to the medication. Tell your doctor or nurse if you experience any unusual symptoms such as those listed in the SIDE EFFECTS section, especially if they occur within 2 hours after the start of your infusion.

Natalizumab controls the symptoms of MS, but does not cure the condition. Keep all appointments to receive natalizumab even if you feel well.

This medication may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

This information being provided is copyrighted by the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc., ASHP, Bethesda, Maryland.
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