Natalizumab infusions

Natalizumab (Tysabri®) is given as in intravenous infusion (a 'drip') into a vein, once every 4 weeks. You will need to visit a hospital neurology centre to receive the infusion.

Before the infusion

Before you are given the infusion, you will be seen by a doctor or nurse. You will need to tell them if you:

have any new or worsening medical problems (such as a new or sudden change in your thinking, eyesight, balance, or strength or other problems) that have lasted several days
have had hives, itching or trouble breathing during or after an infusion of natalizumab
have a fever or infection (including shingles or any unusually long lasting infection)
are pregnant or plan to become pregnant
are breastfeeding
are planning a trip away (it is not appropriate to have a long gap in the first few months of treatment)

You will also need to tell your doctor and nurse about all of the medicines you are taking, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins and herbal supplements.

Having the infusion

The infusion is usually given to you while you are lying down on a bed or sitting in a chair. It will be given into a vein in your arm. The infusion takes approximately 60 minutes to give and you have to be observed for another 60 minutes after the infusion is complete for possible allergic reactions. You will be able to read or watch TV whilst it's going on: most people don't feel immediate effects from the drug going into their body. Provided you haven't had any reaction to the drug, you should be fine to carry on with normal activities after the infusion.

Around 1 in 5 people receiving natalizumab may experience an infusion reaction either during the infusion or up to one hour afterwards. The most common symptoms are dizziness, feeling sick (nausea), itchy rash (hives) shivering. The symptoms are usually mild, and have gone away by the end of the infusion. Having an infusion reaction should not affect your ongoing treatment with natalizumab. (This is different from an allergic reaction - see the following page on Side Effects).