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Rebif vs. Tysabri

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.

Key takeaways

Rebif (interferon beta-1a) and Tysabri (natalizumab) are both used to treat relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis (MS), but they have some key differences. Rebif is an injectable biologic that you administer under the skin three times a week, while Tysabri is given as an IV infusion once a month by a healthcare provider. Rebif can cause flu-like symptoms and injection site reactions, whereas Tysabri can lead to serious infections and liver problems. Tysabri also requires enrollment in the TOUCH Prescribing Program due to its risk of a severe brain infection called progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML). Additionally, both Rebif and Tysabri are available only as a brand-name medication. Rebif has been around longer and has more research backing its use. Both medications can affect your immune system, but Tysabri's side effects are generally more severe and require closer monitoring.

Rebif

(interferon beta-1a)

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Tysabri

(natalizumab)

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Summary for Rebif

Prescription only

Rebif (interferon beta-1a) is an injectable biologic used for the treatment of relapsing multiple sclerosis (MS). However, it can cause uncomfortable flu-like symptoms as a side effect.

Indications for Rebif

  • Relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis (MS)

Pros and Cons for Rebif

Pros

  • A disease-modifying therapy (DMT) that prevents worsening MS
  • One of the first DMTs approved for MS, so theres a lot of research and experience
  • Comes as an autoinjector pen and prefilled syringe for easy at-home injections
  • Can be stored at room temperature for up to 30 days

Cons

  • Needs to be injected 3 times a week (more often than alternative medications like Avonex)
  • Not a first-choice treatment option for relapsing MS
  • Has many unpleasant side effects
  • Might not be a good option for people with a history of mental health conditions

Common Side Effects for Rebif

  • Injection-site reaction (89%)
  • Headache (65%)
  • Flu-like symptoms (56%)
  • Fatigue (33%)
  • Fever (25%)
  • Muscle pain (25%)
  • Stomach pain (22%)

Warnings for Rebif

  • Mental health
  • Liver damage
  • Injection site reactions and infections
  • Lower blood cell counts
  • Seizures

Summary for Tysabri

Prescription only

Tysabri (natalizumab) treats relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis (MS) and moderate-to-severe Crohn's disease (CD) in adults. This medication is a monoclonal antibody that works as an integrin antagonist. It lowers the immune system's activity and lessens inflammation. Tysabri (natalizumab) is given by a healthcare professional as a once-monthly infusion through the vein (IV). Common side effects include headache and fatigue. Because of the risk for serious infection, your care team will help you enroll in the TOUCH Prescribing Program and review the medication's warnings before treatment starts.

Indications for Tysabri

Pros and Cons for Tysabri

Pros

  • Infusions are once every month
  • Can be used for CD or MS
  • Has a risk monitoring program that anyone who prescribes, dispenses, infuses, or receives the medication must enroll in to make sure it's safe for you

Cons

  • Must be given by a healthcare professional in a healthcare setting
  • Infusions take about an hour
  • Raises your risk for serious infection
  • Only FDA approved for adults

Common Side Effects for Tysabri

Warnings for Tysabri

  • Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML)
  • Other infections
  • Liver problems
  • Allergic reaction or infusion reaction
  • Low platelet levels

Prices with our coupons for Rebif vs. Tysabri

Price Card Drug Icon
Rebif1 carton / 12 syringes of 44mcg
$10,247.29$15,175.33
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Tysabri1 vial / 15ml of 300mg/15ml
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