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Compare Rituxan vs. Tysabri

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

Key takeaways

Rituxan (rituximab) and Tysabri (natalizumab) are both monoclonal antibodies used to treat different conditions, but they have some key differences. Rituxan (rituximab) is used for certain blood cancers like non-Hodgkin lymphoma and chronic lymphocytic leukemia, as well as autoimmune conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis. It works by targeting B cells in the immune system. Tysabri (natalizumab), on the other hand, is used to treat multiple sclerosis (MS) and Crohn's disease (CD) by blocking cells that cause inflammation. Rituxan (rituximab) infusions can take several hours and may be needed as infrequently as every six months, whereas Tysabri (natalizumab) is given once a month and takes about an hour. Both medications can cause serious side effects, but Tysabri (natalizumab) requires enrollment in the TOUCH Prescribing Program due to the risk of a severe brain infection called progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML).

  • Rituxan (rituximab)
    Tysabri (natalizumab)
  • Rituxan (rituximab)
    Tysabri (natalizumab)

  • Summary of Rituxan vs. Tysabri

    Summary for Anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody
    Prescription only

    Rituxan (rituximab) is a monoclonal antibody. It treats certain types of blood cancers (e.g., non-Hodgkin lymphoma) and autoimmune conditions (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis) by targeting specific immune cells. Rituxan (rituximab) is given as an infusion through the vein (IV), typically at an infusion center. Your oncologist will give you premedications before each dose to lower the risk of serious infusion-related reactions. Other possible side effects of this medication include rash and weakness. Rituxan (rituximab) is available as many different brands (or biosimilars), but they don't all treat the same conditions.

    Summary for Integrin receptor antagonist
    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 of Rituxan vs. Tysabri

    Indications for

    Blood cancers

    •Certain types of CD20-positive non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL) in adults and children ages 6 months and older
    •CD20-positive chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) in adults

    Autoimmune conditions

    •Moderate to severe rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in adults
    •Granulomatosis with polyangitis (GPA) and microscopic polyangitis (MPA) in adults and children ages 2 years and older
    •Moderate to severe pemphigus vulgaris in adults
    Indications for
    •Relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis (MS)
    •Moderate-to-severe Crohn's disease (CD) when other treatments haven't worked well

  • Pros and Cons of Rituxan vs. Tysabri

    Pros and Const for Anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody
    Pros
    •Works in a more targeted, specific way than chemotherapy
    •Might only need a dose once every 6 months for certain conditions
    •Doesn’t typically cause hair loss
    Cons
    •Can cause serious infusion-related reactions
    •Each infusion can last over 3 hours, so can be inconvenient
    •Higher risk of infections can last a year after your last dose (sometimes longer)
    Pros and Const for Integrin receptor antagonist
    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 of Rituxan vs. Tysabri

    Common Side Effects for
    •Fever (53%)
    •Lower white blood cell counts (up to 48%)
    •Chills (33%)
    •Infection (31%)
    •Weakness (26%)
    •Nausea (23%)
    •Headache (19%)
    •Night sweats (15%)
    •Rash (15%)

    Please note: Side effects listed were reported by people who took Rituxan (rituximab) alone for NHL in clinical studies.

    Common Side Effects for
    •Headache (38%)
    •Fatigue or feeling extremely tired (27%)
    •Urinary tract infection (21%)
    •Joint pain (19%)
    •Depression (19%)
    •Lower respiratory tract infection (17%)
    •Pain in arm or leg (16%)
    •Rash or other skin irritation (up to 12%)

  • Warnings of Rituxan vs. Tysabri

    Common Side Effects for
    •Infusion-related reactions
    •Serious skin reactions
    •Hepatitis B reactivation
    •Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy
    •Tumor lysis syndrome
    •Serious infections
    •Serious heart problems
    •Kidney problems
    •Gut blockage and tears
    •Vaccines
    •Harm to unborn baby
    •Combination treatment for people with autoimmune conditions
    Common Side Effects for
    •Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML)
    •Other infections
    •Liver problems
    •Allergic reaction or infusion reaction
    •Low platelet levels

  • Prices with our coupons for Rituxan vs. Tysabri

    Learn more about Rituxan
    Learn more about Tysabri

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