Tysabri vs. Ocrevus for Multiple Sclerosis: Important Differences and Potential Risks.

Tysabri

(natalizumab)

Ocrevus

(ocrelizumab)

Summary for Tysabri

Prescription only

Tysabri (natalizumab) is an injectable medication used to treat relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis (MS) in adults. It can also treat moderate-to-severe Crohn's disease (CD) in adults. It works as an integrin antagonist to help lower inflammation in the body. Tysabri (natalizumab) is given by a healthcare professional as an infusion into a vein once a month. Common side effects include headache and fatigue. Because it has a risk of serious infections, you must enroll in the Tysabri TOUCH Program before starting treatment.

Indications for Tysabri

Relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis (MS)
Moderate-to-severe Crohn's disease (CD) when other treatments haven't worked well

Pros and Cons for Tysabri

Pros

Infusions are once every month
Can help reduce relapses in MS
An option for Crohn's disease when other treatments haven't worked well

Cons

Must be given by a healthcare professional in a healthcare setting
Raises your risk of serious infection
Only FDA approved for adults

Common Side Effects for Tysabri

Headache (38%)
Fatigue or feeling very 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%)
Stomach discomfort (11%)
Diarrhea (10%)

Warnings for Tysabri

Risk of a brain infection leading to progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML)
Risk of other infections
Liver problems
Allergic reaction or infusion reaction
Low platelet levels
Other lab changes

Summary for Ocrevus

Prescription only

Ocrevus (ocrelizumab) is used to treat multiple sclerosis (MS) in adults. It can also treat certain children 10 years and older with relapsing-remitting MS. Ocrevus (ocrelizumab) is a type of monoclonal antibody. It's given as an infusion through the vein every 6 months at a medical center or clinic. A trained healthcare professional will help give Ocrevus (ocrelizumab) to you. Side effects can include a higher risk of infections and infusion reactions.

Indications for Ocrevus

All types of multiple sclerosis (MS) in adults
Relapsing-remitting MS in children 10 years and older who weigh at least 55 lbs

Pros and Cons for Ocrevus

Pros

Given twice a year (after a couple starter doses)
Can help lessen the number of MS relapses
Approved for all types of MS in adults
Also approved for MS in certain children ages 10 years and older
Might be better tolerated than some other injectable MS medications

Cons

Must be given as an infusion through the vein
Each infusion takes a few hours
Can cause infusion reactions (like itching, flushing, nausea, and fast heartbeat)
Can raise your risk of infections
Doesn't cure MS