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

Key takeaways

Vumerity (diroximel fumarate) and Tysabri (natalizumab) are both used to treat relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis (MS), but they have some key differences. Vumerity is a fumaric acid derivative taken orally twice a day, while Tysabri is a monoclonal antibody given as an IV infusion once a month. Tysabri can also be used to treat Crohn’s disease that hasn’t responded well to other treatments. Both medications are thought to work by reducing inflammation. Tysabri requires enrollment in the TOUCH Prescribing Program due to its risk of serious infections like progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML). Vumerity can also cause serious side effects like liver damage, infections, and severe allergic reactions. Both medications can be expensive as they are only available as a brand-name forms.

Vumerity

(diroximel fumarate)

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Tysabri

(natalizumab)

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Summary for Vumerity

Prescription only

Vumerity (diroximel fumarate) is approved for treating relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis (MS) in adults. It's a type of disease-modifying therapy (DMT) that can help lower the number of MS relapses and slow MS from getting worse. Vumerity (diroximel fumarate) comes as a capsule that's taken by mouth twice a day. The dosage typically starts low and then is raised to the maintenance dose a week later. The most common side effects are stomach upset and flushing.

Indications for Vumerity

Relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis (MS)

Pros and Cons for Vumerity

Pros

Taken by mouth
Can help lower the number of MS relapses per year
Might cause less stomach upset than dimethyl fumarate (Tecfidera)
Few drug interactions

Cons

Must take twice a day
Often causes flushing
Should avoid taking with high-fat and high-calorie meals
Can take a few months to see the full benefit of the medication

Common Side Effects for Vumerity

Flushing (40%)
Stomach pain (18%)
Diarrhea (14%)
Nausea (12%)

Warnings for Vumerity

Severe allergic reaction
Flushing
Risk of serious infections
Low white blood cell counts
Liver damage
Serious stomach or gut problems

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