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Vumerity vs. Tysabri

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

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, also known by its generic name dimethyl fumarate, is approved in adults for treating relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis (MS). It belongs to the drug class called fumaric acid derivatives. Vumerity (diroximel fumarate) is a capsule that's taken by mouth twice per day. The most common side effects are stomach upset and flushing (e.g., facial warmth, redness, burning sensation).

Indications for Vumerity

Pros and Cons for Vumerity

Pros

  • Lessens the number of relapses per year
  • Available in a "starter dose" bottle and "maintenance dose" bottle to help you keep track of how much medication to take
  • Few interactions with other medications

Cons

  • Have to take twice per day
  • Flushing is a common side effect
  • Shouldn't take the medication with high-fat and high-calorie meals

Common Side Effects for Vumerity

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

Warnings for Vumerity

  • Severe allergic reaction
  • Flushing
  • Risk for serious infections
  • Low white blood cell counts (lymphopenia)
  • Liver damage
  • Serious stomach and gut problems

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 Vumerity vs. Tysabri

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Vumerity1 bottle / Maintenance Dose of 231mg
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Tysabri1 vial / 15ml of 300mg/15ml
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