Tysabri Dosages for Multiple Sclerosis and Crohn’s Disease: Your GoodRx Guide

Tysabri (natalizumab) is a biologic medication that’s given as an intravenous (IV) infusion. It’s approved to treat relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis (MS). You may also receive Tysabri If you’re living with Crohn’s disease and don’t respond to or can’t take other treatments.

In this review, we’ll discuss the typical Tysabri dosages and what to expect when starting treatment. Keep in mind that these recommendations are from the manufacturer. If you have any questions about your Tysabri dosage, speak with your care team.

What to expect when starting Tysabri infusions

Before starting Tysabri, you and your prescriber must enroll in the TOUCH prescribing program. The program is intended to make sure you’re informed of the potential risks of Tysabri, which include a serious brain infection called progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML).

The TOUCH prescribing program ensures that you receive treatment at an authorized infusion center. It also verifies that the healthcare professionals and pharmacy dispensing and administering Tysabri are approved providers. In addition, the program has resources to assist with insurance coverage and connect you with financial assistance when available.

When you arrive for your Tysabri infusion, be sure to let the staff know about any new or ongoing health conditions you’re managing, including infections. You should also share a list of the current medications and supplements you’re taking.

What’s the typical Tysabri dosage?

You’ll receive Tysabri as an IV infusion at an authorized infusion center. It’s usually given as a 300 mg dose over 1 hour, and you’ll receive one dose every 4 weeks. This is the standard dosage for both MS and Crohn’s disease.

Expect your healthcare team to monitor you during your Tysabri infusion. And for the first 12 infusions (sometimes more), they’ll continue monitoring you for 1 hour after the infusion is finished. This is to make sure you don’t have a serious reaction to the medication, such as anaphylaxis.

Reactions to Tysabri are rare but still possible. They usually happen within 2 hours of starting a Tysabri infusion. Symptoms of anaphylaxis may include:

• Urticaria (hives)

• Dizziness

• Hypotension (low blood pressure)

• Dyspnea (shortness of breath)

• Chest pain

If you develop a reaction to Tysabri, your healthcare team will be ready and able to provide medical attention.

What happens if you miss your Tysabri infusion?

It’s important to receive Tysabri as directed by your prescriber. If you miss your infusion appointment or need to reschedule, be sure to contact them right away. It’s best to reschedule your appointment as soon as possible.

Skipping your Tysabri infusion can increase your risk of developing a reaction during your next appointment. It can also increase the likelihood that Tysabri may not work as well for you.

EXPERT PICKS: WHAT TO READ NEXT

• Tyruko vs. Tysabri: Considering switching to a Tysabri biosimilar such as Tyruko? Learn about the key similarities and differences between them.

• Tysabri side effects: Here’s what to expect during Tysabri treatment and how to manage side effects if they occur.

• Injection-free MS treatment options: Learn more about oral medications that treat multiple sclerosis (MS).

How to save on Tysabri

There are ways to save on Tysabri. As part of your enrollment in the TOUCH prescribing program, a support coordinator will explain coverage options, costs, and financial assistance opportunities before you start treatment. GoodRx can also help you find ways to save on the cost of your medication, including:

• Save with a copay savings card. If you have commercial insurance and meet eligibility requirements, Tysabri’s price is as little as $0 with the manufacturer’s copay savings card.

• Save with a patient assistance program. If you’re uninsured or underinsured and meet eligibility requirements, you may be eligible to receive your medication at no cost through Tysabri’s patient assistance program.

• Save with a biosimilar. Tyruko (natalizumab-sztn) is a biosimilar to Tysabri. This means the two medications contain similar ingredients and are expected to work the same way in the body. But biosimilars are often available at a lower cost. Tyruko also has a copay savings card and a patient assistance program that can reduce your cost to $0 per month. But keep in mind that you’ll need a new prescription in order to switch from Tysabri to Tyruko — they aren’t interchangeable medications.

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Written by:

Brian Leonard, PharmD, BCACP, BCGP

Brian Leonard earned his doctorate in pharmacy from the University of Florida College of Pharmacy and is board certified in Ambulatory Care and Geriatric Pharmacy.

Edited by:

Stacia Woodcock, PharmD

Stacia Woodcock, PharmD, is a pharmacy editor for GoodRx. She earned her Doctor of Pharmacy degree from the University of Kentucky and is licensed in New York and Massachusetts.

Reviewed by:

Christina Aungst, PharmD

Christina Aungst, PharmD, is a pharmacy editor for GoodRx. She began writing for GoodRx Health in 2019, transitioning from freelance writer to editor in 2021.

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