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Tysabri®
Infusion treatment for relapsing/Remitting MS
This section does not contain all the available information regarding drug therapy. It does not take the place of talking to your neurologist, general practitioner or pharmacist. Further information is also available from the MS Society in your state and from the pharmaceutical companies.
What is Tysabri®?
The active ingredient of Tysabri® is natalizumab. Natalizumab is a synthetic antibody which locks onto certain immune cells, called T-cells. Once the natalizumab is attached to the T-Cells, they cannot cross the blood brain barrier to attack the myelin or nerves. Natalizumab belongs to a family of medications called selective adhesion molecule inhibitors, other drugs in this family are used to treat conditions such as lymphoma or leukemia.
How well does Tysabri® work?
Clinical trials found that Tysabri® (natalizumab) has a significant beneficial effect in people with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis by reducing the accumulation of permanent physical disability, exacerbation frequency and disease activity measured by gadolinium-enhanced lesions on brain magnetic resonance images (MRI).
If you would like information about the results of the trials, please contact your local MS organisation.
How is Tysabri® available?
Tysabri® is taken once every twenty eight days. Tysabri® is available through the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS). As it is a very expensive medication and there have been some fatalities associated with its use, only specially trained neurologists can write a prescription. The neurologist will need to obtain a special authority (section 100 authority) to prescribe you with the medication. There are a number of criteria you are required to meet before your neurologist obtains authority to write this prescription.
For details of the criteria you need to meet to get Tysabri® through the PBS, please visit the official PBS website at:
Tysabri is given as an infusion at a special clinic. Usually this clinic will be attached to a hospital. A nurse or other qualified health professional will monitor you before, during and after your infusion.
How much does Tysabri® cost?
If you are eligible for medications through the PBS, you will need to pay a contribution fee for each month’s supply. The government will then pay for the remaining cost. The amount of the contribution fee depends upon whether or not you have a pension or concession card and how many prescriptions you have had dispensed in a year. The amount of this fee is set each year by the Government. In 2009 the fee for people with a Medicare card is $32.90. If you hold a Medicare card and a pension or concession card, the fee is $5.30.
Information about the PBS and your entitlements can be obtained if you visit the Medicare Australia website at:
Unlike some of the other medications for MS, Tysabri does not come in a pre-prepared dose. A pharmacist or nurse needs to prepare an individual dose for every person being treated at their clinic. Please check with your clinic about any fees for preparing your dose or for clinic admission.
If you are not eligible for Tysabri® through the PBS, for example you are a visitor from overseas, your neurologist may write a private prescription. In this instance you will have to pay the full cost to the pharmacy that dispenses your medication. The cost is likely to be over $2000 per month. You will need to request a quote from your pharmacist for the price of any medication which is not subsidised by the PBS.
General information
Generally the clinic where you have your Tysabri® infused will take care of your prescription and order the medication for you. If you do need to get Tysabri® dispensed at your local pharmacy please remember they will need to place an order with the manufacturer and have stock delivered especially for you. It is therefore important to let your pharmacist know a few days before you need the medication. Tysabri® needs to be kept between 2-8°C. If the outside temperature is warm, it is a good idea to take your medication home in an ice cooler. Your pharmacist may be able to assist with this. Medication should NOT be left in the boot or glove box of the car, or left for 30 minutes in a parked car.
Where can I get more information?
- You can get information from your neurologist, GP or pharmacist.
- Your local MS organisation on their toll free number 1800 042 138
Tysabri® is manufactured by:
Biogen Idec Australia Pty Ltd
Suite 2, Level 4
123 Epping Road
North Ryde
NSW - 2113
© 2009 MS Australia
