Tysabri Infusion Therapy

See why thousands of patients choose our centers as their preferred destination for ongoing care, including Tysabri Infusion treatments.

Tysabri is a biologic therapy that is indicated to treat:

  • adults with relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis (MS) to slow the worsening of symptoms and to decrease the number of relapses
  • moderately to severely active Crohn’s disease (CD) who had an inadequate response to, or was unable to tolerate, conventional CD therapies and inhibitors of TNF

What is Tysabri?

What Is Tysabri? 

Tysabri (natalizumab) is a prescription medication administered for patients in all IVX Health centers via IV infusion. 

How Tysabri Works  

Tysabri is thought to work by preventing harmful immune cells from crossing into the central nervous system, which may reduce damage and inflammation that relapsing multiple sclerosis (MS) causes in the brain. 

Tysabri Infusion Dosage & Administration

Tysabri Infusion Dosage and Administration  

Patients receive natalizumab intravenously. Treatment time for a Tysabri infusion at a medical clinic like IVX Health usually lasts roughly 60 minutes. 

Dosage and Frequency  

Typical Tysabri dosage is 300mL per infusion. 

Tysabri is typically administered once every 28 days. 

Administering Tysabri via IV Infusion 

  1. The nurse prepares the patient’s arm by using rubbing alcohol to sterilize the location that is being used to insert the IV needle. 
  2. Following needle insertion, the IV line is held in place with tape. 
  3. The nurse attaches the patient’s IV line to the line coming down from the bag of medication. 

Every half-an-hour, the patient’s nurse takes his or her vitals. 

Tysabri Side Effects

Tysabri Infusion Side Effects  

As with all medications, side effects are possible. 

Common side effects include: 

  • Headache 
  • Feeling tired 
  • Urinary tract infection 
  • Joint pain 
  • Lung infection 
  • Depression 
  • Pain in the arms and legs 
  • Diarrhea 
  • Vaginitis 
  • Rash 
  • Nose and throat infections 
  • Nausea 
  • Stomach area pain 

Serious side effects include: 

  • Herpes infections 
  • Liver damage 
  • Allergic reactions 
  • Weakened immune system 
  • Low platelet counts 
  • Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) 

Preparing for Your Tysabri Infusion

Follow these steps to prepare for your Tysabri Infusion:

Consult Your Healthcare Provider

  • Medical History Review: Ensure your healthcare provider has a complete and up-to-date medical history, including any allergies, current medications, and past reactions to Infusion.
  • Pre-Infusion Testing: Complete any required blood tests or other pre-Infusion tests as recommended by your healthcare provider.

Pre-Infusion Medications

  • Prescription Pre-Medications: Your Tysabri Infusion may require pre-medications to reduce the risk of a reaction or adverse event. Your referring provider will include any pre-medications when sending in your prescription order.
  • Instructions: Follow your healthcare provider’s instructions regarding these medications, including the timing and dosage. Take these medications about 30-60 minutes before the Infusion as directed.

Hydration and Nutrition

  • Hydrate: Drink plenty of water in the days leading up to your Infusion to ensure you are well-hydrated.
  • Eat Light: Have a light meal before your Infusion to help maintain your energy levels during the procedure.

Prepare for Comfort

  • Clothing: Wear loose, comfortable clothing with easy access to your arms for the Infusion site.
  • Entertainment: Bring something to keep you occupied, such as a book, tablet, or music, as your treatment or observation period may take several hours.

Plan for Transportation

  • Arrange a Ride: Depending on the medication and your reaction to the Infusion, you might not feel well enough to drive yourself home. Consider arranging for someone to drive you or use a ride service.

By following these steps, you can help ensure that your Tysabri Infusion is as safe and comfortable as possible. Always follow the specific instructions provided by your healthcare team.

How to Get a Referral for Tysabri

Every Tysabri Infusion referral must be accompanied by a physician’s order for treatment.

Patient information should include:

  • Name
  • Current address
  • Home and mobile phone number
  • Insurance information

Information the physician must include on the patient’s order for therapy:

  • Patient’s name and DOB
  • Order date
  • Diagnosis
  • Physician’s name and NPI#
  • Office address, phone, and fax numbers
  • Provider’s signature

Clinical documentation from the physician should include information to support a diagnosis for one or more of the following:

  • adults with relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis (MS) to slow the worsening of symptoms and to decrease the number of relapses
  • moderately to severely active Crohn’s disease (CD) who had an inadequate response to, or was unable to tolerate, conventional CD therapies and inhibitors of TNF

If you or someone you care about has one of the conditions that Tysabri treats, IVX Health would be honored to provide your care. To find an IVX Health center near you, please click here.

Patients choose IVX Health for ongoing Tysabri treatments because:

  • ALL private suites
  • Comfortable recliners, with chairs for guests
  • Evening & weekend appointments
  • Friendly clinical staff deliver personal service
  • Big screen TVs, high-speed WiFi, free snacks

Interested in moving your care to IVX Health?

Tysabri Financial Assistance Programs

Information about financial assistance programs coming soon.

Tysabri Related Blog Posts

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The infusion experience is a tough one. So to create this serene, peaceful environment means more than you will ever know.

Jennifer, Patient at IVX Health

Interested?

IVX Health would love to learn more about your care needs. If you’re interested in switching your infusion services – or if you just want to learn more – let us know.

An IVX Health team member giving a blanket to a patient