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Tysabri/Natalizumab

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Crohn's Disease
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Posted 12/1/2012 12:19 AM (GMT 0)
I have a quick question on Tysabri

I did a bunch of reading on the medication as my doctor feels that it may be the next best course of treatment for me as Humira does not seem to be working anymore (had 2 bleeding epsiodes in the past 6 months)

From what I am reading, the biggest risk (and a scary one) is PML, but I hear that if you get tested for JC virus Antibodies and it comes back as negative, your risk of PML is 0%

Does anybody know if this is true?

I am having trouble finding info about this

Also, I have researched a drug called Vedolizumab that is very similar to Tysabri/Natalizumab but it only blocks the lymphocyte pathway to the intestine, and not the brain, this completely eliminating the risk of PML.  This drug is in Phase III trial so my doctor says it is not an option for me right now, but Tysabri is the next step if I have another GI bleed

Would love to hear if anybody has any info or insight on Tysabri

Would love to also hear experiences from people who are currently taking the medication

Take care

 

Posted 12/1/2012 12:36 AM (GMT 0)
Not sure about the 0% risk. I wonder if a person could be exposed to the virus while on Tysabri. That would be a drag. Have you asked your Dr about clinical trials for other drugs? I'm in the GSK trial and am doing pretty well. Guessing it's not the placebo. Good luck!
Posted 12/1/2012 12:37 AM (GMT 0)
I read about the GSK trial - That is an oral drug correct?
Posted 12/1/2012 2:08 AM (GMT 0)
Yes, In the study we take 2 capsules of drug or placebo twice a day. No side effects for me, at least that I am aware of so far.
Posted 12/2/2012 3:48 AM (GMT 0)
The information you quoted is the same info I have read and have been told from my GI. I went from Humira (failed) to Cimzia (so far so good) and have been told the next step is Tysabri.
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