Tysabri

If anyone you know or love has had to endure the pain and frustration of multiple sclerosis then you may have heard of the drug Tysabri. Tysabri was shown to have serious side effects forcing the manufacturers to take the drug off of the open market. The decision has met with some controversy as many multiple sclerosis sufferers are hoping for its return. However, after three patients developed serious side effects as a result of taking tysabri, one of which died, the FDA decided that the risk Tysabri posed was too great and outweighed the benefits it provided. They therefore suspended its use.

What is multiple sclerosis?
Multiple sclerosis is a chronic disease in which the person's immune system attacks their own bran and spinal cord. This can result in fatigue, difficulty walking and doing physical movements, numbness and vision problems. Many times people suffering from MS, as it is more commonly known, deteriorate to a point of extreme disability and even death.

Why was Tysabri used for MS patients?
Since MS involves a person's immune system, Tysabri was prescribed. Tysabri basically would combine with a protein known as alpha 4 intergrin. The combination of the two would aid in immune system activity. Tysabri was particularly useful in treating relapsing MS. Tysabri helped reduce the frequency of the relapses and their symptoms. Tysabri would have been given by intravenous infusion about once every four weeks.

Why was Tysabri suspended?
A patient with MS, who was participating in a long term clinical drug trial of the drug died after contracting what is called PMLl, a rare neurological disorder. A second patient on the same trial had contacted a confirmed case of PML. Although it wasn't confirmed if Tysabri was the direct cause of the PML, the drug manufacturing company decided to suspend the drug until a clear understanding between Tysabri and PML could be established.

What if someone I know or I myself have been given Tysabri?
Consult your doctor. The only cases of PML being linked with Tysabri are the two from one particular clinical trial, so don't panic just yet. If you are showing symptoms of PML however, you need to speak to your doctor urgently.

Tysabri was pulled because of 2 cases but the drug manufacturers felt that this was enough evidence. The FDA also upheld the decision. Many MS sufferers are hoping for the return of Tysabri. It did offer help and relief to those suffering from reoccurring forms of MS. However, this will not happen until more is known.

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