How to take Natalizumab

Natalizumab (Natalizumab) can only be prescribed by prescribers registered in the TOUCH prescription plan for multiple sclerosis (MS) and Crohn's disease (CD). The recommended dose of natalizumab is 300 mg as a one-hour intravenous infusion every four weeks. In patients withCrohn's disease, aminosalicylates may be continued during natalizumab treatment.

If a patient with Crohn's disease has not achieved response after 12 weeks of induction therapy, natalizumab should be discontinued. For CD patients who start taking natalizumab concurrently with long-term oral corticosteroids, begin tapering the steroid dose once natalizumab has developed a response; if CD patients cannot gradually stop taking oral corticosteroids within six months after starting the drug, discontinue natalizumab. In addition to the initial six-month taper, prescribers should consider discontinuing natalizumab in patients who require more than three additional months of steroid use in a calendar year to control their Crohn's disease.

Do not give this product as an intravenous push or bolus injection. Observe the patient during all infusions. Stop the infusion immediately upon first observation of any signs or symptoms consistent with a type of hypersensitivity reaction. After the infusion, for the first 12 infusions, observe the patient for one hour after the infusion is completed. For patients who have received 12 infusions without allergic reactions, patients will be observed after the 13th infusion and subsequent infusions based on clinical judgment.

Natalizumab's original patent drug is not marketed in the country and cannot be included in medical insurance. Currently, the generic drug natalizumab on the market overseas may cost more than 8,000 US dollars per box (the price may fluctuate due to exchange rates), which is very expensive. For more drug information and specific prices, please consult Yaode Medical Consultant.