What are the side effects of Natalizumab?

Natalizumab is indicated as monotherapy for the treatment of relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis, including clinically isolated syndrome, relapsing-remitting disease, and active secondary progressive disease in adults. It is also used to induce and maintain clinical response and remission in adult patients with moderately to severely active Crohn's disease who have evidence of inflammation that is inadequately responsive to or intolerant to conventional therapies and TNF-alpha inhibitors. Natalizumab should not be used in combination with immunosuppressants or TNF-alpha inhibitors.

In studies in multiple sclerosis (MS) and Crohn's disease (CD), the most common adverse reactions (≥10%) with natalizumab were headache and fatigue. Other common adverse reactions (≥10%) in patients with MS are arthralgia, urinary tract infection, lower respiratory tract infection, gastroenteritis, vaginitis, depression, limb pain, abdominal discomfort, diarrhea NOS, and rash. Other common adverse reactions in patients with CD (≥10%) are upper respiratory tract infection and nausea. After natalizumab was put on the market, adverse events such as hemolytic anemia and thrombocytopenia (including immune thrombocytopenic purpura) also occurred.

Natalizumabincreases the risk of progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML), an opportunistic viral infection of the brain that often results in death or severe disability. Risk factors for the development of PML include the presence of anti-JCV antibodies, duration of treatment, and previous use of immunosuppressants. Natalizumab should be discontinued immediately at the first sign or symptom suggestive of PML. For diagnosis, an evaluation including a gadolinium-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan of the brain and cerebrospinal fluid JC virus DNA analysis (if necessary) is recommended.

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.