TYSABRI may be infused right in your doctor’s office or you may get your
infusion therapy at an infusion center. If your doctor does not perform
infusions, a Biogen Idec Case Manager can help find an authorized infusion site
that is convenient for you. This site could be in a hospital or a separate
center that only gives infusions.
What to expect at your TYSABRI infusion each month
Before every TYSABRI infusion therapy, you will receive a copy of the
Patient Medication Guide to review. Then you will be asked the following
questions to confirm that TYSABRI is still right for you. You will need to
answer whether you:
- Have any new or worsening medical problems
- Have a condition or are taking medicines that could weaken your immune
system
- Have taken steroid medicines
Depending on your answers, the nurse will either give you your infusion or
contact your doctor for further instructions.
The infusion itself will take approximately 1 hour. After the infusion
therapy, you will be observed for another hour to make sure you are not having
any reactions that may need medical help.
What you should tell your doctor and nurse before receiving each infusion
of TYSABRI
Tell your doctor and nurse about all of your medical conditions. Tell them
if you:
- Have had hives, itching, or trouble breathing during or after an infusion
of TYSABRI
- Have a fever or infection (including shingles or any unusually long-lasting
infection)
- Are pregnant or plan to become pregnant
- Are breastfeeding
- Have any new or worsening medical problems
Tell your doctor and nurse about all of the medicines you are taking,
including prescription and nonprescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal
supplements. It may be helpful to keep a list of these medications and bring it
with you to every appointment.
Additional important considerations:
- You must notify the TOUCH™ Prescribing Program if you switch
doctors or infusion sites
- You should plan to see your doctor 3 months after the first infusion, 6
months after the first infusion, and at least as frequently as every 6 months
thereafter
