Tysabri^® Infusions: What Is It & Where To Get It

What is Tysabri®?

Tysabri® (natalizumab) is a monoclonal antibody therapy used to treat relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis (RMS) in adults. Unlike therapies that deplete specific immune cells, Tysabri works by blocking the movement of immune cells into the brain and spinal cord, where they can cause inflammation and nerve damage.

What makes Tysabri unique is its mechanism of action—it prevents immune cells from entering the central nervous system by blocking the alpha-4 integrin protein, keeping harmful immune cells in the bloodstream instead. This targeted approach makes Tysabri a powerful high-efficacy treatment option for individuals with MS, helping to reduce relapses, slow disease progression, and limit new lesion formation in the brain.

Tysabri infusion is administered at our specialized infusion center. The typical treatment schedule includes:

• Frequency: One infusion every 4 weeks
• Infusion duration: Approximately 1 hour
• Observation period: 1 hour after infusion (especially for the first 12 infusions)
• Total appointment time: Generally 2 to 3 hours initially

After 12 infusions with no hypersensitivity reactions, your healthcare provider may adjust the observation period based on clinical judgment.

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How Does Tysabri Work?

In multiple sclerosis (MS), the immune system attacks the myelin sheath — the protective layer that insulates and protects nerve fibers in the brain and spinal cord. This damaging immune activity occurs when harmful immune cells pass through the blood-brain barrier—a protective membrane that normally shields the central nervous system from potentially dangerous substances in the bloodstream.

Tysabri works through a unique mechanism that differs from other MS therapies:

• Targets alpha-4 integrins: These are proteins on the surface of immune cells that act like "keys" allowing them to cross the blood-brain barrier
• Blocks immune cell entry: By binding to alpha-4 integrins, Tysabri prevents immune cells from attaching to and crossing the blood-brain barrier
• Keeps immune cells in circulation: Rather than depleting immune cells, Tysabri keeps them in the bloodstream where they cannot reach the central nervous system
• Reduces CNS inflammation: With fewer immune cells reaching the brain and spinal cord, inflammation decreases significantly
• Protects nerve tissue: By preventing immune attacks, Tysabri helps preserve myelin and nerve function

This targeted approach makes Tysabri particularly effective compared to other MS treatments. While anti-CD20 therapies work by depleting B-cells throughout the body, Tysabri specifically prevents immune cells from entering the central nervous system while leaving the rest of the immune system relatively intact. This difference in mechanism leads to distinct side effect profiles and management considerations.

While not a cure, Tysabri helps stabilize MS activity, reduce flare-ups, and preserve nerve health over time. Tysabri starts working after the first dose, with many patients noticing beneficial effects within 12 weeks of starting Tysabri infusion treatment. 

As a disease-modifying therapy, Tysabri is primarily intended to prevent new lesions and slow disease progression rather than immediately alleviate existing symptoms. Some patients may experience an adjustment period with initial side effects that typically subside within four months of continued treatment.

Because Tysabri requires careful Tysabri infusion monitoring due to potential serious side effects, it's only available through the TOUCH Prescribing Program, a restricted distribution program that ensures proper patient monitoring and safety protocols.

Common Tysabri infusion side effects include:

• Headache
• Fatigue
• Joint pain (arthralgia)
• Nausea
• Urinary tract infections (UTIs)
• Gastroenteritis
• Depression
• Swelling in the extremities
• Upper or lower respiratory tract infections
• Menstrual cycle changes
• Rash

Serious Tysabri infusion side effects require immediate medical attention:

• Progressive Multifocal Leukoencephalopathy (PML): A rare but serious and potentially fatal brain infection with symptoms including loss of coordination, memory loss, vision changes, difficulty speaking, and weakness
• Severe allergic reactions: Hives, itching, difficulty breathing, chest pain, swelling of face/lips/tongue (can occur during or after infusion)
• Liver damage: Yellowing of skin or eyes, dark urine, abdominal pain
• Blood clotting problems: Low platelet levels causing easy bruising, unusual bleeding, or pinpoint red spots on skin
• Herpes infections: Including brain (encephalitis), spinal cord (meningitis), or eye infections

Your healthcare team provides comprehensive Tysabri infusion monitoring throughout your treatment, including observation during and after each infusion, regular MRI scans, and ongoing assessment for any neurological changes.

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How Much Does Tysabri Cost?

Tysabri infusion cost varies depending on your insurance provider and coverage. Our team at Rocky Mountain MS Clinic works closely with patients to ensure affordable, accessible care.

We partner with most major insurance carriers throughout the region, including Aetna, Anthem, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna, Humana, and UnitedHealthcare, along with Medicaid and Medicare. 

Our staff provides comprehensive support to make treatment more accessible:

• Manages all insurance processes and prior authorizations
• Verifies benefits and clarifies expected costs
• Provides personalized assistance with copay programs
• Helps you access foundation support programs to lower out-of-pocket expenses

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Why Patients Choose Rocky Mountain MS Clinic's Infusion Center to Receive Their Tysabri Infusion

Clinical Excellence and Neurological Expertise

Our infusion center is led by board-certified neurologists and staffed by BSN-prepared Registered Nurses who specialize in infusion therapy for neurological disorders. Our team is fully trained in the TOUCH Program requirements and provides expert Tysabri infusion monitoring throughout your treatment.

Our comprehensive monitoring protocol includes:

• Regular MRI scans to assess disease activity and monitor for any changes
• Ongoing assessment for neurological symptoms
• Careful observation during and after each infusion
• Coordination with the TOUCH Program for all safety requirements
• Immediate response protocols for any concerning symptoms

Our clinical expertise extends beyond MS to include comprehensive care for myasthenia gravis, neuropathy, and other neurological conditions. 

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Lower Costs and Financial Assistance

We manage prior authorizations, verify benefits, and help patients find copay and financial support programs to make Tysabri IV infusion more affordable.

A recent Cigna report shows that many patients treated at physician-owned infusion sites like Rocky Mountain MS Clinic's Infusion Center experience lower out-of-pocket expenses than those treated in hospital settings.

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35+ Years of Trusted Neurological Care

Proudly serving patients across the region with expert, compassionate neurological care for more than 35 years. Our decades of experience with high-efficacy MS therapies means we understand both the remarkable benefits and the important safety considerations of Tysabri infusion treatment.