Natalizumab-sztn (Intravenous)

Natalizumab-sztn injection is used to treat the relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis (MS), which include clinically isolated syndrome, relapsing-remitting disease, and active secondary progressive disease. This medicine will not cure MS, but it may slow some of the disabling effects and reduce the number of relapses.

Natalizumab-sztn injection is also used to treat moderate to severe Crohn's disease (CD) when other treatments have not worked well. This medicine will not cure CD, but it may help prevent it from returning.

This medicine is available only through a restricted distribution program called the Tyruko® REMS (Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy) Program.

Your doctor will want to check how you are doing at 3 months and 6 months after your first injection, and then every 6 months after that. You may need blood and urine tests to look for unwanted effects.

This medicine may increase your risk of getting infections, including a rare and serious brain infection called progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML). This risk is higher if you have had a JCV infection, have been receiving natalizumab-sztn for more than 2 years, or have used medicines that weaken your immune system (for example, azathioprine, cyclophosphamide, cyclosporine, mercaptopurine, methotrexate, mitoxantrone, mycophenolate mofetil, or steroid medicine) before starting this medicine. Contact your doctor right away if you notice changes in your vision, loss of coordination, clumsiness, memory loss, difficulty speaking or understanding others, or weak legs.

This medicine may cause a rare condition called immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome (IRIS). This can happen after stopping this medicine if you have developed PML during treatment. Inform your doctor immediately if you have an inflammatory reaction to an infection that includes mild burning, stinging, or tingling of the skin, or a feeling of heat, redness, or swelling of the skin.

Natalizumab-sztn may increase the risk of developing encephalitis, meningitis, or acute retinal necrosis caused by herpes and varicella viruses. Contact your doctor if you have a fever, headache, eye pain or redness, sensitivity of the eyes to sunlight, or confusion.

Reach out to your doctor right away if you have pain or tenderness in the upper stomach, pale stools, dark urine, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, or yellowing of your eyes or skin. These could be signs of a serious liver problem.

This medicine may cause serious allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis, which can be life-threatening and require immediate medical help. Tell your doctor right away if you develop a rash, itching, hoarseness, trouble breathing or swallowing, or any swelling of your hands, face, or mouth after receiving this medicine.

This medicine may lower the number of certain types of blood cells in your body. Because of this, you may bleed or get infections more easily. To help prevent these issues, stay away from people who are sick or have infections. Wash your hands frequently. Avoid rough sports or situations where you could get bruised, cut, or injured. Brush and floss your teeth gently. Be cautious when using sharp objects, including razors and fingernail clippers.

Make sure any doctor or dentist who treats you knows that you are using this medicine.

In deciding to use a medicine, you and your doctor need to consider the risks and benefits of the medicine. Here are some important points to think about:

Allergies

Inform your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to this medicine or any other medicines. Also, let your healthcare professional know if you have any other allergies, such as to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. For non-prescription products, carefully read the label or package ingredients.

Pediatric

There have not been enough studies on the effects of natalizumab-sztn injection in children. Its safety and effectiveness have not been established in this age group.

Geriatric

Current studies have not shown any problems specific to older adults that would limit the effectiveness of natalizumab-sztn injection in elderly patients.

Breast Feeding

There are no adequate studies in women to determine the risk to infants when using this medicine while breastfeeding. Weigh the potential benefits against the potential risks before using this medication during breastfeeding.

Interactions with Medicines

Some medicines should not be used together at all, while others may be used together even if there is a chance of interaction. In these cases, your doctor may change the dose or take other precautions. It is especially important for your healthcare professional to know if you are taking any of the medicines listed below while receiving this medicine. The following interactions have been selected based on their potential significance and are not necessarily all-inclusive.

Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is usually not recommended, but may be necessary in some cases. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may adjust the dose or frequency of one or both medicines.

• Anifrolumab-fnia
• Infliximab
• Vedolizumab

Interactions with Food/Tobacco/Alcohol

Some medicines should not be taken around the time of eating food or certain types of food due to potential interactions. Using alcohol or tobacco with certain medicines may also lead to interactions. Talk to your healthcare professional about using your medicine with food, alcohol, or tobacco.

Other Medical Problems

Having other medical problems may affect how you can use this medicine. Make sure to tell your doctor if you have any other medical issues, especially:

• Herpes infection—Use with caution. This may increase the risk of more serious infections (e.g., encephalitis, meningitis, retinal necrosis).

• Liver disease—Use with caution. This medicine may worsen this condition.

• Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML, a rare brain infection) or a history of it—This medicine should not be used in patients with this condition.

• Weak immune system (due to HIV infection, AIDS, leukemia, lymphoma, or organ transplant)—Use is not recommended. This may increase the risk of developing infections, including PML.

Along with its necessary effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Not all of these side effects may happen, but if they do, they might need medical attention.

Check with your doctor or nurse right away if any of the following side effects occur:

More common

• Bladder pain
• bloating or swelling of the face, arms, hands, lower legs, or feet
• bloody or cloudy urine
• burning or stinging of the skin
• chest tightness
• chills
• cough
• diarrhea
• difficult, burning, or painful urination
• difficulty in breathing or swallowing
• discouragement
• dizziness or lightheadedness
• facial swelling
• fast heartbeat
• feeling of constant movement of self or surroundings
• feeling sad or empty
• fever
• frequent urge to urinate
• headache
• irritability
• itching of the vagina or genital area
• loss of appetite
• loss of interest or pleasure
• lower back or side pain
• nausea
• pain during sexual intercourse
• pain or tenderness around eyes and cheekbones
• painful cold sores or blisters on the lips, nose, eyes, or genitals
• rapid weight gain
• sensation of spinning
• skin itching, rash, or redness
• sneezing
• sore throat
• stomach pain
• stuffy or runny nose
• swelling of the face, throat, or tongue
• thick, white vaginal discharge with no odor or with a mild odor
• tingling of the hands or feet
• trouble concentrating
• trouble sleeping
• unusual tiredness or weakness
• unusual weight gain or loss
• vomiting

Less common

• Bloating
• loss of bladder control
• sleepiness or unusual drowsiness
• stomach or pelvic discomfort, aching, or heaviness

Incidence not known

• Back, leg, or stomach pains
• black, tarry stools
• bleeding gums
• blood in the urine or stools
• blurred vision
• chest pain
• confusion
• dark urine
• feeling of heat, redness, or swelling of the skin
• general body swelling
• general feeling of illness
• mild burning, stinging, or tingling of the skin
• nosebleeds
• pale skin
• pinpoint red spots on the skin
• puffiness or swelling of the eyelids or around the eyes, face, lips, or tongue
• seizures
• stiff neck or back
• unusual bleeding or bruising
• yellow eyes or skin

Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Additionally, your health care professional may be able to tell you how to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue, are bothersome, or if you have any questions about them:

More common

• Acid or sour stomach
• belching
• blistering, crusting, irritation, itching, or reddening of the skin
• bloated
• chest discomfort
• constipation
• cracked, dry, or scaly skin
• excess air or gas in the stomach or intestines
• full feeling
• heartburn
• indigestion
• irregular menstrual periods
• muscle cramps
• pain in the arms or legs
• passing gas
• stomach discomfort or upset
• swelling or inflammation of the mouth

Less common

• Feeling unusually cold
• heavy bleeding
• joint swelling
• night sweats
• shivering
• tearing of the skin
• trembling or shaking of the legs, arms, hands, or feet

Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

In the U.S.

• Tyruko

Pharmacologic Class: Natalizumab

Find detailed information on biosimilars for this medication.

A nurse or other trained health professional will give you this medicine in a medical facility. It is given through a needle placed into one of your veins. The medicine must be injected slowly, so the needle will have to remain in place for about an hour every 4 weeks.

It is very important that you understand the requirements of the Tyruko® REMS program, and become familiar with the Tyruko® medication guide. Read and follow these instructions carefully. Ask your doctor if you have any questions. Ask your pharmacist for the medication guide if you do not have one.

Your doctor may need to check your brain before you start receiving this medicine. To do this, you may need to have a Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scan.

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