An Introduction to Tysabri Side Effects
Just like any medicine,
Tysabri® (
natalizumab) can cause side effects. However, not everyone who receives the medication will have problems. In fact, most people tolerate it quite well. If side effects do occur, in most cases, they are minor and either require no treatment or are treated easily by you or your healthcare provider.
(This article covers many, but not all, of the possible side effects with Tysabri. Your healthcare provider can discuss a more complete list with you.)
Common Side Effects With Tysabri
Tysabri has been studied extensively in clinical trials.
In these studies, the side effects that occurred in a group of people receiving Tysabri were carefully documented, along with the side effects that occurred in a similar group of people receiving a placebo injection (an injection with no active ingredients). As a result, it was possible to see what side effects occurred, how often they appeared, and how they compared to the placebo.
In these studies, the most common side effects of Tysabri included:
- Headaches -- in up to 38 percent of people
- Fatigue -- up to 27 percent
- Respiratory tract infections (such as the common cold) -- up to 22 percent
- Urinary tract infection (UTI) -- up to 21 percent
- Joint pain -- up to 19 percent
- Depression -- up to 19 percent
- Nausea -- up to 17 percent
- Pain in the arms and legs -- up to 16 percent
- Rash -- up to 12 percent
- Flu-like symptoms -- up to 12 percent
- Back pain -- up to 12 percent.
Other common side effects, occurring in 1 to 11 percent of people, included:
- Stomach flu
- Abdominal (stomach) discomfort and pain
- Vaginal discharge, itching, and pain
- Diarrhea
- Tooth infections and toothaches
- Urgency to urinate, increased frequency of urination, or loss of bladder control
- Herpes infections
- Sinus congestion
- Inflammation of the tonsils (tonsillitis)
- Red, itchy skin
- Coughing
- Infections from viruses (viral infections)
- Swelling of the arms, hands, legs, ankles, or feet
- A whirling sensation and loss of balance
- Sinus and throat pain
- Chest discomfort
- Heartburn or indigestion
- Muscle cramps
- Abnormal liver function tests
- Irregular or absence of menstruation (periods)
- Painful menstruation (painful periods)
- Allergic reactions, including reactions to the intravenous (IV) infusion
- Constipation
- Seasonal allergies
- Injury to the arms or legs
- Chills
- Gas
- Weight changes
- Skin cuts
- Joint swelling
- Cysts on the ovaries
- Sleepiness
- Canker sores
- Burns
- Tremors
- Dry skin.
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