Getting My TYSABRI Infusion
TYSABRI may be infused right in your doctor's office, if it is specially equipped, or you may get your infusion therapy at an infusion center as long as they are TOUCH-authorized. 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 an infusion center, a specially equipped doctor's office, or an infusion clinic within a hospital.
What you may 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 any new or worsening medical problems (such as a new or sudden change in your thinking, eyesight, balance, or strength or other problems) that have lasted several days
- 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
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 before you switch doctors or infusion sites; otherwise you may not be able to receive your infusion.
- 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
