Guidelines for natalizumab treatment
Abstract:
Natalizumab (TYSABRI®) was the first high-efficacy monoclonal antibody disease-modifying therapy (DMT) approved as a monotherapy for the treatment of adults with relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis (MS), including clinically isolated syndrome, relapsing-remitting MS, and active secondary progressive MS. Because natalizumab is administered by intravenous infusion, infusion nurses play a key role in the care of natalizumab-treated patients. In the 16 years since approval, substantial data have been gathered on the long-term, real-world effectiveness and safety of natalizumab. This article provides a synopsis of this data, as well as practical information for optimizing patient care. This includes information on strategies to mitigate the risk of progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy in natalizumab-treated patients, natalizumab use during pregnancy, and use with vaccines. It also includes guidance on the preparation and administration of natalizumab and monitoring of natalizumab-treated patients.
Reference:
O’Leary S, Brugger HT, Wallentine D, Sershon L, Goff E, Saldana-King T, Beavin J, Avila RL, Rutledge D, Moore M. Practical Clinical Guidelines for Natalizumab Treatment in Patients With Relapsing Multiple Sclerosis. J Infus Nurs. 2023 Nov-Dec 01;46(6):347-359. doi: 10.1097/NAN.0000000000000519. PMID: 37920108.