Tysabri

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.

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.

How much does Tysabri® cost?

Tysabri infusion cost varies depending on your insurance provider and coverage. Our team at Advanced Neurology Colorado works closely with patients to ensure affordable, accessible care.

We partner with most major insurance carriers throughout Colorado, 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

Why Patients Choose Advanced Neurology of Colorado'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.

Lower Costs and Financial Assistance

We manage prior authorizations, verify benefits, and help patients find copay and financial support programs.  

A recent Cigna report shows that many patients treated at physician-owned infusion sites like Advanced Neurology Colorado’s Infusion Center experience lower out-of-pocket expenses than those treated in hospital settings.

Established leader in MS & Neurological care

Proudly serving patients across Colorado with expert, compassionate neurological care for more than 20 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.

Learn more about Infusion Therapy at ANC

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Important Info

Referral Form:
Tysabri
What It Treats:

Crohn’s Disease
Multiple Sclerosis

Primary Progressive Multiple Sclerosis

FDA Approval:

Multiple Sclerosis (MS): Approved on November 23, 2004

Crohn’s Disease: Approved on January 14, 2008

Manufacturer:

Biogen

What Our Patients Have to Say

"ALS guardian - Coordinates with my pulmonologist, PT, and speech therapist in one shared portal. Her ALS Functional Rating Scale checks keep us proactive."

Thomas W.

“Amazing. I have been with other Doctors at this practice as well but I had an amazing experience with Dr. Lackey specifically. Very attentive and friendly to work with! Highly recommend!”

Payton E.

“Dr. Dasari has been a God-send for my MS. He is incredibly knowledgeable and makes me feel heard. He allocates his time for me as a patient and I know I couldn’t manage this disease without him!”

Courtney P.

"No-nonsense. Dr. Dasari's neuropathy staging system helped us prioritize treatments."

Carlos J.

"The MA Jess noticed I was anxious and brought me a weighted blanket. Above and beyond!"

Rachel L.

"Brutally honest - Wish she'd sugarcoat less, but her MG treatment plan stopped my hospitalizations. Clinical trials access is a plus."

Patient

"ANC runs like a well-oiled machine. Appointments start on time, and the staff remembers me every visit."

Robert P.

"Migraine magician - Botox + Nurtec combo cut my headache days from 25/month to 4. His headache diary app makes tracking effortless."

Priya N.

"Billing is transparent—no surprise charges like at my last neuro."

Daniel R.

"Spotless floors, sanitizer everywhere, and masks required. Felt very safe."

Mark J.

"The only neurology clinic I’ve been to where you don’t feel like just a number."

Linda H.

"Courtney Weir is an amazing medical professional! She is thorough and addresses all my questions. Each visit she remembers not only me, but asks about my family - above and beyond client care. I love having her, best provider by far! Can't recommend her enough."

Amy H.

"ANC’s telehealth option saved me a 2-hour drive. Seamless tech setup!"

Sophia K.

"I feel confident knowing I'm in capable hands and truly appreciate the thoughtful, attentive care Dr. Dasari provides. I highly recommend him to anyone seeking comprehensive and compassionate neurological care."

Heather L.

“Dr. Yang is nothing but amazing! She has helped me so much with a diagnosis that moved my world upside down. She treats my almost daily migraines as well. She and her team will do what they can to get me the medication I need! She is very compassionate and kind!”

Courtney B.

"MG crisis hero - Got me into the hospital for IVIG within 4 hours during a bulbar crisis. Her fellow even checked on me at midnight."

Diane K.

“Amazing. I have been with other Doctors at this practice as well but I had an amazing experience with Dr. Lackey specifically. Very attentive and friendly to work with! Highly recommend!”

Payton E.

"No-nonsense. Dr. Dasari's neuropathy staging system helped us prioritize treatments."

Carlos J.

"Migraine magician - Botox + Nurtec combo cut my headache days from 25/month to 4. His headache diary app makes tracking effortless."

Priya N.

“Dr. Dasari has been a God-send for my MS. He is incredibly knowledgeable and makes me feel heard. He allocates his time for me as a patient and I know I couldn’t manage this disease without him!”

Courtney P.

"Brutally honest - Wish she'd sugarcoat less, but her MG treatment plan stopped my hospitalizations. Clinical trials access is a plus."

Patient

"MG crisis hero - Got me into the hospital for IVIG within 4 hours during a bulbar crisis. Her fellow even checked on me at midnight."

Diane K.

"ALS guardian - Coordinates with my pulmonologist, PT, and speech therapist in one shared portal. Her ALS Functional Rating Scale checks keep us proactive."

Thomas W.

“Dr. Yang is nothing but amazing! She has helped me so much with a diagnosis that moved my world upside down. She treats my almost daily migraines as well. She and her team will do what they can to get me the medication I need! She is very compassionate and kind!”

Courtney B.

"Spotless floors, sanitizer everywhere, and masks required. Felt very safe."

Mark J.

"Courtney Weir is an amazing medical professional! She is thorough and addresses all my questions. Each visit she remembers not only me, but asks about my family - above and beyond client care. I love having her, best provider by far! Can't recommend her enough."

Amy H.

"I feel confident knowing I'm in capable hands and truly appreciate the thoughtful, attentive care Dr. Dasari provides. I highly recommend him to anyone seeking comprehensive and compassionate neurological care."

Heather L.

"The MA Jess noticed I was anxious and brought me a weighted blanket. Above and beyond!"

Rachel L.

"Billing is transparent—no surprise charges like at my last neuro."

Daniel R.

"ANC’s telehealth option saved me a 2-hour drive. Seamless tech setup!"

Sophia K.

"The only neurology clinic I’ve been to where you don’t feel like just a number."

Linda H.

"ANC runs like a well-oiled machine. Appointments start on time, and the staff remembers me every visit."

Robert P.

“Amazing. I have been with other Doctors at this practice as well but I had an amazing experience with Dr. Lackey specifically. Very attentive and friendly to work with! Highly recommend!”

Payton E.

"No-nonsense. Dr. Dasari's neuropathy staging system helped us prioritize treatments."

Carlos J.

"Migraine magician - Botox + Nurtec combo cut my headache days from 25/month to 4. His headache diary app makes tracking effortless."

Priya N.

“Dr. Dasari has been a God-send for my MS. He is incredibly knowledgeable and makes me feel heard. He allocates his time for me as a patient and I know I couldn’t manage this disease without him!”

Courtney P.

"Brutally honest - Wish she'd sugarcoat less, but her MG treatment plan stopped my hospitalizations. Clinical trials access is a plus."

Patient

"MG crisis hero - Got me into the hospital for IVIG within 4 hours during a bulbar crisis. Her fellow even checked on me at midnight."

Diane K.

"ALS guardian - Coordinates with my pulmonologist, PT, and speech therapist in one shared portal. Her ALS Functional Rating Scale checks keep us proactive."

Thomas W.

“Dr. Yang is nothing but amazing! She has helped me so much with a diagnosis that moved my world upside down. She treats my almost daily migraines as well. She and her team will do what they can to get me the medication I need! She is very compassionate and kind!”

Courtney B.

"Spotless floors, sanitizer everywhere, and masks required. Felt very safe."

Mark J.

"Courtney Weir is an amazing medical professional! She is thorough and addresses all my questions. Each visit she remembers not only me, but asks about my family - above and beyond client care. I love having her, best provider by far! Can't recommend her enough."

Amy H.

"I feel confident knowing I'm in capable hands and truly appreciate the thoughtful, attentive care Dr. Dasari provides. I highly recommend him to anyone seeking comprehensive and compassionate neurological care."

Heather L.

"The MA Jess noticed I was anxious and brought me a weighted blanket. Above and beyond!"

Rachel L.

"Billing is transparent—no surprise charges like at my last neuro."

Daniel R.

"ANC’s telehealth option saved me a 2-hour drive. Seamless tech setup!"

Sophia K.

"The only neurology clinic I’ve been to where you don’t feel like just a number."

Linda H.

"ANC runs like a well-oiled machine. Appointments start on time, and the staff remembers me every visit."

Robert P.

“Amazing. I have been with other Doctors at this practice as well but I had an amazing experience with Dr. Lackey specifically. Very attentive and friendly to work with! Highly recommend!”

Payton E.

"No-nonsense. Dr. Dasari's neuropathy staging system helped us prioritize treatments."

Carlos J.

"Migraine magician - Botox + Nurtec combo cut my headache days from 25/month to 4. His headache diary app makes tracking effortless."

Priya N.

“Dr. Dasari has been a God-send for my MS. He is incredibly knowledgeable and makes me feel heard. He allocates his time for me as a patient and I know I couldn’t manage this disease without him!”

Courtney P.

"Brutally honest - Wish she'd sugarcoat less, but her MG treatment plan stopped my hospitalizations. Clinical trials access is a plus."

Patient

"MG crisis hero - Got me into the hospital for IVIG within 4 hours during a bulbar crisis. Her fellow even checked on me at midnight."

Diane K.

"ALS guardian - Coordinates with my pulmonologist, PT, and speech therapist in one shared portal. Her ALS Functional Rating Scale checks keep us proactive."

Thomas W.

“Dr. Yang is nothing but amazing! She has helped me so much with a diagnosis that moved my world upside down. She treats my almost daily migraines as well. She and her team will do what they can to get me the medication I need! She is very compassionate and kind!”

Courtney B.

"Spotless floors, sanitizer everywhere, and masks required. Felt very safe."

Mark J.

"Courtney Weir is an amazing medical professional! She is thorough and addresses all my questions. Each visit she remembers not only me, but asks about my family - above and beyond client care. I love having her, best provider by far! Can't recommend her enough."

Amy H.

"I feel confident knowing I'm in capable hands and truly appreciate the thoughtful, attentive care Dr. Dasari provides. I highly recommend him to anyone seeking comprehensive and compassionate neurological care."

Heather L.

"The MA Jess noticed I was anxious and brought me a weighted blanket. Above and beyond!"

Rachel L.

"Billing is transparent—no surprise charges like at my last neuro."

Daniel R.

"ANC’s telehealth option saved me a 2-hour drive. Seamless tech setup!"

Sophia K.

"The only neurology clinic I’ve been to where you don’t feel like just a number."

Linda H.

"ANC runs like a well-oiled machine. Appointments start on time, and the staff remembers me every visit."

Robert P.