Hi,
I have been taking Tysabri for 14 months and so far so good, not new symptoms or relapses. I have tried Rebif and Avonex in the past and could never tolerate the drugs (too many side effects).
The side effects I have experienced is a headache and tiredness on the day of the infusion (nothing that tylenol and a nap can't help). These side effects are NOTHING compared to the flu like symptoms I have experienced on the other meds.
Hope this helps.
My sister started Tysabri about 2 months ago, and she had some tingling in her foot (the foot that has foot drop). I've heard really good things about this drug--things like 60% effectiveness rate (compared to the 30% rate of the ABC drugs).
She's complained, so far, of having a headache on the day of her infusion and then it goes away. I've not heard any other complaints. She's wanting me to go on it, but I was just diagnosed and haven't given Copaxone a fair shake.
Because of the expense of the infusion of the drug (and the drug cost itself), it's a hard medicine to get approved by your insurance company--but don't give up (if you decide to take it). My sister was denied at first, but was approved a few weeks later.
Check out You Tube. Google Tysabri and you'll get a lot of encouraging stories.
Keep us informed of what you decide to do . . . And by the way, welcome to the forum!!!
Deb
My sister has been using tysabri for 10 months and is doing extremely well! I can ask her any questions you want.
Penn