Natalizumab Injection (NATALIZUMAB - INJECTION)

Instructions

This medicine is given as an IV injection into a vein.

This medicine should be given over 60 minutes.

This medicine should be given by a trained health care provider.

You must be monitored by a health care professional during and after each dose is given.

It is important that you keep taking each dose of this medicine on time even if you are feeling well.

If you miss a dose, contact your doctor for instructions.

Drug interactions can change how medicines work or increase risk for side effects. Tell your health care providers about all medicines taken. Include prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal medicines. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist before starting or stopping any medicine.

Keep all appointments for medical exams and tests while on this medicine.

Cautions

During pregnancy, this medicine should be used only when clearly needed. Talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits.

Tell your doctor and pharmacist if you ever had an allergic reaction to a medicine.

This medicine may rarely cause a life-threatening brain infection. Get medical help right away if you have weakness on one side of the body, loss of coordination, vision problems, changes in thinking or memory, confusion, or personality changes.

Tell your doctor or nurse right away if fever, chills, feeling of heat or flushing, dizziness, or fainting develop while the medicine is being given. The medicine may need to be stopped or given at a slower rate.

This medicine may reduce your body's ability to fight infections. Avoid contact with people with colds, flu or other infections. Contact your doctor if you develop fever, cough, sore throat, or chills.

Speak with your health care provider before receiving any vaccinations.

Do not breastfeed while on this medicine.

Some patients have serious side effects from this medicine. Ask your pharmacist to show you the information from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and discuss it with you.

Side Effects

The following is a list of some common side effects from this medicine. Please speak with your doctor about what you should do if you experience these or other side effects.

• swelling of the legs, feet, and hands
• headaches
• pain, redness, swelling near injection
• pain in the joints
• menstruation changes (missed or fewer periods)

Call your doctor or get medical help right away if you notice any of these more serious side effects:

• severe abdominal or pelvic pain
• loss of balance
• bleeding or bruising
• chest pain
• difficulty concentrating
• confusion
• cough that does not go away
• depression or feeling sad
• dizziness
• feeling of heat or flushing
• fever or chills
• severe or persistent headache
• fast or irregular heart beats
• signs of liver damage (such as yellowing of eye or skin, dark urine, or unusual tiredness)
• mood changes
• tight or rigid muscles
• nausea
• neck pain or stiffness
• seizures
• shortness of breath
• sore throat
• difficulty speaking
• suicidal thoughts
• unsteadiness while walking
• upper respiratory infection
• blurring or changes of vision

A few people may have an allergic reaction to this medicine. Symptoms can include difficulty breathing, skin rash, itching, swelling, or severe dizziness. If you notice any of these symptoms, seek medical help quickly.