Tysabri - any news/updates?

[Ian]

Hi guys,

Any news on whether this is available in SA yet?

It seems more and more people are going onto it in the US...

I guess a rep from Biogen/Elan in SA would be the best person to know, does anyone have these details?

Many thanks in advance,
Ian

PS: I hear it starts at $2200 an infusion, that's around R 20 000 a shot/month?! 

[Anthea]

Hi Ian

Your message was the first I have heard of Tysabri - so I googled it. Not looking very positive - click on link below, there have been 13 cases of brain infections - 3 dead, think there may be better options (I hope). This article is dated 30 June.

http://lansing.injuryboard.com/fda-and-prescription-drugs/tysabri-multiple-sclerosis-medication-linked-to-13th-brain-infection-case.aspx?googleid=266090

If you find more positive info, please let me know.

Have a good day
Anthea

[Shirley]

Hi Ian,
Pharmaplan supply Biogen products (specifically Avonex) so they may be able to help you.
Tel 0216520950 /  www.pharmaplan.co.za

Regards
Shirley

[Ian]

Thank you for the information and the contact details!

Here is a very useful resource that I found very helpful, it is a girl who has MS and has been putting together small broadcasts on Youtube.com. She has been very positive about her treatment, and is currently receiving Tysabri by infusion. Apparently the problem with the lethal cases, the patients have been on other immuno suppressant medications at the same time, and there has been complications.

Hope this helps, if you have a chance I recommend you have a look at Lauren's broadcasts, she is so positive and really is helping so many PwMS.

The messages posted under each video are really good too!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O5Cc8e9dQ84&feature=related

Rgds,
Ian

[hok5]

Took Avonex and Novantrone. Take Tysabri every other month.

[yoda42]

Tell us more - how has Tyasabri been for you ?  Why only every alternate month and are you taking Avonex at the same time.

Is this a controlled trial ?

Yoda

[hok5]

No.  I started Avonex in 1997 then Novantrone and then the study with Tysabri.  Only take Tysabri along with my medications.

hok5