Interferon Beta-1a Autoinjector and Prefilled Syringes (Rebif) and Tysabri

In the database of official manuals used in the service creation an interaction registered by statistical results of studies was found, which can either lead to negative consequences for the patient health or strengthen a mutual positive effect. A doctor should be consulted to address the issue of joint drug administration.

Ask your doctor before using interferon beta-1a together with natalizumab. Natalizumab increases the risk of a serious viral infection of the brain that can lead to disability or death. This risk is higher if you have a weak immune system or are receiving certain medications. Call your doctor at once if you develop any signs of infection such as fever, chills, sore throat, cough, stuffy nose, redness, pain, swelling, or painful urination. It is important to tell your doctor about all other medications you use, including vitamins and herbs. Do not stop using any medications without first talking to your doctor.

GENERALLY AVOID: Use of natalizumab in combination with immunomodulatory agents such as interferon beta has resulted in rare cases of progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML), a severely disabling, potentially fatal opportunistic viral infection of the brain. The mechanism has not been described. In clinical trials, PML occurred in two of 1869 patients with multiple sclerosis treated with natalizumab for a median of 120 weeks, and both were receiving concomitant interferon beta-1a therapy. However, the number of cases is too few and the number of patients treated too small to rule out the possibility that PML may also occur with natalizumab monotherapy. Pharmacokinetically, coadministration with interferon beta-1a has been shown to increase the plasma concentrations of natalizumab. According to natalizumab product labeling, interferon beta-1a (30 mcg intramuscularly once a week) reduced the clearance of natalizumab by approximately 30% following multiple-dosing. However, the natalizumab-related adverse event profile in this study was not significantly different than that in another study where patients did not receive concomitant interferon beta-1a.

MANAGEMENT: Although data are limited with respect to the risk of PML, the use of natalizumab in combination with immunomodulatory agents including interferon beta should generally be avoided. All patients treated with natalizumab should be monitored closely and the drug discontinued immediately at the first sign or symptom suggestive of PML. However, it is not known if early detection of PML and discontinuation of natalizumab will mitigate the disease.

Interferon Beta-1a Autoinjector and Prefilled Syringes (Rebif)

Generic Name: interferon beta-1a

Brand name: Avonex, Rebif, Avonex Prefilled Syringe, Avonex Pen, Rebif Rebidose, Rebif Rebidose Titration Pack, Rebif Titration Pack

Synonyms: Interferon beta-1a, Interferon Beta-1a

What is Interferon Beta-1a Autoinjector and Prefilled Syringes (Rebif)?

Tysabri

Generic Name: natalizumab

Brand name: Tysabri

Synonyms: n.a.

What is Tysabri?