My Tysabri Diary...

I have mentioned this video to other MS patients considering Tysabri, and it bowled them over... go to:

http://healthology.healthology.com/emb_player/embedad.aspx?content_id=3981&focus_handle=multiple-sclerosis-news&brand_name=healthology&par=hgy

and please take specific note in the corresponding transcript, which states:

"FREDERICK E. MUNSCHAUER, MD: There were two large prospective clinical trials using natalizumab, which is also known as Tysabri…And, at the end of those trials, when the patients were coming off after two years, it was quite clear that Tysabri was indeed the next generation of MS therapy.

People had fewer exacerbations, a 68% reduction in exacerbation rate, essentially twice as effective as any of the interferons or Copaxone. And a 42% reduction in the probability of going on to sustained worsening in physical impairment, as measured by one of our scales…

ANNOUNCER: The new rules call for the use of natalizumab in cases where patients have failed on other medications. But there remains some room in the guidelines for doctors to use the drug initially, in some very aggressive cases of MS.

ROBERT FOX, MD: And so that wording is that it is generally indicated for patients who have not responded or who have not tolerated standard, injectable therapy. And that leaves open the option for clinicians to use it as a first line therapy in patients who we don't feel comfortable waiting the six or 12 months waiting to see if an injectable therapy will work.

FREDERICK E. MUNSCHAUER, MD: Clearly, nobody wants to see you get a 1 in 1,000 chance of having a potentially fatal viral infection. However, when balanced against the disease itself, then the be- -- then the risk-benefit equation clearly shifts in favor of allowing patients and physicians to make the choice, depending upon their perception of the relative risk."

Do you all see now why the FDA approved Tysabri as a first line AND/OR second line therapy [DEFENSE] for MS?

I will reiterate my opinion that the risk of PML is probably much lower than 1 in 1000, IF the patient has a confirmed dx of MS, is given Tysabri as a monotherapy, and is not immune compromised....the TOUCH protocol is in place to minimize such risk. Should we (MS patients) be blessed enough to fall into the acceptable categories of Tysabri's TOUCH protocol, I still believe our chances of getting hit by a moving bus are greater than ever of developing PML!

Okay time for my p.t. exercises. Have a terrific upcoming week everyone :)

(((hugs))) Love, Lauren A very proud member of www.MSpatientsforchoice.org

PS: Dr. Robert Fox's presentation (for me) was kinda difficult to follow as he is SUCH a hottie! Talk about EYE CANDY - (whew, fanning face - oopsies) ;) LOL