Tysabri vs Cellcept

teachk · Getting to Know You... Joined: Aug 03, 2004 Posts: 10

My Dr. would like me to change my MS drug, I am currently on Copaxone. No new lesions on MRI but am having difficultly walking. He gave me two choices Tysabri or CellCept. I haven't been able to find out much about CellCept, its primary use is to prevent rejection of transplanted organs, but it is used in MS and lupus. My BIG question is to those that are taking Tysabri- DO YOU FEEL BETTER?
My Dr. also would like me to have a bone marrow test prior to starting Tysabri. As anyone had one? Any help would be appreciated.

Murph · Posted: Mon Mar 31, 2008 2:50 am Post subject:

Wow I have never heard of having a bone marrow test before starting Tysabri - I am due to see my Neuro tomorrow about starting, so I will let you know what he says to me.

prof8 · Newbie Joined: Jul 14, 2008 Posts: 7

Some neurologists are using cellcept as off label treatment for MS. For those being offered cellcept as an MS treatment you should be aware that there were 17 cases of PML with this drug (the deadly brain infection that the 3 Tysabri patients caught). In July 2008 they added a black box warning to the cellcept package. So Ty. isn't looking so bad!!

See
http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/576907

prof8 · Newbie Joined: Jul 14, 2008 Posts: 7

The link I included in the above post may not be accessible. Try

http://www.ashp.org/s_ashp/article_news.asp?CID=167&DID=2024&id=26341

To qualify, there were 10 confirmed cases of PML and 7 possible cases of PML with cellcept

sweetpotato · Newbie Joined: Jun 29, 2008 Posts: 1

TWO YEARS ON TYSABRI. NO RELAPSES, FEEL THE SAME OR WORST.

teachk · Getting to Know You... Joined: Aug 03, 2004 Posts: 10

I decided to go with Tysabri. I did forgo the bone marrow test. I have had 2 infusions and am (for the first time in 2 years) feeling better. NOT great but better than before. I haven't had any neg side effects OTHER than I feel tired for a few days after my infusion. It was disappointing to hear about the new PML cases:( But I will continue with Tysabri until I am told otherwise.