Copyright © 2007 by American Society of Health-System Pharmacists
Natalizumab updateBURGUNDA V. SWEET, PHARM.D., is Clinical Associate Professor of Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, and Director, Drug Information and Investigational Drug Services, University of Michigan Hospitals and Health Centers, Ann Arbor. Address correspondence to Mary Ellen Bonk, Pharm.D., University HealthSystem Consortium, 2001 Spring Road, Suite 700, Oak Brook, IL 60523-1890 (bonk{at}uhc.edu).
Summary. Natalizumab, the first commercially available selective adhesion-molecule inhibitor, is approved as monotherapy for the treatment of patients with relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis (MS). Natalizumab exerts its immunologic effects by targeting the
Conclusion. Natalizumab offers an effective treatment option for patients with MS who have had an inadequate response to or are intolerant of alternative MS therapies. Because of its potential to increase the risk of PML, the risks and benefits should be carefully weighed before initiating natalizumab therapy in patients with MS. Natalizumab should not be used to treat Crohns disease or any other unapproved indication until more postmarketing safety data are available.
Index terms: Antibodies; Dosage; Drug administration; Drug interactions; Mechanism of action; Multiple sclerosis; Natalizumab; Pharmacokinetics; Risk management; Toxicity
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