How much more dangerous would Swine Flu exposure be to someone with multiple sclerosis who is on a monthly infusion of Tysabri?

Answer 1

The question is less like how much more dangerous the exposure would be, it is how much more likely is someone taking Tysabri to catch the virus.

Users of the immunomodulating drugs such as Rebif, Betaseron, Copaxone, Avonex, or Tysabri are not any more susceptible to dangers from viral or bacterial infections than someone without MS.

Tysabri is a monoclonal antibody which acts as an immunosuppressant in humans. This means that it suppresses, or dampens, the immune system's responses, which leaves the body more vulnerable to infections of any kind, viral or bacterial.

This also means that, all things being equal, if there are two people exposed to Swine Flu (or any flu for that matter), and one is on Tysabri, the person on Tysabri would be more likely to actually contract the flu than the person not on Tysabri.

For the person on Tysabri who otherwise has a normally-functioning immune system, the body should be able to handle the infection; however, as with any infections while on Tysabri, it is important to let your doctor know right away. There are several antiviral medications which appear to be effective against the swine flu virus; treatment should probably start as soon as practical.