Does Tysabri cause weight gain? 

Does Tysabri cause weight gain? 

Tysabri can cause both weight gain and weight loss. However, weight-related side effects are rarely reported and they are not a common consideration before this medication is prescribed. 

A very small number of cases have reported weight gain, but an equal number of cases have shown weight loss as well. This indicates that Tysabri can rarely affect your body weight and there’s no way to be certain whether you will gain weight or lose it. 

Make sure you monitor your side effects properly and report them to your healthcare provider. Only your doctor can help you determine the next step if you’re struggling with your weight. Unexplained weight gain should not be left unmanaged. 

It can make your body susceptible to other chronic health problems like diabetes, hyperlipidemia, hypertension, cardiac problems, etc. It is also important to keep your lifestyle healthy. Eat all the good foods that can help strengthen your body and your immune system. 

You should also incorporate exercise in your routine to help release all the negative energy from your system. It also elevates your mood and maintains your body weight. 

What side effects are commonly reported with the use of Tysabri?

Tysabri is associated with some side effects that are commonly reported by people taking this medication. These include (1): 

Common side effects:

  • Headache
  • Fatigue
  • Joint pain
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhoea

Rare side effects:

  • Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML), a serious and sometimes fatal brain infection
  • Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
  • Liver damage
  • Blood disorders
  • Hypersensitivity reactions
  • Seizures
  • Depression
  • Anxiety
  • Infusion reactions, such as fever, chills, or skin rash
  • Respiratory infections
  • High blood pressure

It is important to note that not everyone who uses Tysabri will experience these side effects, and some side effects may be more severe than others. It’s crucial to reach out to your doctor right away if you develop any of these symptoms while taking Tysabri. 

Additionally, it’s crucial to consult your doctor before starting any new medication to ensure that it is both safe and effective for you to take.

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References

1.-

Hoepner R, Faissner S, Salmen A, Gold R, Chan A. Efficacy and side effects of natalizumab therapy in patients with multiple sclerosis. J Cent Nerv Syst Dis. 2014 Apr 28;6:41-9. doi: 10.4137/JCNSD.S14049. PMID: 24855407; PMCID: PMC4011812. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24855407/