How Often Do You Need to Have An MRI When On Tysabri?

5/14/2014

Here is My Question:
How often do you need to have an MRI when on Tysabri? I have been on it for 1.5 years, JCV negative, and MRIs looked unchanged since starting Tysabri. My neurologist wants me to have them once a year, but I feel uncomfortable about that. What's your opinion? Thanks!

Answer:
The risk of PML remains low because you are repeatedly JCV antibody negative. If your MRI is stable on Tysabri after 1.5 years, your risk of new MS activity is no more than 2%. Therefore, repeating the MRI every year in this circumstance is reasonable, as long as you remain JCV antibody negative. It is far more important that you have your JCV antibodies checked every 6 months at a minimum. Some doctors check every 3 months. If you become JCV antibody positive, you will definitely need more frequent MRI monitoring

-Rip Kinkel, MD

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Colleen

5/13/2014 10:52:57 pm

I have been on tysabri for 2 years now with no reactions and have remained jcv negative (my most recent test was march). I have an MRI scheduled for July, but I haven't had one since my 6month checkin after I started on tysabri. At that time everything looked good and no new activity. Is it bad that I haven't had one in a while. I switched dr's so I am thinking that is why I didn't have one earlier this year. I am now a little worried I may see something bad when I go in July.

Ana

5/14/2014 01:09:53 am

Thank you! We miss you in Boston.

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