Tysabri Linked to Liver Injury, Including Death

Drugmakers Biogen Idec Inc. and Elan Corp. Plc. have warned doctors of significant liver injury, including markedly elevated serum hepatic enzymes and elevated total bilirubin, after taking the multiple sclerosis drug Tysabri. These adverse effects occurred as early as six days after the first dose of the drug. The combination of transaminase elevations and elevated bilirubin without evidence of obstruction is recognized as an important predictor of severe liver injury that may lead to death or the need for a liver transplant in some patients. Tysabri should be discontinued in people with jaundice or other evidence of significant liver injury.

The companies co-market the drug, with Biogen taking the lead in the U.S. The drug Tysabri is also used to treat people with Crohn's disease.

Claudine Homolash is a personal injury attorney in Philadelphia, PA, who focuses her practice representing individuals who have been injured by dangerous drugs and medical devices. Ms. Homolash was recently nominated for the National Multiple Sclerosis Society's 2008 MS Leadership Class and is familiar with the physical harm Tysabri may cause to certain individuals.