Hi Ron,
Welcome to Neurotalk! I hope you stay around with us on the Tysabri thread. I just had infusion #9.
I too have had a problem with anemia which I am assuming is from the Tysabri. It is extremely mild and fluctuates between normal and abnormal. After being on Tysabri for several months I started getting slightly below normal numbers on RBC, Hemoglobin, Hematocrit. My internist checked my iron and B-12. Iron stores were very low but still ferritin was in normal range. B-12 was normal by US standards and low by European standards. I started taking B-12 supplements daily and that has helped tremendously with my energy. I noticed that recently Tysabri added a new statement in their drug insert which notes that the drug can lower hemoglobin levels. I thought that was interesting since when I first began the drug it wasn't in the insert.
I will tell you that my neuro did not think this mild anemia was Tysabri related but I am convinced it is because prior to that my levels were always normal and showed no anemia.
Hope this helps!
Quote:
Originally Posted by drwheeler
I used Avonex for 10 years and have been on Tysabri for 16 months. I developed some retinal infarcts 2 weeks ago and had blood tests which show I am anemic. I have been stable and have had no adverse effects until now. My neurologist stopped the Tysabri until we can determine the cause for the anemia.
Today was the first day I have had any symptoms...wiped out all day and my wife says I look pale. As if MS doesn't cause enough fatigue 
Has anyone else had any similar stories?
Ron |