Hi guys
You may have alread had this posted, but since I have found out that I am JC Positive, I am on the lookout for information and alternatives:
"April 13, 2012 — A case of progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) has been reported in a patient with multiple sclerosis (MS) taking fingolimod (Gilenya, Novartis).
Novartis AG confirmed that the company has been informed of a PML diagnosis in a patient on fingolimod, but points out that the patient was treated with natalizumab (Tysabri, Biogen Idec/Elan) for approximately 3 ˝ years before being started on fingolimod. The patient is also JC virus (JCV) antibody–positive, a company statement notes.
Natalizumab treatment is associated with a known risk for PML, particularly in JCV antibody–positive patients and those treated longer than 2 years.
"The current assessment is that Tysabri is the drug most likely associated with this case of PML," the company notes in their statement. "However, a contribution of Gilenya to the evolution of this case cannot be excluded."
"This is the first and only reported PML case in approximately 36,000 fingolimod-treated patients," the statement adds. "Novartis believes Gilenya provides a benefit for appropriate MS patients when used in accordance with approved labelling."
http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/762039
Since this is so new, it could be the start of something , or just a result of Tysabri use, since the person had been on Ty for 3.5 years.
Who knows, but short of taking nothing , or going back to Beta (or similar) I don't see many choices.
Lyn