LEMTRADA is a prescription medicine used to treat relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis (MS), to include relapsing-remitting disease and active secondary progressive disease, in adults. Since treatment with LEMTRADA can increase your risk of getting certain conditions and diseases, LEMTRADA is generally prescribed for people who have tried 2 or more MS medicines that have not worked well enough. LEMTRADA is not recommended for use in patients with clinically isolated syndrome (CIS). It is not known if LEMTRADA is safe and effective for use in children under 17 years of age.

LEMTRADA is a prescription medicine used to treat relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis (MS), to include relapsing-remitting disease and active secondary progressive disease, in adults. Since treatment with LEMTRADA can increase your risk of getting certain conditions and diseases, LEMTRADA is generally prescribed for people who have tried 2 or more MS medicines that have not worked well enough. LEMTRADA is not recommended for use in patients with clinically isolated syndrome (CIS). It is not known if LEMTRADA is safe and effective for use in children under 17 years of age.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Find out what you should know about LEMTRADA treatment for relapsing MS

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You should expect to be at the infusion center for 7 to 8 hours per day. This includes the time it takes to receive LEMTRADA, and at least 2 hours for post-infusion observation. Read more about LEMTRADA infusions.

LEMTRADA can cause serious infusion reactions that may cause death. Serious infusion reactions may happen while you receive, or up to 24 hours or longer after you receive LEMTRADA.

Tell your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious infusion reaction during the infusion, and after you have left the healthcare facility:

  • swelling in your mouth or throat
  • trouble breathing
  • weakness
  • fast, slow or irregular heart beat
  • chest pain
  • rash

Read about LEMTRADA safety and side effects.

  • Your healthcare provider will give you a medicine called corticosteroids before your first 3 infusions of a treatment course to lower your chances of getting a serious infusion reaction.
  • You may also be given other medicines before or after the infusion to try to reduce your chances of having these reactions or to treat them if they happen. If something feels out of the ordinary, contact your healthcare provider right away.
  • You will also be given an antiviral with treatment and will continue taking it under your healthcare provider's guidance.
  • Infusion reactions can occur despite pretreatment.

Learn more about premedications for LEMTRADA infusions.

People who receive LEMTRADA have an increased chance of getting an infection caused by the bacteria listeria, which can lead to significant complications or death. If you receive treatment with LEMTRADA, avoid foods that may be a source of listeria (for example, deli meat, unpasteurized milk and cheese products, soft cheeses, or undercooked meat, seafood, or poultry) or make sure that the food you eat that may contain listeria is heated well.

Read these food safety tips to help lower the risk of listeria infection.

It is recommended that you bring a sweatshirt or a blanket and wear comfortable clothes. You should pack something to entertain yourself during your treatment.

  • Be sure to call the infusion center to be certain what food, drinks, and entertainment are permitted and ask questions like whether water will be available for refillable bottles.
Find out what is recommended to bring on LEMTRADA infusion days.

Before receiving LEMTRADA, tell your healthcare team if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant as it can harm your unborn baby.

  • Use effective birth control to avoid pregnancy during a treatment round.
  • Continue to use birth control for at least 4 months after a treatment round.

An MS One to One® Case Manager is available 24/7* to provide support if you’re feeling nervous or have questions before, during, and after treatment. Find out about personal support for LEMTRADA patients.

*As a member of MS One to One, you’ll have access to an on-duty Case Manager 24/7. Regular MS One to One call center hours are Mon–Fri, 8:30 am–8:00 pm ET.

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Important Safety Information See More

LEMTRADA can cause serious side effects including serious autoimmune problems. Some people receiving LEMTRADA develop a condition where the immune cells in your body attack other cells or organs in the body (autoimmunity), which can be serious and may cause death. Serious autoimmune problems may include: