crystal22
12-02-2005, 03:43 AM
I've been on Avonex for about a year now, and I'm getting very sick of it. My poor muscles are tired of getting poked. I know that the other meds are sub Q and the needles are way smaller, so I was thinking of switching to Copaxone. What do you all think? Are there less side effects with the Copaxone? And is it worth doing a shot every day? Any input would be great.
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lilc
12-02-2005, 08:32 AM
Crystal, I can't compare because I never tried Avonex, but have been on Copaxone for 3 weeks. No side effects. I've also made 2 cross country trips and one international trip during the past 3 weeks, have found it hasn't been a problem to do the daily shots. As a "newbie" to injecting, I think it's a pretty good testimonial!
evolution88
12-02-2005, 10:49 AM
Please keep those opinions coming, I've been considering a change for a about four months now.
I tried the powdered form of Avonex and it is a lot easier on the system, but I'm still interested in Copaxone. (Although I travel for work)
Also, there was a recent article written which published the results of some of the longer term effects of Copaxone. In the albeit limited study, they found that Copaxone appeared to actually repair some of the damage done by prior MS attacks. The repairs appears to have actually been with the conductivity of the nerves.
I think I can type this, if you do an internet search and use the terms Copaxone, may, repair, nerve, and damage, the article should come up.
I believe that Avonex has had some of the same results; it reduced the number of MRI viewable lesions. Not sure if that means the same thing or not.
Anyway, I hope everyone will keep posting their opinions and experiences.
I tried the powdered form of Avonex and it is a lot easier on the system, but I'm still interested in Copaxone. (Although I travel for work)
Also, there was a recent article written which published the results of some of the longer term effects of Copaxone. In the albeit limited study, they found that Copaxone appeared to actually repair some of the damage done by prior MS attacks. The repairs appears to have actually been with the conductivity of the nerves.
I think I can type this, if you do an internet search and use the terms Copaxone, may, repair, nerve, and damage, the article should come up.
I believe that Avonex has had some of the same results; it reduced the number of MRI viewable lesions. Not sure if that means the same thing or not.
Anyway, I hope everyone will keep posting their opinions and experiences.
tgronich
12-02-2005, 01:32 PM
I've been on Avonex for about a year now, and I'm getting very sick of it. My poor muscles are tired of getting poked. I know that the other meds are sub Q and the needles are way smaller, so I was thinking of switching to Copaxone. What do you all think? Are there less side effects with the Copaxone? And is it worth doing a shot every day? Any input would be great.
Hi Crystal,
My name is Tony. I am a 56 year old practicing dentist in El Paso, TX and was diagnosed back in 1997, although I've had various minor symptoms since 1982.
My current symptoms are very very minor in any case. I am able to practice and have had no motor problems at all. Mostly just numbness. Very lucky so far.
I started taking Copaxone in 1998 and used it daily for 2 years before suffering a mild relapse. I really felt the Copaxone was not working for me, so I switched to Avonex. I went 5 years before having another relapse, so I feel that it is more effective (though obviously not completely effective) for me.
The advantage of Copaxone, in my opinion, is it's lack of side effects. The disadvantage is the daily shots. Those little sub Q needles sting like the devil.
The advantage of Avonex, on the other hand, is that it is only weekly. And it is intra-muscular. The needle is way longer. And though this seems like it would be worse than the sub cutaneous shots, I don't think it is. The disadvantage of Avonex, of course, is the side effects, which for me can occasionally be pretty miserable.
But I wouldn't go back to the Copaxone. From somebody who gives shots all day long for a living, I think Copaxone is a whole lot more painful.
Hopes this opinion helps. Good luck.
Hi Crystal,
My name is Tony. I am a 56 year old practicing dentist in El Paso, TX and was diagnosed back in 1997, although I've had various minor symptoms since 1982.
My current symptoms are very very minor in any case. I am able to practice and have had no motor problems at all. Mostly just numbness. Very lucky so far.
I started taking Copaxone in 1998 and used it daily for 2 years before suffering a mild relapse. I really felt the Copaxone was not working for me, so I switched to Avonex. I went 5 years before having another relapse, so I feel that it is more effective (though obviously not completely effective) for me.
The advantage of Copaxone, in my opinion, is it's lack of side effects. The disadvantage is the daily shots. Those little sub Q needles sting like the devil.
The advantage of Avonex, on the other hand, is that it is only weekly. And it is intra-muscular. The needle is way longer. And though this seems like it would be worse than the sub cutaneous shots, I don't think it is. The disadvantage of Avonex, of course, is the side effects, which for me can occasionally be pretty miserable.
But I wouldn't go back to the Copaxone. From somebody who gives shots all day long for a living, I think Copaxone is a whole lot more painful.
Hopes this opinion helps. Good luck.
baddoey
12-02-2005, 02:35 PM
Ive been on copaxone for about 7 months now. . shots suck, plain and simple. I don't feel the shot going in at all but there is this burning sensation after - like a bee sting . . I have nothing to compare it to. . but it has just become part of my day now. I do get some itching and bruising, but I've gotten used to looking at that as well. . just the way that it is. .
lilc
12-02-2005, 07:47 PM
I agree with baddoey, it is a daily "bee sting", and I've gotten a couple of bruises. Shared Solutions nurse suggested icing before and after should minimize the bruising. Itching hasn't been a problem (after 3 weeks).
Evolution88, I've been gone more than I've been home since I started the Copaxone. They sent me a lovely hard travel case, I've injected in an airport restroom. It has turned out to be no big deal at all. I've been VERY happy to have no side-effects on all those trips!
As far as efficacy goes, I'll have to wait and see. For me I think the fact that I don't dread the shots means I'll do them faithfully, that has to count for something!
Evolution88, I've been gone more than I've been home since I started the Copaxone. They sent me a lovely hard travel case, I've injected in an airport restroom. It has turned out to be no big deal at all. I've been VERY happy to have no side-effects on all those trips!
As far as efficacy goes, I'll have to wait and see. For me I think the fact that I don't dread the shots means I'll do them faithfully, that has to count for something!
whuggs1
12-03-2005, 02:04 AM
crystal22,
I have been Copaxone for 30 days now with no side effects at all but a slight sting now and then. Got go pickup my refill tomarrow(guess it's my new life)
I have been Copaxone for 30 days now with no side effects at all but a slight sting now and then. Got go pickup my refill tomarrow(guess it's my new life)
Natatude
12-03-2005, 02:40 PM
hello,,, i was on avonex for a yr,,, i had a relapse,, so i switched neuros and the new one put me on me on copaxone,,, i was on it for a yr and 6 months it was better than the avonex no side effects, or anything,, just where the shots was i would get bumps or red spots,, but copaxone is not an interferon,,, so i went into another relapse, and had to be hospitalized and given solumedrol iv for 4 days,, it brought me out of it,, and he switched me to betaseron, which is an interferon,, but only taken every other day and it's also like copaxone under the skin,,, i have been on it now for a yr and 3 months,,, and so far so good (knock on wood) only thing i had difficulty with is, mixing it,,,, cause u have to mix it and load the syringe like i did with the avonex,,, it was hard for me to do the first 6 months but i got used to it and do it by myself now,, only have hubby help me in the butt and arms. good luck i hope u can get one u like.
AnitaD13
12-03-2005, 07:48 PM
I'm very new at taking MS injections, I've only done three, and so far I really can't complain much. I'm taking Rebif. My neuro says Avonex is considered the grandfather of Rebif because they are the same medicine. Rebif is taken three times a week and they are sub-q. They're not that bad to me, they sting a little. They say it's tolerated better than Avonex because you take it more often. My side effects so far have been very minimal. We'll see what happens as it builds up, but like I said, I can't complain too much. I was just thinking if Avonex has worked well for you, Rebif might be worth checking into.
Royal
12-04-2005, 06:29 PM
I've been on Avonex for about a year now, and I'm getting very sick of it. My poor muscles are tired of getting poked. I know that the other meds are sub Q and the needles are way smaller, so I was thinking of switching to Copaxone. What do you all think? Are there less side effects with the Copaxone? And is it worth doing a shot every day? Any input would be great.
Hi crystal,
I agree with what Tony had to say. I don't think its worth changing just for needle size.
I never tried Copaxone but have been on Avonex for many years. The side effects are almost non-existent and I don't mind self-injecting it weekly. And most important I have remained stable with no attacks.
Side effects and effectiveness are one thing but I wouldn't change just for needle size. All the best in whatever you decide.
- Roy
Hi crystal,
I agree with what Tony had to say. I don't think its worth changing just for needle size.
I never tried Copaxone but have been on Avonex for many years. The side effects are almost non-existent and I don't mind self-injecting it weekly. And most important I have remained stable with no attacks.
Side effects and effectiveness are one thing but I wouldn't change just for needle size. All the best in whatever you decide.
- Roy
Sharon Grace
12-06-2005, 03:34 PM
Hi Crystal - I originally started on Avonex, switched to Rebif last year, and now I am on Copaxone. The Avonex gave me minimal flu like side effects but it apparently wasn't strong enough for me and I had a major attack last April. My neuro switched me to Rebif last year. The Rebif ( although it is the same chemically as Avonex) is a much stronger dose and after nine months I could no longer tolerate the side effects of the interferon. Two months ago I started on Copaxone (just finished my second month) and so far, I like it much better. I actually find the daily shot easier because it's just part of my daily routine. The shots do sting right after injecting for a few minutes but I have no flu-like symptoms at all. I have read some good info on the Copaxone, and will see how things go after a few more months. So far, I would definitely recommend it. It is always a tough choice to pick which meds you want. I went through three before finding one I can live with (so far). Best of luck - Sharon Grace :wave:
Lisa_P
12-11-2005, 10:01 AM
I was put on Avonex without any idea that there even WERE other choices. Stayed on it for a year, but the flu-like symptoms got so bad after the pre-mixed syringes came out that I finally stopped taking it. I did SO much better with the powdered version. Now I'm thinking about Copaxone myself. This thread has helped me come closer to choosing it...
evolution88
12-11-2005, 10:04 AM
I see my Neuro next Tuesday, I'm planning on all but demanding he let me try Copaxone. I read this on a bill board yesterday, and it's exactly how I feel:
"Sick and tired of feeling sick and tired."
"Sick and tired of feeling sick and tired."