choosing the right medication - Multiple Sclerosis Message Board

katastrofic · 02-17-2004, 03:20 AM

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After a year of waiting, I was finally diagnosed with relapsing-remitting MS. I already knew (still hoped otherwise),but to hear it was very upsetting. My doctor sent me home with 4 video packages with info on 4 medications to choose from: Copaxone, Betaserone, Rebif and Avonex. I'm asking for some feedback from whoever should take the time to share their experiences with any of these drugs. I know that they all have side effects varying and depending on the individual, but any info you could offer would help me make a decision sooner. I have no symptoms at present, however that took a year to clear up. I had numb hands and numb left upper abdomen, vertigo, fatigue, and clumbsiness... I hope not to experience that again anytime soon. I also would like any info on dissability insurance from fellow Canadians who have set up a plan. I live in Ottawa. If you have any suggestions please let me know. Thank you.

Kathy
[url]http://kathykennedy.vze.com[/url]

JND · 02-17-2004, 10:33 AM

Hi Kathy,

I was DX'd mid 2003 and decided on Avonex due to less side effects and that it was only once a week, which helps if you travel much. As far as the side effects the first injection was the worse. Took the injection on Friday and had flu like symptoms the following two days. I had my 11th last Friday and the side effects have greatly reduced to no more than a few achy joints but taking Tylenol and/or Motrin before and after pretty much remedies that.
The decision is obiviously yours and the effects of any are different from one person to another.

Good Luck with your decision and keep us posted.

Take Care

Dave

bgdmoore · 02-17-2004, 04:29 PM

I have been taking Betaseron since Oct 2003. I started with a low dose and worked my way up to the full dose. It is taken every other day. I haven't had any flu symptoms . I have had a few red areas in my arms but that's it. Good luck

Mom_of_two · 02-17-2004, 11:43 PM

Hi, Kathy. I'm a fellow relapsing-remitting MS'er. I was dx last summer. I started with Copaxone in mid-October of last year. I freaked at the thought of daily injections, but honestly...it's not that bad and I'm used to it now. I have a wonderful husband who gives me the injections each evening, and for that I am grateful! One of these days I'll learn to give them to myself. ;-)

Anyway, as for side effects...none so far! A little bit of redness at the injection site and occasional lumps, but nothing too bad. There is always a slight chance (around 10%) that there might be a post-injection reaction which can be scary (so I hear), but the reaction usually doesn't last long. Maybe 15 minutes or a little longer. The thing to remember is to stay calm and know it will go away soon. Many people never even get these reactions, I haven't so far. I chose Copaxone because compared to the other MS treatments, this sounded like the right one for me. I like how it has basically no side effects (compared to the others), that was a huge plus for me right there.

It's a personal decision and after you hear all of the pros and cons of each treatment, I'm sure you'll make the right decision for you. Best of luck to you! God bless and take care.

katastrofic · 02-18-2004, 09:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mom_of_two

Hi, Kathy. I'm a fellow relapsing-remitting MS'er. I was dx last summer. I started with Copaxone in mid-October of last year. I freaked at the thought of daily injections, but honestly...it's not that bad and I'm used to it now. I have a wonderful husband who gives me the injections each evening, and for that I am grateful! One of these days I'll learn to give them to myself. ;-)

Anyway, as for side effects...none so far! A little bit of redness at the injection site and occasional lumps, but nothing too bad. There is always a slight chance (around 10%) that there might be a post-injection reaction which can be scary (so I hear), but the reaction usually doesn't last long. Maybe 15 minutes or a little longer. The thing to remember is to stay calm and know it will go away soon. Many people never even get these reactions, I haven't so far. I chose Copaxone because compared to the other MS treatments, this sounded like the right one for me. I like how it has basically no side effects (compared to the others), that was a huge plus for me right there.

It's a personal decision and after you hear all of the pros and cons of each treatment, I'm sure you'll make the right decision for you. Best of luck to you! God bless and take care.

Thank you for taking the time to share that information. K