New here--?? about ABC's - Multiple Sclerosis Message Board

Dazee2100 · 04-14-2005, 08:02 AM

Hi all!

I am started Copaxone and wondering if anyone can tell me of their experience with it? Please, don't give me the typical smiling " oh i feel wonderful, there are no side effects" Yeah I listened to that about Avonex, puhleeeeze! ~lol~ Hoping someone will be honest about their ABC side effects!

I was DX about 2 years ago..symptoms started 3 years ago---but the very first symptom was 15 years back. Started on Avonex--it about killed me--doc said my body just couldn't handle it, made me so sick---my husband used to hafta hunt me down every sunday night for the injection! ~lol~

So now trying the next drug. Was set to start Tysabri, then they pulled it. Doc said it will be back on the market soon---umm think I will pass!

Take Care !!!

"sometimes I get so wierd, I even scare myself!"

Dazee2100

Jewel2 · 04-14-2005, 08:12 AM

Hi Dazee,
Welcome! My daughter just used Copaxone for about 6 months and had to stop. Her immune system dropped dangerously low and she was continually sick. It started with hepatitis, then one cold after another with gave her a chronic sinus infection. She would run a low grade fever, which would then cause her MS symptoms to majorly flare.

I would recommend that anyone on Copaxone get their WBC done periodically. My daughter's was very low.

The other side effect that would frighten her was the fast, erratic heart beat that she would go through about once a week - especially worse if she ever missed a dose and then started back up the next day. Definitely a motivator to never miss a dose!

Also, injection site soreness was an issue. She ended up just having to use her hip area and occasionally her abs. It worked much better when she would take the shot out of the fridge for an hour or so before injecting so it could warm up.

But, having said all that, she liked the fact that she didn't get the flu-like feeling like she got with the Avonex.

Best wishes,
Julie