Copaxone and steroids - Multiple Sclerosis Message Board

whuggs1 · 10-10-2005, 12:29 PM

Hello,
I have a few questions..

(1) I’m 37 year old male and have just been diagnosed with MS. My neurologist wants to start me on Copaxone soon. He is offering me to participate in a clinical trial that will last 3 years and will include taking steroids and MRI’s both at no cost to me. Should I do the trial? I know my last set of MRI’s cost me $700 and INS paid the rest, so free would be good and my MS would be monitored (not that my MS is sever) Also not sure if taking the steroids is good or not.
(2) Can MS make you tired? And will taking Copaxone help? Just seems that I use to sleep more than I use to. Can sleep to 12pm on most weekends and use to always get up around 9 or so, also feel tired some days at work for no reason. Feel fine to

day

Thanks,
Wayne(not looking forward to the shot thing)

jbozz · 10-10-2005, 01:51 PM

Hey Wayne!!! I'm 33yrs old, diag. at 25, and also take copaxone and steriods. i would LOVE to be in this study!!! Free med. care??? WOW!!! DO IT!!! also...i'm tired alot too...it sucks,and i HATE the shot! steriods keep you awake, so be sure to ask for sleeping pills as well. MS makes you sleepy,and steriods keep you up....fun huh? good luck, and be sure to tell us all what you decide!!!! Bye Wane!!! jennifer b.

whuggs1 · 10-10-2005, 02:28 PM

Since I'll be on the copaxone anyways it's not gona be free,but hope the INS picksup most the tab. They also metioned something about compensation $$$$

jennifer, do you use the auto inject ?

orngcrayon · 10-10-2005, 05:59 PM

I am now on copaxone, I did the steroids too. Whuggs - I use the autoject for the backs of my arms (because they're hard to reach) but otherwise just do regular injection. I notice that I have more pain at the injection site when I use the autoject... I think because it's spring loaded.

But some days I just hate having MS so much that I don't like the idea of pressing the plunger myself - I use the autoject on those days too

iluvsiamese · 10-11-2005, 04:23 AM

I use copaxone daily and am on IV steroids for a 3 day stint right now. The Copaxone is great, but what is up with the steroids?(I'm assuming Prednisone) I've only used the steroids for flare ups... not on a regular basis. Steroids can be nasty business and you have to take short stints or be tapered off them when you quit. Many people have died from just stopping their steroids. It causes extreme heart damage if you just quit, and some people that are on long term steroid use for some reason their bodies seem to have a necessity for them after long term use and they can't be successfully weaned off of them, so I would question the steroid issue carefully, and find out how much and how often, which type, etc. Better safe than sorry, but with MS it's sad to say, but we all have to be Guinnea Pigs, lol. If they are saving you the 700.00 cost of MRI's though, that sounds like a definate plus. Good Luck and let us know what you decide!