Announcement

Collapse
No announcement yet.

Which DO I take?

Collapse
X
Collapse
 
  • Page of 1
  • Filter
  • Time
  • Show
Clear All
new posts
Previous template Next
    #1

    Which DO I take?

    Just been diagnosed
    actually been given a choice of 4 meds, copaxone, avenone, Betaseron or Rebif
    Am waiting to see what my Ins will cover and what we have here in the Bahamas.
    How long am I on this for?
    Any free advice?
    Tags: None
    #2
    All the 4 are good choices, you need to see what is covered. Can't say how long, there are different meds coming up in the near future. Best to start something, and if it doesn't work out for you, switch until you find what works best. Best of luck figuring out what to start on!

    Comment

      #3
      hi k4k, the best free advice I have, is to study and learn about MS. Not to scare you with possibilities, but to help you learn more about what you are now dealing with. The DMD's are great for trying to keep your MS from progression. They are long term.

      I started with Betaseron and was on it for around 5 years. Then I switched to Avonex last fall. I like the Avonex as it is only a once a week injection. It is intramuscular but you just don't feel much of anything when you inject. The nice thing is you really aren't cemented into one or the other, change is possible. There are now oral pills as well but they are too new for me to try yet. I worry about side effects.

      Anyhow, welcome to our corner of the internet, ask any questions you need to.

      Comment

        #4
        My neuro put me on Copaxone as a first choice because I was working full time and it didn't have the flu-like side effects that the others did. I was a needle weenie, but I truly didn't mind the injection once I got my mind wrapped around it.
        "I don't know what the future holds, but I know Who holds the future."

        Comment

          #5
          I'm on Avonex because the once-a-week injection was more appealing to me than every day (Copaxone) or even every other day (Betaseron/Rebif).

          Yes, Avonex is IM but it actually is not that bad, and certainly not as painful as I thought it might be. Prior to it I had gotten IM injections of contraceptive and that was what made me realize that it really wasn't so bad. The flu-like side effects that I've suffered from is a mild fever overnight (am usually asleep so don't remember much) but it can be different for everyone.

          I have a pamphlet from the national MS society that basically outlines cost of the four medications I mentioned and Copaxone appears to be the least expensive, with Avonex being the most expensive.

          Hope you figure out what is most affordable and effective for you soon!
          Dx RRMS 2008/Kesimpta Feb 2023
          UNbalanced Dog Trainer - Accredited pet dog training instructor

          Comment

            #6
            A synopsis of various disease-modifying drugs is here:

            http://www.nationalmssociety.org/abo...nts/index.aspx

            The four alternatives suggested to you have all stood the test of time. They are effective for many patients, and they have a high safety profile. There is no wrong decision, as long as you are attacking the disease with something. The medicine you choose may prove to be ineffective for you, but there's really no way of knowing in advance.

            There is no free ride. All have side effects to varying degrees. Those can often be mitigated. In the case of interferons they also usually become less intense after the first several shots. It's not a lifetime contract, so if you can't tolerate the side effects, you can always change medications.

            Dealing with needles and a few side effects beats dealing with relapses and progression anytime!

            Ask questions anytime!

            Comment

              #7
              All 4 of these meds are about the same in terms of effectiveness. Side effects do vary from person to person. As others have said, you can try one or more and see which has the fewest side effects and fits in best with your lifestyle. They do all appear to be safe.
              I am on Avonex and have been so for many years now. It has really worked well for me. I have remained stable with no attacks. Prior to Avonex I tried Betaseron but had to quit after just a few doses due to side effects. I have no side effects from Avonex and self-injecting is little more than a minor inconvenience.
              I plan on taking Avonex indefinitely, unless there's a cure. I'm not holding my breath
              Been taking Avonex since June 96
              For me Interferon therapy is essential in slowing MS down.
              Will continue with the weekly injections and take my disease one day at a time...

              Comment

                #8
                This is such a personal decision. Like others have said do the research and pick the one that fits your lifestyle.

                I started with Avonex developed an allergy to interferon and moved to Copaxone which I ended up having to also be taken off of. I am in limbo and am considering Ty or waiting for BG-12.

                If I "personally" had to do it over again, and this is just me, I would start with Copaxone and if that did not work go to Avonex, Betaseron, and then Rebif in that order.

                Good Luck on your decision--Katie

                Comment

                  #9
                  Which do I take?

                  Many thanks to you all - great input really helped!!

                  Comment

                  Previous template Next
                  Working...
                  X