To Switch, or Not To Switch? Copaxone to Tecfidera

[anita.eicher.pack]

I am looking for other people's input and thoughts. I have been diagnosed for 20 years, and been on Copaxone for 15 years, and have done exceptionally well. No flare-ups, and minimal disease progression. However, I recently had an MRI for neck pain - unrelated to MS - that revealed an active lesion.

My neuro has discussed the new meds with me, but she is no rush to change things. On one hand I feel very blessed to have done so very well for so long, and why change things if it's working? On the other hand, that new lesion has definitely grabbed my attention. Tecfidera seems to be stronger, but that doesn't necessarily mean that it will work better for me. And, I'm not thrilled about the side effects.

I really don't have any side effects from the Copaxone, and at this point giving myself an injection is just as much a part of my life as brushing my teeth. I have no interest in switching just because one is injectable and one is oral. So, what is pulling me to consider switching? That stinking new lesion. I have a 9 year old son and I want to stay as active as I can for as long as I can. I want to live my life as fully as possible!

So, what would YOU do? Why?

Thanks for your help!

** Moderator's note - Post broken into paragraphs for easier reading. Many people with MS have visual difficulties that prevent them from reading large blocks of print. **

[tracibk]

I wouldn't switch......if it's not broke. I switched because I was on Rebif and it wasn't working. I have been very lucky with Tec and had very minimal side effects. Best of luck with whatever you choose!

[beepkb]

Still undecided

I was on Copaxone for 5 years, with no Problems except Site reactions. I didn't have a relapse that entire time.

My neuro started me on Tec. After my last visit.
I thought it would be nice not to have bruises and easier, but it made me feel exhausted, weak and my legs started going numb, in addition to the flushing. I also started slowing down with everything mental and physial. I am scared about another relapse and the more serious side effects.

I asked to be switched back to Copaxone, he wants me to try this for a week to see if things improve. I actually feel good today, this is my 6th day on it, still the 1/2 dose so I'll see how I feel with the regular dose.

[anita.eicher.pack]

Honestly, I think I decided that myself after I posted this. It makes the most sense. Thanks.

[Steelerfan09]

Im currently seeking to switching from copaxone to tecfidera. i have a neuro appt. in late August. but my wife is reluctant because ive done so well on copaxone and havent had a flair up in over 3 years. but its kinda tiring to take shots everyday and i hate having to dispose the needles when the time comes. but im worried that if i do go on tecfidera, i have to go on a drug holiday and i could flare during that time. its a double edge sword.

[Canary54]

Steelerfan:

Do you know for sure there's a washout period for Copaxone to Tecfidera? I'm switching from Rebif to Tecfidera, and my Neuro said I could take Rebif one day and Tecfidera the next. I'm not immediately switching........I'm taking a brief (1 month) holiday from the meds. If you don't know for sure about a washout period, might be worth checking into. Good luck with whatever you decide!

[jennt]

[QUOTE=Steelerfan09;1416466]Im currently seeking to switching from copaxone to tecfidera. i have a neuro appt. in late August. but my wife is reluctant because ive done so well on copaxone and havent had a flair up in over 3 years. but its kinda tiring to take shots everyday and i hate having to dispose the needles when the time comes. but im worried that if i do go on tecfidera, i have to go on a drug holiday and i could flare during that time. its a double edge sword.[/QUOTE

Per my neuro's instruction, I took my last Copaxone injection last night, then started Tefidera today. Wash out is not necessary.

[October22]

SteelerFan...

Get a NEEDLE CLIPPER. Best invention EVER. No need to dispose of needles other than throwing them in the trash. The little clipper stores like 1500 or something. Teva should be able to send you one.

[lisatherese]

SO FAR, PRETTY GOOD

I'd been on Copaxone since I was diagnosed 5 yrs ago and had done well other than the damage it's done at injection sites, which isn't too attractive. My doctor tried to talk me into switching to Gilenya but I wouldn't, but when Tecfidera was approved he tried again & I went for it. Not too long after my first capsule, I got very flushed & itchy but it subsided within a couple hours & it wasn't unbearable. After that I had no real issue with the 120 mg doses or the 240's except I feel very bloated, which I hope will subside or I'll figure ways to counter it. I didn't think I really minded the shots, but I've got to admit it's wonderful not having to. Of course the most important thing is that it's effective so I'm praying switching wasn't a mistake.

[laurasari]

I went to a new ms specialist. He says no washout between copaxone and. Tecifidera. He is switching me . My old Neuro not a MS specialist. Put me on6 months of copaxone following Aubagio this one doesn't want me on the copaxone he says I can go on the Tecfedera and its only been 6 weeks

[Willow63]

Get a NEEDLE CLIPPER. Best invention EVER. No need to dispose of needles other than throwing them in the trash. The little clipper stores like 1500 or something. Teva should be able to send you one.

I loved the needle clipper! Then my daughter showed me how to recap the glass needle. Dont know why I missed that. It made disposal easier. I switched as too many red itchy bumps and starting getting lumps in hip.

[laurasari]

I am going from copaxone to Tecifidera and my Neuro says no wash out he is an ms specialist. I am going from one straight to the other good luck

[0inone]

I had a 3 week wash out, but then had a relapse so it was more like 7 weeks. Im pretty new, was on copaxone for 3 months when tec was approved. So both meds were experiemental to me. I had bad sight reactions so i was all for no Shots! Today was my 2nd tec dose. Flushing, reddness and itching, but only for a few hours. Praying for no stomach issues.