Tecfidera to Copaxone Anyone?

[bree2013]

Hi All,

Because of prolonged severe low lymph counts my doctor wants me to quit Tec and go on Copaxone. I'm not looking forward to the shots at all, but will do what I have to do. I am RRMS, dx'd 2+ years and on Tec for 2 years.

I'd like to know if anyone has gone from Tec to Copaxone and was there a washout period? How have you done on Copaxone - have you had any flairs while transitioning?

Any info would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you,
Bree

[Mamabug]

important question. I don't have an answer because I've never used Tec. When I switched from Betaseron to Copaxone, about 7 years ago, I was off B for about 6 weeks, prior to beginning C. My MS Specialist thought B wasn't very effective, anyways, so she didn't expect it would be a problem to be on nothing for that short time period.

However, I had an MS flare during the transition time. I think it takes Copaxone a little while before it becomes effective after you begin taking it.

Best wishes during your transition. I'm very happy with Copaxone. Was on C20 for 7 years, and switched to C40 in April.

[jreagan70]

Hi bree:

Copaxone is different than all of the other MS DMDs. It doesn't act directly against immune cells or work as an immunosuppressant. Instead, it acts as a sort of "myelin decoy" that sort of tricks immune cells into attacking it instead of actual myelin.

Back before the newer drugs became available and there was a lot of switching between Copaxone and the interferons, a lot of doctors didn't impose a washout period before starting Copaxone because it didn't have the same effects as the other drugs. In theory and apparently in practice, Copaxone doesn't have the mechanism to "oversuppress" the immune system if taken too close to Tecfidera because it doesn't have the same effects on the immune system. But you'll have to ask your own neuro what s/he wants you to do.

One reason to not go through a washout period is that Copaxone takes at least 3 months to become effective (meaning more effective than placebo in testing), possibly longer. Because of that, it might be a good idea to get started on it as soon as possible.

[bree2013]

Thanks mamabug & jreagan70 for your input.

Spoke to another MS doc for a second opinion and she pretty much agrees Copaxone would be her choice as my next treatment. No washout period required. If Copaxone doesn't work out for me she mentioned Gilenya -- which surprised me with my low lymphs but she said Gilenya affects the lymphs in a different way than Tecfidera.

I'll follow up with my doc and we'll get the ball rolling. I'm really not looking forward to the shots, but it could be worse.

Good luck to all -
Bree

[Mamabug]

Glad you got an answer. Hope the shots go OK for you. It soon becomes as much of a habit as brushing teeth.