Copaxone and Cancer

[iminjtown]

Has anyone else here ever heard the rumors/theories of the links between COPAXONE and various cancers, specifically skin cancer/melanoma. My mother had MS for 20 years, and took COPAXONE (back when it was still COP-1, actually) and it did very well for her with only occasional reactions.

Then, last January she discovered a new mole/skin irritation where there was none, and had it looked at. To make a long story short, she passed away 9 1/2 months later from the effects of the Melanoma she was diagnosed with. Anyone else hear of similar stories?

[marybenes]

You might call Shared Solutions and ask them about this. I've never heard of any link between Copaxone and cancer.

[twisterred]

Never heard anything like that.
I've done alright with Copaxone for a while.

[BigA]

Sorry to hear about your mother.

I've never heard of any connections to skin cancer. In fact, the most active outdoors people who have MS whom i know, seem to be on Copaxone.

It's impossible to know from one person. We don't know how much your mom was in the sun and her genetic background, etc.

I agree you should call the shared solutions people and also look up "Copaxone Skin Cancer" or Copaxone Melanoma. In any case, we may never know, though if it was a greater risk, we'd hear about it.

I suspect there is not an incrased risk.

[Jenny3838]

It's always been known that there is an increased risk of cancer with Copaxone. I don't know how big though.

Copaxone is designed to suppress the immune system. Patients may be at risk for developing certain infections or at greater risk for developing cancer.

http://www.drugwatch.com/copaxone/

[wkikta]

Copaxone does not suppress the immune system, just modifies the way it works on some things.

[BigA]

I was able to find a study which links Copaxone to skin cancer - but you can imagine how rare it is if people aren't going on about it on this site.

It's worth being careful. there are issues with all DMDs.

[Jade Divine]

It's always been known that there is an increased risk of cancer with Copaxone. I don't know how big though.

Copaxone is designed to suppress the immune system. Patients may be at risk for developing certain infections or at greater risk for developing cancer.

http://www.drugwatch.com/copaxone/

I just started copaxone 2 weeks ago and read this on an insert that came with my monthly supply of copaxone. I believe it is listed under the lists of possible side effects. I remember it clearly because it frightened me a bit. On the insert though, it mentions melanoma specifically.