Choice of medications

[a.k]

I was just recently diagnosed with MS. The MRI of the brain showed 50-60 lesions. I don't have too many symptoms other than lightheaded spells that last 15-20 seconds and occur once every 5 mins to 5 hours apart (depending on whether I am seated or moving around). Sometimes I experience clumsy movement in the right leg or right arm during such a spell & then everything is back to normal after the 15 seconds.

My first neurologist didn't explain all my choices very well & just prescribed Avonex for me. A second neurologist recommended I go on something more aggressive considering the number of lesions I already have. He suggested, Tysabri.

I am concerned about PML, of course. Can you guys share your experiences with the drugs you are on or have used. Any thoughts on Copaxone, Avonex, etc?

Secondly, I read that patients with a weakened immune system have a greater chance of PML. That would mean I would be better off going straight to Tysabri than weakening the immune system with another drug like Avonex & then moving to Tysabri.

This website is a great resource.

[wkikta]

None of the CRAB medications 'weaken' the immune system, they work to modify how it acts on things. I have been on Avonex for a decade and it is working very well for me. What I like is the once a week schedule. If you are real concerned with PML then it is probably not the thing for you, stress can be a bear.

Do what you can to be the healthiest you can, try to reduce stress.

[BikeChik]

I was diagnosed recently, with lots of large lesions. I was started out on Rebif since it initially works quicker than other DMTs. I also consulted a neurologist at an MS Center who recommended I do a few months of pulse steroids so that Rebif would have time to kick in.

I also was freaked out by PML if I had to switch to Tysabri and very glad that my latest MRI was good so I could stay on Rebif. The MS neurologist showed me a powerpoint of MRI films of patients with silent MS and lots of lesions. Having a lot of lesions doesn't necessarily mean you must start out on the big gun drugs. I hope you are able to try one of the CRAB drugs or Gilenya before you move to Tysabri. Those frontline drugs work for a lot of people. Best of luck to you .