Starting Meds ~ Any opinions?: Hi everyone... - My MSAA Community

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Starting Meds ~ Any opinions?

Daring_Greatly profile image
7 Replies

Hi everyone ... I was diagnosed in January with RRMS & will be starting medication soon. I have been given info on orals & injectables ... it all seems very overwhelming.

Injectables: Avonex; Betaseron; Rebif; Copaxone

Oral: Aubagio; Tecfidera

Your thoughts ...

Thank you,

Carrie

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Daring_Greatly
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7 Replies
Raingrrl profile image
Raingrrl

Hi Carrie! Choosing your medication is a decision that should be made between you and your doctor. It can be overwhelming and scary for sure. We don't know your body so our opinions about the various medications won't be of much use to you.

Just as each person experiences MS a little differently, we have differences when it comes to what medications work best for our individual circumstance. For example, I would like to try Gilenya but can't because of a contraindicated health issue that I'm also treated for. Some people can't tolerate injecting themselves whereas for others it's not a problem.

Here is a link to information provided by MSAA about the various approved drug therapies. I hope it helps you. mymsaa.org/ms-information/t...

1RiskyRich profile image
1RiskyRich

I was diagnosed in April 2014. Two meds failed & 2 years later I did HSCT. Fundraise the money if need be cause all the meds do is slow it down & eventually have the same outcome. HSCT stops the progression in its tracks. Being that your RRMS like me, you will see symptom reversals. Follow my progress & see my before & afters till now. Check out my Facebook page, Richie's MS Journey.

erash profile image
erash

Daring_Greatly

Assuming u have researched on your own and know of admin, monitoring and side effects of each, I've only been on betaseron and copaxone. My platelets dropped too low B. C was tolerable.

Are A and T considered 1st line options now?

StacyHayward profile image
StacyHayward

In general, most researchers will say pills are more effective, but injections are safer. Please research carefully for your needs. I spent a year on avonex and did great. I only quit to get pregnant. When I went to start meds again rebif was available so my neuro recommended switching. I've been on it for 12 years and done really well. As much as I hate shots, the side effects of pills scare me. Good luck in your decision.

RoyceNewton profile image
RoyceNewton

G'day, what a loaded question bet u get a bunch of different answers that just confuse u more :-) Here is my go.

Tecfidera 2 x daily tablet. Not hard to do the 2 x daily will give u a routine to start adhering to. Routines are good in ms they start to teach you to do things in a certain way and to stick to it. You will find this real important in the future.

ok ay no long lecture, over a decade on Betaferon\seron 1 month on rebuff and over half a decade on Tec, no relapses.

enjoy your choice and the side effects r not that bad on these meds.

Royce

greaterexp profile image
greaterexp

The very helpful and knowledgeable folks here have already given you great advice; read up on your own, discuss your choices carefully with your doctor, and pray for good results. Developing good relationships with both your primary physician and neurologist is so helpful.

I was in your place very recently (dx in September of 2016 and started Copaxone in mid-January. I understand the feeling of being already overwhelmed with diagnosis, symptoms which seem bizarre, and then I have to wade through information on meds? I suggest taking the advice my sister has always given me. How do you eat an elephant? Answer: one bite at a time. You really will feel more empowered over time with making decisions.

We are all cheering for you!

Erin

Jesmcd2 profile image
Jesmcd2CommunityAmbassador

Hi Daring_Greatly I'm sorry l completely missed this post😞 MSAA has on its site what's called S. E.A.R.C.H. to help you with your selection of medication. You can also print it out and bring it to your neuro so that you BOTH decide whats best for YOU!

mymsaa.org/ms-information/s...

Keep us updated ☺ on how it goes!

Jes🌠

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