Question on Available Medicines

[Llexi]

Hello All,

My follow up appointment is approaching fast and I have been researching all the different types of medicines they offer for MS. I'm getting overwhelmed, as if being overwhelmed with being diagnosed wasn't enough. I have also attended a few banquets/luncheons when the Pharmaceutical companies talk about the medicines they offer. All sound great and I know that we all are different and what may work for one person may not work for another. My issue is that I am 28 years old and I have plans to have children in the future. I am reading through the side effects of all these medicines and I'm getting really scared because they say :Will cause harm to unborn children, will cause miscarraige, DO NOT become pregnant while taking this medicine. And the other thing is that most of these medicines stay in your system for 2 years so even then you are not supposed to get pregnant because of the harm it can cause. Yes there are medicines to take to "clean" your system out faster but that doesn't seem safe to me either. My question is: Are there any medications out there that does not cause harm to unborn children or cause miscarriage? Like I said I am not going to become pregnant any time soon but when considering medicines you have to consider the long term effect. Any thoughts, comments, or information would be much appreciated.

Thank you!
Llexi

[Llexi]

Thank you all for you insights and information. I have spoken to several people about medicines as well as those who have had children. I just have an issue that makes me think too much about things instead of just facing them one at a time.

You all have been extremely helpful!

[Guitar_grrrl]

It just takes careful planning between you and your partner, and your neurologist.  Otherwise, when you two know when you want to conceive, be assured you'll be great, informed parents.

Good luck!

[cubbiesfan918]

Agree with all that has been stated. Really, any medication has that warning. Good luck and best wishes!

[Lulu54]

There are many women who have MS, take the time to get off their drugs and then become pregnant.  I'm thinking that time period is about six months from what others have written here.  Please talk to your neuro about these concerns - they can best tell you how to approach this.  You can have children - there's no reason why you shouldn't.  ~Laura

[HVAC]

There are plenty of people with MS who have children. The person you need to speak to is your Neurologist. I would think any of the injectables would be safer and easier to clear from the body. The Interferons or Copaxone could be gotten off.

Alex

[kwarendorf]

Hi Llexi - Sorry that you've joined our ranks :-)

Your questions about the effects of MS DMDs and pregnancy are big. You may get input from others here, but you should speak plainly with your doctor about this.

Kyle