Switching from Avonex to Copaxone

[gmteach]

I have been on Avonex for the last 15 years and have finally reached my limit.   I am taking a 6 week break from the Avonex and will be starting Copaxone at the end of April.   I actually have two questions:   1)   Has anyone taken a break from their medication for that long (and if so, any consequences) and 2)  Has anyone switched from Avonex to Copaxone, and if so, how did you do?   I still after all these years lose a day on the weekend due to the side effects of the Avonex and am hoping that will not be the result with Copaxone.   Thanks

[JaneK1975]

I don't have any experience with Avonex (I started Copaxone on February 2nd of this year), but I had to congratulate you for making it through 15 years on one DMD. It sounds like an accomplishment to me.

Best wishes on your switch.

- Jane

[figuerpa]

I am on Copaxone and have only been on it for a month. The shots themselves aren't bad at all and depending on what body part I am doing its not bad either.

My biggest complaint is the stinging and welts on my arms. The everyday thing doesn't bother me, I will be purchasing the travel bag for the summer get togethers since I do my shots at dinner time.

It really is easy especially with the autoject. You should have a training nurse come to your house to get you started, you can ask the nurse anything and she will answer it.

Good luck and hope it goes smoothe for you!

Paula

[gmteach]

Thank you for your comment.   I am hopeful that it will be a good transition and that I will be able to keep up with the daily injections.   But, at this point anything is better then the side effects of the Avonex.   I will let you know how it goes.

[gmteach]

Thank you for your comment.   Yes, the lost weekend was finally the deciding factor.   I will let you know how I make out with the Copaxone - it will not be for another 6 weeks, so I will be back in touch.

[Lulu54]

Being off the avonex for this short time is not a problem.  You need to clear the interferons from your system before introducing the Copaxone.  It is a totally different drug than the others.  There are no problems flu-like symptoms, depression or liver toxicity.  It does take a good long while for your body to adjust to the copaxone and let it work.  I was on it from October 2008 until Dec 2011 and did well initially.  It wasn't until the last six months that I started having a few problems with  being therapy compliant, but that is a story for another time.

copaxone is a very good drug and I hope you do well with it.

Lulu

[Luna143]

You were much more patient that I was.  I have only been on Avonex for 6 months and have decided to opt out of the lost weekend syndrome.  I am considering Copaxone as my next line of defense and am curious to see what others have to say.

Thanks for this post!