Treatment choice

[TAVL]

I would like to know what made you choose to take the dmd you are taking   Are some better than others?

Thanks, Tracey

[lilbit1986]

The choice was simple for me. First, I couldn't inject daily so Copaxone was out. Then the needle with Avonex was too big, nor was there an auto inject so Avonex was out. Rebif has an auto injector & it is only 3x's a week, which is the medium of the other two. So far no major side affects. Two weeks ago I thought I was having a reaction to the meds so I skipped two injection days. I resumed the injections on Wednesday & so far no reaction. I've been on Rebif since April and am still getting use to sticking myself..... The injection site brusies are horrible. I stopped doing my arms because of the marks, but its the marks or my health so I guess I'll have the marks!

That's how I decided. I didn't do a lot of research as I didn't want to have to inject anything at all :( The important thing is to get on something to help reduce the chance of progression or a relaspe.....Good luck with your decision....

[essdipity]

Started on Copaxone for 2 months, but reactions got way past the reasonable point--hives, etc. So my neuro decided I'm allergic and took me off it.

Next came Avonex, and I've stayed on that with minimal problems for several years. I picked it because it meant only 1 injection per week, and I've realized it also has the benefit, for me, of being a deep injection. My skin is just too sensitive for the shallow kind.

That's just me. There's no one right answer.

ess

[MsmsinFl]

My neuro suggested Rebif because I have very little fat -- the daily Copax injections would be too hard on my tissues, and I knew the weekly Avonex with the loooong needle would not be something I could face.  Beta wasn't mentioned, but it's much like Rebif.

I did lots of reading & research before making the decision.

I've been on Rebif 22mcg for almost 2 years, with no side effects other than red spots at the injection sites (the spots stay for weeks).  I don't inject my arms (no fat at all), and I use lidocaine cream to deaden the spot for the thigh shots (not much fat there either).  Belly is the best spot for me.

No relapses in 2 years.

If you do choose any of the 3 sub-q injectables, do NOT underestimate the value of careful site selection -- always shop around for the fattiest spot you can find.

Best of luck with your decision, and congrats for getting on a DMD soon.

[sllowe]

Tavl,

I researched my eyes out on the premise I just "had" to find the BEST one and it also had to not hurt me in the long run. Back then, I really just didn't know enough to make an informed decision.

What I found was that they all can be effective and it's good to look at the injection schedule. If you are the type that doesn't want to inject alot, once a week avonex may be for you. If you are the type that best do it everyday or you'll not do it - then copax may be the one.

In the end, I was thinking about Copax, but knew I'd not commit to a once a day. I left the decision up to my doctor, and he said Rebif.

So, don't know if that rationale helps, but hope so. Remember this, you can always switch if you find your 1st choice doesn't agree with you.

Ask anything - here to help,
-Shell

[Willowwoman777]

It is definitely an individual choice and based on so many various factors..other conditions you are dealing with, etc. For me, copaxone was first choice because I have other autoimmune diseases I'm dealing with along with diabetes and copd, and supposedly has the least amount of side effects. I was able to stay on it for about a year before I began having bad skin reactions. Currently, I am awaiting a full eval by rheumie to see if I can do something like rebif or avonex - with lupus, I make my own interferon and that class of dmd's could possibly make the lupus worse..As you can see, my point is this - just like MS is different for everyone, so is finding the right treatment. I have a friend who was on copaxone for 15 years and had a severe reaction to it...suddenly. She hasn't been on anything for about a year and says she feels better than she has in decades...???

[tingletingle]

That is such a great question. Thank you, you've read my mind. It seems to be a very personal choice but I am fascinated to learn more. Lets sit back, put the coffee pot on and enjoy the forthcoming show.

Blessings
Alex