I chose Rebif because it was subcutaneous,( did not want the intramuscular) and only 3 time a week, had smallest needles. My neuro gave me all of the stats on all of the drugs, and told me that the results were all similar, so it was basically my preference as to how to take it. He insisted that I take some DMD, but it was my choice as to whivch one.
I chose the Rebif for the patient support system, the delivery system, and the price (no Insurance) Free is always a good price LOL.
But of course chocolate has always been my drug of choice!
Cydney,
why did you choose Rebif? I know most of the crab drugs have patient assistance. I just can't understand what makes one better than the other with the exception of the s/e and # of injections required. That is personal preference. Medically how is one better than the other. The studies I have seen have the similar relapse rates. It is a big decision.
Thanks for participating
Terry
My Neurologist gave me the option of which DMD to start on. We discussed all of the available medication, how they were administered, side effects etc. and allowed me to make the choice.
Just had my first full week of Rebif. So far have only had one day of reactions, flu like symptoms. I was very fortunate to have a nurse come out and go over the process of administering the medication with me, and give me pointers on how to manage side effects.
Taking the injections at night before bedtime is the best one. The nurse suggested that sleeping through the side effects would be best, and she was right!
I am also one of those who does not have insurance. My neurologist suggested MS lifelines ( part of the company that manufactures Rebif) and they have been wonderful! They have a website, and an 800 number. They are providing me with the medication, and whatever assistance I need at no charge, for a year. (They also appreciaate referrals)
Just google MSLifeLines for their site.
Cydney
They should have a warning on the label; I've gained a fair amount, too!
Kathy
I just had some and it does make me feel better....about 8 pounds since August. I guess that is just a side effect.
Still smiling
terry
Not Dx'd, so chocolate is my DMD of choice!
Sorry, I just couldn't resist.
:o)
Copaxone since June 2008
(Rebif from Feb - Apr 2008 - discont'd due to elevated liver enzymes)
Also taking Neurontin, 1200mg, 3x per day and 50mg amitriptyline at night for cervical myelopathy/neuropathic pain in hand due to spinal lesions.
Hi
I'm new to all this so hopefully this will be helpful. My neuro asked me to start thinking about whether I wanted to be on avonex or copaxone after my mri and before my lp. I was overwhelmed so obsessively began to find all I could on the drugs. I really couldn't find any statistical data that helped me choose. The disease progression and relapse rates were very similar. So for me it came down to s/e. The interfurons seem to have so many.... with the flu like symptoms, lab tests etc. So I chose copaxone and have been on it about 8 days now. I would rather take a shot everyday then feel like I have the flu for even a day or two a weekk.
The shots don't hurt but about 30sec after and for about a 1/2hr it burns like heck. (lulu lef me a message saying this gets better after about 2mo.) Knock on wood...but I've had no s/e and feel great. Hopefully it will work. Good luck with whatever you choose.
Robin
T-LYNN
I would love to if I could figure out how. I am not very computer literate. Maybe one of my children could help me this weekend, lol.
Thanks,
Erin
ERIN,
HOW IS THE RITOXIN WORKING,YOUR THE FIRST I HAVE HEARD USING IT.
SHOULD BE IN THE OHIO AREA IN FEB.FOR MS.THATS WHEN MY NEURO PLANS TO START IT.WENT TO A RECENT SEMINAR ON RITOXIN.
PLEASE START A SEPERATE THREAD ON THIS.THE CLINICAL TRIALS HAVE HAD GREAT RESULTS.
MANY ARE NOT AWARE OF THIS MED.
I AM A CANIDATE NOW FOR IT HAVING ADHESIVE ARACHNOIDITIS,BUT WAS ON SOLU-MEDROL,SO THE DR. WANTS TO WAIT.
T-LYNN
Terry,
I am one of the "other" people. I am on Rituxan. It is not currently approved for MS but I was able to get in under the radar because of RA.
I was on Copaxone for 1 1/2 years but it didn't help and they classified me as a failed attempt (nice wording huh). Rituxan is in phase 3 clinical trials for MS and having great results. I guess that I am kind of a guinea pig but the FDA doesn't know it.
Erin
Bump for any other MSers to add their info.
20 ppl have voted. I know we have more members than that. But my question is out of the 20, 5 ppl or 25% use Copaxone. So for you guys why did you chose Copaxone. I am really interested because I am not sure how one makes a decision which med to use or to begin with ect. Does the neuro usually allow input or is a case of this is what I am prescribing. I see my neuro on 12/1 to get more results. If he should discuss DMDs (which is probably wishful thinking) I would really like to have my head on half way straight. I am sure others who are not dx would have these same questions.
Thanks
terry
THIS IS AWESOME !!! I'M SO GLAD YOU STARTED THIS
-shell
Great idea and interesting results! There is help available for the cost of DMDs - some from manufacturers and some from the NMSS I believe. Cost should not be a hindrance to getting something that can help you!
Not taking a DMD they cost way too much.
What a great idea! I'm one of the ones on Tysabri....shceduled for the 3rd infusion on Dec. 5th.
Rita
That's really neat. I learn something new all the time on this site. I had no idea you could do that.
Is there an instant messaging feature on this site? I thought I saw somewhere that there was.
Christina
Hi Sho
I'm on betaseron and have been since August this year
Mand
Sho,
What a great way to use the polling feature .... LuLu
PS - on copaxone and yes, I did enter my drug of choice. :-)
No, I don't. I guess maybe if people want to answer "other," they can just do it in the comments like I did?
I don't know how to fix it. Do you?
I would answer the question, but I'm in a clinical trial (FTY720/fingolimod) and that's not an option. Maybe you need an "other" category.
sho