When do you decide to switch meds?

[Lor301]

Hi everyone, I've been relapse free since about two years ago, and have been on Tecfidera. I'm pretty sure I'm pretty sure that im in the middle of another relapse now. My upper lip has been numb for about a month, going to the neuro tomorrow. My question is, if this is a relapse do I switch meds? How do I know that Tecfidera is working for me, if I'm having a relapse? When have you all decided to switch, and what was the reason?

Thanks!
-Lauren

[Lor301]

Thanks for your response guys :) I just got back from the neuro.  She is a little unsure if this is MS related, because I am having upper lip numbness on my entire lip - it's not one sided.  So, I'm going to take prednisone just in case and schedule a brain MRI to check it out.  Hoping that it is not MS related, and that maybe my weirdo sinuses or making my face feel weird (maybe?).  I will keep you posted :) Thanks for the support

[cjtmn]

I don't have any input, but wanted to thank you for posing the question. I am newly Dx'd and was wondering the same thing! Please let us know what you decide.

[HVAC]

It is really up yo you and your neurologist to decide. It is case by case There is no rule except if you have new lesions on a drug then they usually find something stronger.

Unfortunately these drugs slow progression not necessarily stop progression. If there was one that stopped progression we would all be on it unless it had a lot of side effects.

Symptoms and lesions do not always go together. I have the same three lesions I had at the begining but I get new symptoms.

Alex

[Corriel]

Hi Lauren, I replied to this last night but see this morning that it is not there and this is the second device I have logged into this morning.

Hopefully you will get this before your appointment.

I had a relapse earlier this year after 8-9 months on Tec. No new lesions according to the MRI but it's been 10 months and I still have lingering muscle weakness which seems like it might be permanent.

Because I have no new lesions my neuro says I am stable. I am not sure if I agree since the weakness has remained and I have new locations for spasticity as well.

I am currently awaiting an appointment with an MS Specialist (my neuro is a general one not a specialist in MS).

My understanding is that we should aim for NEDA (No Evidence of Disease Activity) which means, no new lesions, symptoms or relapses.

It might be good to wait a bit in your case to see if the symptoms are permanent/long lasting and if they impact your life in a drastic way before changing meds.

Hopefully your neuro will be open to the discussion.

Good luck and let us know how you make out,

Corrie