Question 1

what's the most effective medication for secondary progressive multiple sclerosis? my dr has me on copaxone (glatiramer) for almost a year now and it's not helping

Accepted Answer

Multiple sclerosis: With the exception of Novantrone (mitoxantrone) and steroids there is no other approved therapy for secondary progressive ms. The new oral therapies and old injectable platform therapies are only effective in relapsing ms (slow down number of relapses over time) not effective in progressive ms. Physical therapy, ampyra, (dalfampridine) muscle relaxer and other medications could be used to improve symptoms of ms.

Question 2

i am ending using copaxone (glatiramer) after more than two years. i am going to try bd 12 (not yet available to australians). should there be a waiting period before starting a new drug?

Accepted Answer

No: Copaxone (glatiramer) can be stopped suddenly without undesirable effect  bg12 has its own set of possible side effects and you should be supervised by a ms specialist.

Question 3

glatiramer acetate (copaxone) vs. interferon?

Accepted Answer

See answer below: Both are used in rrms with similar efficacy levels. Copaxone (glatiramer) does not need blood monitoring and is administered as a subcutaneous sc injection daily. Side effects include injection site reactions. Interferons need lab work monitoring, can be a weekly injection into a muscle (avonex), every other day sc (betaseron) or three times a week sc (rebif). Most commo side effects include flu-like symptoms.

Question 4

does copaxone (glatiramer) increase cancer risk?

Accepted Answer

NO !: To my knowledge glatimair acetate (cop axone) has not been found to be carcinogenic.

Question 5

what does copaxone (glatiramer) do for multiple sclerosis?

Accepted Answer

An example of....: copaxone (glatiramer) contains the four most common amino acids in the breakdown of central nervous system myelin arranged in different sequences. This is injected and possibly one of the random peptides mimic the antigen seen in MD -- example of the concept of immune tolerance.

Question 6

how fast should it take for copaxone (glatiramer) to work to stop multiple sclerosis flareups?

Accepted Answer

Variable: Copaxone (glatiramer) is a first line agent which may not be useful for many pts, and may take up to 4-6 months to reach maximal potency in some pts.  If relapses continue to occur, and your MRI shows active lesions, other meds may be better choices for you.  Discuss thoroughly with your neurologist.

Question 7

what are the side effects for taking oral ms drugs as opposed to copaxone (glatiramer) and all the other injectable drugs.

Accepted Answer

Complex : All ms drugs have potential side effects, and Copaxone has injection site reactions, lipoatrophy, an occasional chest/flushing reaction, and of course, the need to inject.  All three orals are well tolerated in most folks, but tecfidera may cause severe nausea, diarrhea.  Better tolerated might be Gilenya (fingolimod) or aubagio.  Talk to neurologist about your best approach.

Question 8

is it safe to take copaxone (glatiramer) or rebif as a treatment for ms?

Accepted Answer

Yes, but see below: Both, especially Copaxone (glatiramer) are quite safe, but require injections, with risk of skin reactions with both, and permanent site dimpling with copaxone (glatiramer).  Rebif can cause flu-like rxtns, depression, liver issues, thyroid problems, in addition.  Copaxone (glatiramer) may have brief chest pain, breathlessness, and flushing after injection.(hypertension is reported)  Copaxone (glatiramer) is safer for pregnancy.

Question 9

have ms. on copaxone (glatiramer) but missed a few doses. worried about my brainstem lesions and if they mean a worsened prognosis or risk of death?

Accepted Answer

No immediate risk!: Consult your specialist to make sure that your Copaxone (glatiramer) has prevented MS relapse Usually an MRI with and without Gadalinium injection would tell us if the condition is active Although you should take your Copaxone (glatiramer) regularly missing couple of injections is not a big problem but don't miss anymore!! There is NO risk of death

Question 10

i have had tingling/numbness in my finger tips since july 13 and i take copaxone (glatiramer). i wanted to know is there a medication to stop numbness?

Accepted Answer

Numbness: The tingling or numbness if your finger tips may be due to an impingement problem. Consult your doctor for a possible xray of your cervical spine.

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Doctor answers about:

Glatiramer allergy signs

A member asked:

What's the most effective medication for secondary progressive multiple sclerosis? my dr has me on copaxone (glatiramer) for almost a year now and it's not helping

A member asked:

I am ending using copaxone (glatiramer) after more than two years. i am going to try bd 12 (not yet available to australians). should there be a waiting period before starting a new drug?

A member asked:

Glatiramer acetate (copaxone) vs. interferon?

A member asked:

Does copaxone (glatiramer) increase cancer risk?

A member asked:

What does copaxone (glatiramer) do for multiple sclerosis?

A member asked:

How fast should it take for copaxone (glatiramer) to work to stop multiple sclerosis flareups?

A member asked:

What are the side effects for taking oral ms drugs as opposed to copaxone (glatiramer) and all the other injectable drugs.

A member asked:

Is it safe to take copaxone (glatiramer) or rebif as a treatment for ms?

A member asked:

Have ms. on copaxone (glatiramer) but missed a few doses. worried about my brainstem lesions and if they mean a worsened prognosis or risk of death?

A member asked:

I have had tingling/numbness in my finger tips since july 13 and i take copaxone (glatiramer). i wanted to know is there a medication to stop numbness?

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