A member asked:

If i have a weak immune system due to copaxone, (glatiramer) does that make me more susceptible to cancer?

4 doctors weighed in across 2 answers

No, No, No: (1) Copaxone (glatiramer) is an immunomodulator to limit your response to one multiple sclerosis antigen, not an immunosuppressant (2) the idea that "a strong immune system fights cancer" is a discredited notion, even dying aids patients have only slightly more of the common cancers; (3) if it did, nih research piranhas would have already noticed. Glad you're receiving this good rx -- and good luck.

Answered 11/12/2014

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Probably not: The largest studies of long-term Copaxone (glatiramer) use do not show a significantly increased risk of cancers. However, there is a theoretical risk that decreasing the activity of the immune system could increase the chances of a cancer developing or growing more quickly. These concerns should be discussed with your neurologist so you can weigh this small risk against the benefits of this ms treatment.

Answered 11/12/2014

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