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?

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.

Guidance: First, bg-12, or tecfidera, is surprisingly very hard to obtain, initial tolerance problems seem to affect 40% of all patients. Initial issues include flushing, stomach pain, nausea and diarrhea. Bothersome data out of europe regarding original preparation fumaderm which has caused 3 or 4 cases of pml, and lastly, the drug seems less potent than gilenya, (fingolimod) and needs twice daily dosing.

No: Going from Copaxone (glatiramer) to bg12, you don't need a wash-out or waiting period. You can go straight to it.