After a year on the Beta, I finally had enough and traded it in for Copaxone. It took a lot of thought, I'm aware that C may take over 6 months to kick in, but really I had no choice. I was getting more skin reactions and pain and fatigue and nausea and exhaustion... so the chances of taking it for much longer was getting slimmer by the (alternate) day.

So I must report that I am over the moon (so far) with Copax. Those needles could be sharper and thinner, and that sting really bites, but I feel so GOOD!!

And it made me realise that being diagnosed and starting Beta all within a week may have diguised a flaw in that plan. What if all my 'symptoms' have really been side effects all this time?? What if my neuro is right- my symptoms are not MS induced after all??

Blimey, what an improvement I've seen. I can make it through a day without a nap, I don't feel as stupid and I even worked a shift yesterday!

Whoda thunk it...

Congratulations! btw, that sting gets MUCH better. hang in there. An ice/heat pack will help, just DONT RUB!

Copaxone is a sharp crystal style med, and rubbing it will fracture the crystals. You can place LIGHT pressure on top of it for a min while the sting passes, but NO RUBBING! Hold pressure for about 15 seconds.

Copaxone seems to be a very popular choice. Welcome to a new copaxone cutie!

The sting does get better! Copax was the best treatment I had that I've been on as far as fatigue and stuff go. I wish it had liked me better, lol.

Best of luck with this one! Sounds like you're off to a good start!

WoooooooHooooooo, Congrats.

Way to Go!!!!!!! I'm glad you're feeling so much better. That "B" was "murder" for me. Keep up the good work!

Congrats and Copaxone did wonders for me for 2 1/2 yrs.
Didnt take more then a month to help me get stronger.
Im on Ty now with poor results. Probably same as if I stayed on C.
Its a great drug.

I just read this on the copaxone website and was blown away.


"The labeling for COPAXONE® does not include an indication for slowing the progression of disability"
http://www.copaxone.com/NewlyDiagnosed/pivotTrial.aspx

Great for you Pud's friend.

I was on Avonex first and was sick as a dog for 3 to 4 days. Chills, fever, aches and pains too. I was working and still had 3 to 4 bad relapses a year.

My liver didn't like the Avonex either so my MS Specialist switched me to Copaxone. The difference was amazing. I was not sick with the flu-like illness anymore. I felt it work in about 5 months.

After two years my relapses were down to two a year. After 3 1/2 years they changed something in it, (fact) I was allergic to. So I had to quit using it, plus it stopped working for me with the new side effects from the allergy to it.

So I am glad you feel so good. Yay! Some people don't get a reaction to the Interferons, others get it mild, and then some get it so bad. That's why we have choices.

There are many drugs out there now and more in the pipeline. Enjoy your new found better health. You can add LDN to Copaxone later on if you want a boost of energy. Just a thought.

Lady - Did ingredients change early 2009???
I was doing awesome for 2 1/2 yrs as C was my 1st MS med but Jan 2009 I went downhill (and still am on Ty) in a hurry!
When did it change?

Himself gave me a choice. Keep on jabbing with Beta and taking the misery, or risking a relapse switching to copax. I'd be willing to take a relapse over the awful effects of beta for me any day. So here i am. It just didn't work for me.
Over the moon with C. Back at work. (Tired the day after a shift, but to be expected). Ready to take on the world...