[carebear01]

I was just wondering if anyone has any info on acquiring herpes 1 after being on Copaxone? After having a blood test my gyno confirmed I had this. I told her I was stumped because I've been married for 25 years...faithfully, and my husband too. She said I must have just carried it and my stress with MS brought it out. So, lately I've been reading on the Copaxone and its side affects. I have not shared this yet with my neurologist as I see him in a couple of weeks and am terribly embarrassed. Thanks for any knowledge on this matter.

[Dejibo]

it IS a side effect that IS possible with copaxone. If you have ever had the chicken pox, that is a form of herpes. If you even had a cold sore, that is a form of herpes. Copaxone can cause this to become an active disease.

I would speak to your neuro about it.

[dmplaura]

Definitely 1. don't be embarrassed, many have herpes, it's treatable and manageable 2. speak to your doctors

Never feel embarrassed to share around these parts. Many of us can relate all too well.

[SallyC]

The same Herpes virus that causes chicken pox, may be a cause or trigger for MS. There are different Herpes Viruses. Talk to your Doc, you may want to change DMDs.

Welcome to NeuroTalk..

[pud's friend]

Originally Posted by Dejibo

it IS a side effect that IS possible with copaxone. If you have ever had the chicken pox, that is a form of herpes. If you even had a cold sore, that is a form of herpes. Copaxone can cause this to become an active disease.

I would speak to your neuro about it.

Really?????????????

Tell me what you know Dej.

Just recently i've been getting my usual huge (chin) cold sore more and more often. I put it down to being more tired etc.

But thinking back, it's come on more often with no external stressors since starting copax................

The plot thickens.............

[Dejibo]

Herpes is a "common" report from Copaxone users, even as far back as the clinical trials. Lets see if I can get some links going.

commonly sited in most side effects lists are

Skin and Appendages:
Frequent: Eczema, herpes zoster, pustular rash, skin atrophy, and warts. Frequent means between one in ten and one in one hundred patients showed this result.

http://www.druglib.com/druginfo/copa...rse-reactions/

http://www.drugs.com/sfx/copaxone-side-effects.html

http://www.netdoctor.co.uk/brain_and...100005195.html

If you google herpes and copaxone, you will come up with a bunch of places that list the "known" side effects of copaxone. Herpes is considered COMMON meaning between 1 and 10 and 1 in 100 patients that took Copaxone reported herpes. Whether simplex 1 (cold sores) or Simples 2 (genital) they didnt say. btw, you can spread a cold sore herpes sore to a genital area and you can spread a genital area sore to a lip or eye. We are all exposed to the herpes virus all of our lives. Cold sores are a common thing in this day and age, and with everyone kissing every baby they see, its a wonder we are not blistered as children.

Im sorry to say its not rare to find copaxone patients with herpes. many wont admit it, and many will secretly be blamed by thier partners for bad behaviors that were not committed.

PLEASE have a chat with your neuro about this. dont let it stay a secret or be buried in the ever growing list of side effects. Be open and honest with your partner, and bring them into the conversations with your MD. This is a very treatable condition, but even if you stop the copaxone, you will have to be aware of outbreaks and symptoms to protect your partner from transmission. You should have your partner tested as well. Im so sorry this happened to you. It is completely unfair.

[SallyC]

Not all herpes virus are genitile, or caused by a STD, either!!

[carebear01]

I am soooo very grateful for all of your responses! I almost cried when I read them. I will talk to my neurologist when I go in 2 weeks.
My husband gets cold sores a couple times a year it seems. I've had maybe 2 since I've been married. We have never been intimate when he has them, but I'm sure that is why I eventually got them after we were married.
I will let you know what he says after my appointment. I'll also have to make sure I read all of your replies so I can build up the nerve to discuss this.
Again, thanks to all of you...you made my day!!

[ewizabeth]

I tend to get canker sores in my mouth, another form of herpes and I have since I was a young child. They got slightly worse with the Copaxone but I take one lysine capsule a day and it keeps them under control.

If they flare up, I take two capsules a day.

From what I understand, the virus can transfer from one area of the body to another as well, so I wouldn't panic or worry about it. Lysine is very safe but if you try it, check with your doctor first just so he'll know you take it. It's cheaper than RX meds for controlling herpes outbreaks.

[ewizabeth]

Originally Posted by SallyC

Not all herpes virus are genitile, or caused by a STD, either!!

All STDs are not gentiles either.