I've had a melanoma removed but went on Requip anyways which also has a warning of melanoma as a side effect. The RLS was too bad for me to not go on something and I figured I would just watch close.

Not on Tysabri but was just recently considering it if the Copaxone doesn't keep me stable. I don't know if I would chance it now. I'll just have to keep watching for anything new.

Melanoma in the brain was what they were ruling out when they did my 2nd MRI and found MS lesions instead. I was almost happy at the time with my diagnosis.

I suppose I will mention this to my pcp when I get back from my trip. I would probably need a referral from him to see a dermatologist. I unfortunately have numerous moles/freckles. Spent alot of time as a sun worshiper in my teens and twenties. I guess this is just one more thing for all of us to worry about. I wonder if there is any connection between tysabri and hot flashes.

I guess it depends on your insurance but I have BC/BC and I just made the appointment knowing I'd pay out of pocket if necessary. It turned out that the Doc took it and they paid. Suspicious moles aren't anything to ignore and especially for someone that has a lot its a good idea to get your baseline. Good luck.

The National Multiple Sclerosis put out a bulletin on this topic. It doesn't sound too much different than what has already been reported ---
http://www.nationalmssociety.org/sit...earch_2008feb7

I just had my first infusion today! I have a small mole on my cheek that has always been my "beauty mark" as my uncle called it. I've noticed lately that it seems to be changing colors. But seems lighter. For some reason I thought you get concerned if they turn darker?

Maybe I should get it looked at just to be safe!

My dad (a nurse) has always told me to be suspicious of any mole that changes color, no matter if it gets darker or lighter...also if they increase in size or the shape changes.

Wow, thanks Erin! Time to find a dermatologist.

Thanks

I made an appointment today for the 20th. I can't remember if my Mom had melanoma or carcinoma though... I have had one change shape over the past few years, maybe they'll slice it off during my exam.

I think it is far to early to start thinking cause and effect just yet, as has been pointed out, both patients had family history of melanoma and were in there 40's, about the age when we have to start being more observant about changes in moles etc. plus there have been very active campaigns recently warning of the dangers of melanoma so i think that has had the desired effect of making people have lesions checked more- so lots of potential reasson why these 2 case were unfortunate enought to end up with melanoma to deal with as well as MS. When they list adverse effects of drugs they basically just list any anbnormal subjective and objective finding/complaint that the patient presents with, then gradually over time they try to work out if there is a reason for a direct cause and effect link bewtween the 2, so it will be quite some time before we know for sure and you will probably read alot more potentially unsettling reports too. If you looked through the drug manuals for just about any prescription medication at the adverse effects, you would be amazed!

Sorry I'm weighing in late on this one!

I saw this report and I had to ask WHY it would come out now. There's a lot of theories floating around out there, none proven, so I will leave that alone.

I guess my thoughts would be, maybe they put out a 2 patient report in their letter to warn other doctors to be watchful of this in the future.

My thoughts also wonder about previous history on both patients. They obviously had the moles before. What were they on for drugs before Tysabri? What other drugs or risk factors did they have. Is it possible that there were changes before and they just noted it? Not enough information and we more than likely will not get that information due to privacy laws.

I talked to my neuro yesterday during my appointment, about this, and he feels like I do, that people on Tysabri need to be watchful of any changes that are abnormal, that last more than 24 hours, etc, sort of like relapses, and call if that happens.

I have a mole map. I have had some family die from melanoma. They all ignored moles that went bad. I get mine examined at every physical and examine them myself regularly. That's how I found out that mine were shrinking.

I don't think this is anything to worry about right now, unless more information comes along.