[pud's friend]

I realise that personal choice, doctor influence, ease of use etc account for a lot but I can't seem to find ENOUGH reasons to start on Betaferon, rather than Copaxone for example.
I have to start somthing ( i can't not try).
I know that nothing is set in stone.
I know that I can switch if it doesn't suit me.

But statistically, fewer people use Betaferon.

Why is this?
I'm scared of missing something and choosing wrong.

[PhireX]

You will release that marketing has a lot to do with all this ..

There's no difference really statistic-wise in using either of the four main medications, Tysabri is the only one which statisically gives better results.

One reason may be that Rebif/ Betaseron are similar schedules, except Rebif is 3 x weekly VS every 2nd day - they are generally peoples first choice,

Copaxone is for those who don't tolerate interferon or don't wish to take it, and Avonex is for people who like the once-weekly idea however the shot is IM (Intramuscular) rather than SC (Subcutaneous) - ie; in the muscle, or just under the fat - SC shots are much less painful IMO.

[Friend2U]

after reading materials on all four, it seemed that there was a better chance of the Beta working for me. When I was diagnosed the dr said my ms was very active and most likely progressive. The other 3 meds didn't mention helping in the more progressive stage. So I'm just guessing, but maybe the 3 others are more effective in the very early stages?? I could be completely wrong. More folks on here that know much more than I do. But this is just my experience in choosing. The dr. didn't choose for me, but was in agreement with me.
Hope this helps.

[freeinhou]

You can be inundated with 65% versus 59% versus other statistics. Beta 1b, the Beta 1a's (rebif and avonex), and COP II (copaxone) all seem to be about the same effectiveness. Beta 1b got approved first (betaseron), and there was general surprise in the MS community at the time as it wasn't really the most promising drug during the trials.

Choose what's most comfortable for you.

A recent study - 62% of people with MS visiting neurologists and 92% visiting general practitioners or internists were not taking these drugs. This was a NAMCS survey. I don't know - they didn't ask me. Maybe they asked my doctor. I'm in the 92% category.

I've had MS for over 21 years. I'm still fully ambulatory. I drew something like 27,000 in the lottery when beta first got approved and was told there would be a 15 month wait. That's when I decided no shots for me.

One promising researcher in the late 80's/early 90's was Dr. Ted Yednock's work on monoclonal antibodies. His initials - T.Y. Think TYsabri.

Tom

[kicker]

I pretty much just threw the dart at the board so to speak and Rebif won. I knew I was PP (Initially DXed RR to give me a shot at DMDs), after 2 years Dr. and I agreed I might as well stop, as nothing out there now helps PPMS. I don't miss it.

[Dejibo]

When I started I chose Betaseron. It didnt like me. I was forced to switch.

Many dont chose it because of the flu side effects, and the chance of depression. We spend our days struggling to get from point A to point B and anything that makes that harder tends to get put back to the lower portion of our choices. Copaxone boasts fewer side effects, no depression, and no liver damage to worry about. Many jump on the band wagon simply based on that.

[FinLady]

I agree it's a dart board type of choice sometimes, LOL!

I chose Copax as my first since the side effects listed were less than the others. Unfortunately, I was one of the few that got Immediate Post Injection Reactions (IPIRs) which became too much for me.

Rebif was always my second choice since it's only three times a week. Which after being on a daily shot takes some getting used to.

Best of luck with whatever you choose.

[MooseasaurusRex]

I feel the only wrong choice is not making a choice. But that's a long story of mine...

Wait.
I didn't welcome you properly so;

One big, warm, tight, hug, handshake and howdy, moose-size official welcome to the site. This place is amazing!

Saw your earlier thread about "choosing your weapon". I'm digging the terminology.

I started on Rebif when I was first diagnosed 5 years ago but after much personal drama in my life not directly tied to MS, I'm on Avonex now.

For your question though, I haven't been offered the ones you mentioned. *My nuero is at Veterans Affairs and I think what we can get is limited. But I want to ask her about it at my next appointment.

Keep in mind;

You are not alone.
You are one of us.
And we are here to help.

I am the MonSter that MS fears.

[pud's friend]

Thanks to you all for your kindness and help.
I did choose.
I'm officially a Betaferon girl. I did the deed last night.
Flu stuff hit me like a speeding train and passed through a couple of hours later. All good !!!

Trouble is, now I feel REALLY DOWN... I feel like it's real now. This is it. It's official. and that sucks.

[Dejibo]

Turn that frown upside down, silly clown. Attitude of gratitude will pull you through some early dark days. Its so important to pep talk yourself. Make sure you have a treat around for after that poking. a tiny candy bar, a walk, a fav show on TV kept on the DVR/Tivo or a huggle from the family.

I have had many aha moments that made me realize that I really do have MS. My biggest came when I took a muscle relaxer designed for MS patients, and spinal patients because the signal isnt getting through. (tizanidine) and a muscle spasm I have had for 4 years simply let go, after ONE pill! To me that cemented that there must be something wrong with the signal, because this pill worked, so...its true! I must have MS after all!

Congrats on the choice. its a great med! make sure they do follow up LFT or liver function studies for a while to make sure your liver is happy.