I was just diagnosed last week and was given the option of which DMD I wanted to be on - I chose Betaseron. The insurance I am on does not carry it anymore and put me on Extavia (which is the same thing with a different name).
I did ask the Nero which one she preffered and she said Avonex because it is just once a week but I didn't want the inter muscular needles (can't stand needles as it is).
t work it out with SS you might talk to your neurologist about other options. The interferons - Rebif, Betaseron, Extavia and Avonex - all have excellent patient assistant programs too.
If you need advice on this, contact any of the MS patient organizations such as NMSS, MSAA or MSF. They can talk you through the process.
Jen - I was thinking you were no longer on copaxone after the problems you have experienced. Have you considered making the switch to an interferon as well?
Okay, first of all, both of these drugs are interferons. That means that it modulates the immune system response to reduce the number of relapses. Both drugs are sub-cutaneous injectables, which means an injection every other day with a very small needle. (This may sound terrible, but it's not so bad. The injection is painless.)
I've recently become disenchanted with interferons in general, especially Betaseron.
The drugs with the longest safety data are the injectables (Copaxone, Rebif, Avonex, Betaseron), but there are three oral drugs these days too (Gilenya, Aubagio, Tecfidera), as well as a monthly infusion (Tysabri). There is also at least one "off-label" option with growing positive data (Rituxan is used by a couple of our members). Some of us (me!) are also volunteers on drug studies and are taking drugs that aren't out there yet.
Hello!
I hope everyone is doing well! I was diagnosed in November after a few years of symptoms, culminating with me losing motor skills and strength in my arms and hands in October. I have gradually been getting better amd can now write again and hold a cup of tea! I still tingle constantly but reckon I just have to deal with that now.
I got flu over Christmas which set me back a bit, then was hit with optic neuritis (I think that's what it is called?) At New year.
I've been on Betaseron since a year after I was diagnosed in 2000. On August 20th, I quit taking Betaseron cold turkey when I finally received my new oral medication Tecfidera. For the last few days I have been dealing with horrible body aches, diarrhea, cold sweats & the inability to eat (not feeling sick, just not being hungry or interested in eating). I do not have a fever, a cough, allergies or anything else I can conclude to be at fault for these annoying symptoms.
My Neuro wants me to switch from Rebif to Betaseron. I have been taking Rebif since March 09 and have had to do one round of Solu Medrol in May and will find out tomorrow if I have to do another. I also have pretty bad injection site reactions which is why the Neuro wants the switch. I guess Rebif has acid in the injection and it makes the site reactions worse?
My question is, I am under the impression that Betaseron is not pre mixed and also that there is not an auto injector?
The specialist at UCSF is switching me to Tysabri and has told me to go ahead and stop my Betaseron. It has now been 2 shots that I missed (well didn't take) and for the past 2 days I have been feeling like someone beat the crud outta me.
My husband is insisting it is cuz I am not taking my shots. I don't see how that can be. We went to UCSF Monday night (4 hr drive), had my Dr appt Tues which took 4 hrs.
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