copaxone liver

Was just informed earlier today by my Neurologist that my liver enzymes were up to 186 from 72. This result in just 30 days from last blood test...yikes!! He is now having me switch from Rebif to Copaxone after only two months. The only side effect I had on Rebif was red spots at the injection site. Wondering if anyone else has had this happen, and what side effects, if any Copaxone has compared to Rebif therapy. Thanks in advance for any responses.

thank you everyone for your input.... yes, the Dr has suggested that Copaxone would probably be better for me to try. I just want my liver to get better first. I know the Copaxone isn't supposed to affect the liver, so I guess it's a psychological thing for me. I really hate taking any drug, especially such potent ones. I haven't had tylenol, ibuprofen, or alcohol since the first elevated liver results.

I have been on both Rebif and Copaxone. I was on Rebif for about 5 years, and I have been on Copaxone for two. I didn't have any problems with the Rebif except for the high liver functions. That is why I am on Copaxone. I think there is no difference in the injection pain. They both were very minimal. My worst pain was in my arms for some reason. The daily injections aren't bad, especially since you don't get sick.

He recommends Avonex because my sister is on that and she is doing great. I am leaning toward Copaxone because it is the one with the least side affects. I am not too fond of giving myself a shot everyday but I don't want to have to worry about liver problems and flu like symptoms either. My sister has been on Avonex for the past 8 years and she is doing remarkable. I love the fact that she is doing well, but I am not fond of the weekly intramuscular shot, I know waaaa what a baby lol.

HI was wondering which type of med everyone is on avonex betaseron copaxone, or rebif and how are you doing on it has it slowed down your relapses?

I take Copaxone, I have some small annoying side affects, to me Copaxone is the lesser of the evils. I don't have to worry about having my liver enzymes checked or having the flu like some experience with some of the DMD's. I've been on Copaxone for just over a year, after seeing my neurologist last month, he feels I'm stable now and unless I have new symptoms, or other issues, he doesn't feel need to see until year for a yearly follow up.

If you do choose Copaxone, it is reassuring to know that since it is not filtered through the liver like the interferons, you can enjoy a glass of red wine and not worry about the effect on your liver. The nurse at Shared Solutions told me the most recent study followed patients for 10 years and found that on average, they had one relapse in five years. She couldn't name the study and said she would get back to me on that.

The effectiveness of both is very similar. It comes down to whether one can tolerate their respective side effects, and how they would fit into your lifestyle ie 3x week injection vs daily. I had a brief trial run on Rebif but had to discontinue as it elevated my liver enzymes too much. I never made it up to the full dose which may explain why I never experienced flu like symptoms. The shot itself was painless with no site reaction. I switched to Copaxone and was on it for six years.

blah blah of the liver. So now, I have to go for a 3 phase CT of my liver on Wednesday (radiologist recommended). Frankly, I'm scared spitless. Any encouragement you can give me Quix? I stopped the copaxone because the injection site reactions were awful. My neuro said he figured that was going to happen when I started having reactions, but at least I got about a year on it. I also found out my vitamin D is very low at 12, so I'm probably going to be going on prescription D3.

I am taking a 6 week break from the Avonex and will be starting Copaxone at the end of April. I actually have two questions: 1) Has anyone taken a break from their medication for that long (and if so, any consequences) and 2) Has anyone switched from Avonex to Copaxone, and if so, how did you do? I still after all these years lose a day on the weekend due to the side effects of the Avonex and am hoping that will not be the result with Copaxone.

Congratulations on doing positive things for your health - starting a DMD and trying to research it. I think all of the disease modifying drugs all pretty much have the same results - a 30% reduction in relapses. Like Lulu had brought up, Copaxone is one of the ones that doesn't really effect your liver & doesn't give you flu-like symptoms. I've been taking Copaxone for only a little over a year.

I think it really is a very personal choice. I can see why you would choose Copaxone if you are concerned with liver damage. Alternatively, is it possible that your doctor would be willing to monitor your liver a bit more closely in choosing Avonex?

I appear to be in the same boat as Ess and Gollie, however my problem is with Rebif. My liver enzymes were up, then down, now up again. I am apparently in the 3.7% of patients whose liver enzymes elevate on the low dose of this drug. My neuro has taken me off the meds, for now temporarily but possibly for good. He wants to monitor my liver enzyme levels until mid-June and then make a decision. If they are back down, and my condition is stable, he may have me try Rebif again.

I was in this bottom 3% and after two attempts, ruling out any other possible culprits (normal baseline, then no alcohol, supplements or any other medication for the trial run on Rebif), I went off Rebif at the advice of my neuro, who treated this all very seriously, and went on Copaxone June of 2008. My liver enzymes promptly returned to normal, and I am tolerating this med well ; it has no neg effect on the liver.

I too am a Copaxone girl. 7 months as of today. I chose Copaxone because bad depression runs in my family and liver issues so I wanted to avoid the other shots. ok a shot everyday though not fun is really not a big deal as far as pain goes. (it is shallow and fast) There are some side affects that people have had trouble with but to date here is all that I have had: 1) I had a weird rash all over my torso...did not itch or hurt was just there....

Some of you may recall my post in the last week or so regarding my recent neuro appt and my problems with Rebif and liver enzymes. I sought your advice on Novantrone, as my neuro had stated that this would be the next course of action, if Rebif is unsuccessful for me after a further period of labs and re-introduction to the med.

Avonex has the potential to be VERY toxic, much more than Copaxone... and please be sure to keep up with your liver tests every 6 months.... Good luck to you!

Our nurse at one of our MS support groups brings to our attention that the article skims over the Copaxone side effects and makes no mention of the Copaxone site reactions, but focuses on the liver concerns with all the others. That is the concern. Taking into context the fiscal crisis in the state of NV there are program cuts continuing across the board for many services.

the change is due to copaxone has run its course i guess. that is, relapses are still coming, speech/word issues are still with me, and the "run over by a truck" symptoms were with me most of the winter. VA neuro suggested i go with rebif. so i'll give it try yes good to see you too. ps: after almost a year since diagnosis, the VA got around to giving the exams for MS secondary issues and they still are fighting not to give me a VA exam for cog/speech/mem secondary issues.

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