Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Support Group

This community is a place where members can discuss current events and weigh in on what's going on in the world.

0 Online

malinaC505 02/28/2014

I've only been on copaxone for 5 months, and i'm definitely gaining weight for no reason. I just got my thyriod checked recently, and it's not that. I googled copaxone and weight gain, and it seems to be a common problem.

Honestly, I don't think I would consider switching to another DMD, because of how little side effects copaxone has. I get the horrible burning after each injection, but it is really no big deal compared to the depression I experienced on interferon.

I'm just frustrated with it. I eat healthy, exercise and that doesn't ever matter for weight gain from medication. I hope eventually the weight gain stops, or stays consistent.

djbritt 02/28/2014

That is the unfortunate side of medication. Most medicine will add extra weight to you. I had this conversion with a friend the other day. She said that she had a choice. Either hurt or take the medicine that helps and gain weight. She chose taking her medicine and gain weight. You have to weigh your options. Do what is best for you. If Copaxone is working for you, continue taking it. Accept the fact that you may have a little extra weight. Continue to eat healthy and exercise.

lorrieonline 03/03/2014

What sort of diet do you keep? It might be beneficial to log food intake and calories for a bit to see if there's other things going on?

CW2008 03/05/2014

I also noticed a weight gain when I started on copaxone. It has leveled off for me. I did start working out and actually got a personal trainer for a little while. She had me change my diet some to make sure I was getting enough protein. Part of my problem was my eating. I had stopped eating meat the year before but replaced it with too many carbs and not enough veggies. I also think part of it was just my age because I also hit my 40's during that time so my body started to change anyway. I would recommend to keep on exercising and add some weight training if you are not already doing that it may help to level it off some.

Good luck and don't get discouraged.

malinaC505 03/05/2014

i'm actually a nutrition student, so i'm not concerned about my diet at all lol. i would hope i understand how to eat well, or i should change my major

now, i have completely lost my appetite, i don't feel depressed, which would be my first guess for appetite loss but i just dont want to eat, like food doesn't taste like much and i dont have a strong hunger response.

ive been looking, and a rare side effect is loss of taste, and everything tasting the same or metallic, i know it happens with other medicines, so it shouldnt be a shock but is still a bummer. If i want to eat, it's always something really sweet, spicy, or savory, like hot wings or smoothies and i have been over seasoning things to get it to 'taste right'

even with these side effects, it's still better than rebif, i hated the depression with rebif and the feeling that antidepressants give me.

i might try and talk to a professor and see what she would do for a client in the same situation

Join the Conversation