My nuro first did that to me gave me a load of leaflets and said to pick one then tryed to get me into a trial but because I have systemic sclerosis couldnt do it ....anyway...sorry waffleing..Iam on Tysabri it does have side effects pml which is serious ....look depending on your symtoms it has worked for me I feel great the day or so after the infusion,...and feel it when I need new one ..but their is alot to take in nnyl1 is very informed about this drug she is one to talk to although they are all great....of track again it is really daunting I know but this is the best place to ask....but you do have to read heaps....it will help you to make up your mind....In the end I asked mine to tell me what he thought would be best for me (but still read)......hope I was some help
good luck

I love my Gilenya (the new oral med). I don't feel any side effects that I feel. I've had liver enzyme issues and lowered lymphocyte counts both of which resolved on their own and only showed up with my regular blood work.

If you're interested, I'd recommend swinging over to msworld.org. They have a pretty active subgroup with just gilenya users so you can get a more active picture. They also have a very active Tysabri subgroup.

The biggest thing is just to make sure that you choose a drug that you're comfortable on. I pretty much choose based on efficacy and Gilenya has the highest efficacy out right now besides Tysabri. For me the risk of PML was just too much.

Keep us posted.

Hi my dr said the same thing , and he said they are all much the same so which ever one suits you

My neuro gave me a packet of the meds and told me to pick one that suited my lifestyle, of course I wanted a pill, but what it came down to was what my insurance would pay for, therfore I called my insurance co. and they basically 2 choices Rebif and Copaxone, so when I went back to neuro we talked about both, and decided to try gilena but was turned down so we went over my two choices and he convinced me to try Rebif, and will be starting on Monday. Have you talked to your insurance co. and see what they approved ? and of course if you don't have insurance than apply to see what you are approved for. Good luck

Yea, I would definately start with your insurance company and what they will approve. Some meds they will only cover if you've at tried one or two of the CRAB (Copaxone, Rebif, Avonex, Betaseron) drugs first without positive results - Usually Tysabri and Gilenya fit into that category.

As for me.. I've tried Betaseron, Copaxone, Tysabri and Gilenya. I could give you all my experiences, but the fact is that everyone reacts differently to different meds and I do not want to bias you based on my experiences. Let's just say that I liked Betaseron best for the CRAB drugs, and Gilenya best of all so far, although I don't know yet how it's actually working.

Educate yourself on the side effects of each and then decide what is best for you. It's a tough decision, but know that whatever you pick isn't a "forever" decision - you can change it if it isn't working for you once you try it.

I was really grateful that my neuro encouraged me to read and learn about the various treatments and how they interact with the disease. It was a bit overwhelming at first, but feeling like I have a say and my thoughts were valued was a great psychological boost. I am very happy with my neuro. For the time being I am on Copaxone. I am happy with this choice because it has fewer side effects than some of the other drugs, but I am getting to a place where I want to try something a bit more aggressive.

Yea. my neurologist had me pick from the injectables that were available at that time. I was using Avonex for 1 year with horrible side-effects. Eventually I used Tysabri with therific results. But after 2 year I became afraid of PML and stopped. I am now taking Gilenya (the 1st oral med.) I have no side-effects. love it!

like rebif really like the steriods

Amy,
I personally take Copaxone. A lot of the other meds have the flue like symptoms. I don't want the flue once a week, every 3 days or every other day. The side effects are next to nothing. You get a small lump at the injection site that lasts 15 minutes or so. It's the medication that has not been absorbed by the body yet. I like the fact that it is a daily injection. It really does become part of your daily routine like brushing your teeth or combing your hair. This disease is very manageable. I know for me Copaxone has made a huge difference. Feel free to send me a DM if you want to talk more.

Im taking Avonex...not huge side affects just tired! I take ibprofen before shot & drink a lot of water that day. I liked the fact that its once a week!

Thank you ALL.... MY FAMILY :)