Connect with others who understand.

Sign up Log in
Resources
About MyMSTeam
Powered By
Real members of MyMSTeam have posted questions and answers that support our community guidelines, and should not be taken as medical advice. Looking for the latest medically reviewed content by doctors and experts? Visit our resource section.

My Dr. Wants To Switch Me From Tysabri From Copaxone. Can You Please Share Your Experiences On Either Medication Please?

A MyMSTeam Member asked a question πŸ’­
Highland, MI

My Dr. wants me to switch from Copaxone to Tysabri even though I'm stable. Can you please share your experience on these medications?. Tysabri lists some pretty frightening side effects.

April 19, 2017
β€’
View reactions
A MyMSTeam Member

I have been on both those treatments. Copaxone was the very first treatment I was put on in 2004, I was on it for 18 months and seemed to do very well on it. However, after 18mos I began to notice enlarged lymph nodes that were apparently due to my body no longer filtering the copaxone properly. I got several calls from the company and FDA asking about why I went off the medicine. I was put on tysabri in 2015 and really loved the convenience of it. No relapses on it, at 9 months though I started to get joint and bone pain, especially my tailbone! Hips, knee pain and ankles came next. I could no longer deal with the bone pain. The tysabri was starting to give me a kind of early osteoporosis, and my bones an showed a break down so I sadly had to stop that too. Within 3 mos of stopping it, I was back to being able to enjoy yoga and had no joint or bone pain. Side effects can be a real party killer. Best of luck to you!

April 19, 2017
A MyMSTeam Member

I was on Copaxone for about a year. I had been on tecfidera but my white blood cell count and lymphocyte count went way down. I had to stop that so I was switched to Copaxone. Then I had new lesions on my MRI. So now I am on Tysabri. I actually love the idea that I'm not giving myself a shot three times a week. Tysabri is so easy. The only problem is that I am positive for the JC virus so I can only do Tysabri for two years. Then what, I do not know!

April 20, 2017
A MyMSTeam Member

I was on Copaxone 2 years in the late 90's and my symptoms of MS got worse, especially with my speech. I literally sounded like a drunk person and it got to be really embarrassing . But everybody reacts differently. Best of luck to you....πŸ‘β˜Ίβ˜˜

April 20, 2017
A MyMSTeam Member

@A MyMSTeam Member My understanding is that Tysabri is a much better drug in treating MS.

April 24, 2017
A MyMSTeam Member

I went on Copaxone, because the neurologist I was seeing at the time advised me to go with the drug that had the side effects I could live with. I'm due for another MRI, and hope and pray that I don't have any new lesions!

April 23, 2017

Related content

View All

Wanting Checkbook Cover That Supports Multiple Sclerosis

A MyMSTeam Member asked a question πŸ’­
Arlington, TN

Ive Had My Diagnosis Confirmed On Receipt Of Lumbar Puncture Results Yesterday. My Next Step Is To Pick A Medication.

A MyMSTeam Member asked a question πŸ’­
Portarlington, IE

The Dr Has Started Me On Copaxone...what Can Any Of You Share About Your Experiences With This Medication?

A MyMSTeam Member asked a question πŸ’­
Wichita, KS

Continue with Facebook
Continue with Google
By joining, you accept our Terms of Use, and acknowledge our collection, sharing, and use of your data in accordance with our Health Data and Privacy policies.
Lock Icon Your privacy is our priority.
Already a Member? Log in