This Is MS Multiple Sclerosis Community: Knowledge & Support

Does anyone have any experience taking Acthar Gel on a regular basis along with Copaxone? I have been taking copaxone since i was diagnosed with MS in Nov 2011. I have had 5 exacerbations since....not very great if you ask me. My old neurologist wanted me to start on Tysabri but didn't give me very high hopes considering he said it can kill about 1 in 4000 people. I went to a new neurologist and he said he wants me to start taking Acthar 5 times a month (I think thats the dosage he said)...in addition to my copaxone. He said it will help give the copaxone a boost basically. But when I do research, it seems the only thing I have found is Acthar being taken for an exacerbation in replacement of solu-medrol. Just wondering if anyone else has done anything like this?

My old doctor also said it didnt seem like the copaxone was working well enough but the new doc said that one year is not enough time and that it works better the longer you are on it....anyone heard this?

Thanks!!

I did not find any reference tot he two together outside of that they do not conflict normally, searching both with Google and in Science Direct. I would not take Acthar unless necessary for exacerbations. Hopefully, you will be able to try BG-12 when it comes out as it looks more effective. Side effects may be bad for a month, so take it easy on it, but they tend to go away.

I did take Copaxone for over two years, but recently switched to Aubagio. I have taken Acthar Gel three times in almost three years. Steroid infusion was terrible for me, and my Doc suggested trying Acthar. Acthar works very well for me, and I almost wish I could take it more often. But, I do not due to the expense. I would definetly try it, especially if it is covered by your insurance and you do not respond well to IV steroid.