This Is MS Multiple Sclerosis Community: Knowledge & Support

I'm surprised no one else has posted on this. According to a January 19, 2005 article on Globes Online (an Israeli business publication), an article linking Copaxone with an increased risk of breast cancer may be published soon in the medical journal Breast Cancer Research and Treatment.

The full article, which deals with the impact on Teva's share price (rather than on patients taking the stuff) can be found at:

http://www.globes.co.il/serveen/globes/ ... 83&fid=942

Of course, we need to wait and see what the journal article says, but it is making the switch to Tysabri seem more compelling (not that Tysabri won't be found to have its own nasty long term effects, but if I have to have nasty long term effects, I'd rather have them along with twice the efficacy).

This is my first post (though I've been reading avidly for months). Forty-three year old male, dx'd 3/04. On Copaxone for 5 months and tolerating it well (i.e., stinging at injection site stopped after first month, no site reactions or other reactions that I can tell, except that I swear my hair is thinning!).

Well, obviously we now see what Tysabri is capable of. What a letdown. My son is going to be starting Copaxone soon along with LDN. Any words of wisdom? We've been down the interferon road and won't go back there again.

Kim

_________________
Kim R.

Hi, CCMom!

I usually don't jump in on these particular threads regarding the CRABS, but I did do some pretty extensive research into the CRABS very early on and Copaxone has a totally different mechanism of action than the interferons do. From what I could tell (and of course, I can't give medical "advice", but this might present an opportunity to say something more positive), Copaxone shouldn't represent a huge scary risk.

From what I could ascertain, the major adverse possibilities were injection site reactions (Copaxone is said to be a bit worse than the interferons, but there are many "tips" that you can get from other Copaxone users that may help alleviate the possible site reactions), and the other would be perhaps an allergic reaction to it.

Just watch close, and read a lot (as I know you will and do). Other than that, I truly think giving it a try should be fine. But, remember, consider the source here. I'm NOT a doctor!

And of course, your physician knows best.

Deb

EDIT: Oh.......CCMom...........sometimes, also, right after the injection of Copaxone, a patient may experience breathing problems. Nothing causing "death", but just watch for that one. Your doc probably gave you lots of material on it, though.

Thanks, Deb. Actually, other than the fact that it is every day, Copaxone has always frightened me less than the interferons. Colby usually tolerates meds pretty well, and we're hoping this will be the case.

Yes, we have lots of info, but all of it produced by the pharma, and you know how much faith I put into what they have to say! So, I'm back in full swing research mode again.

I really like this new doc. He's very down to earth, and more cautious about the MS drugs - seems to be taking Colby's age and well being into account in all of it, which is a first for us. He listened carefully to the problems he experienced with the interferons, and agreed that depression that severe was unacceptable at that age, especially when none of the good antidepressants are approved for teen use. He totally backed off from Tysabri and said he had lost several patients over refusing to prescribe it until all the "kinks" were worked out. I felt the same way, so that was a plus for him from the start. He's really intrigued by LDN, and has agreed to prescribe it but wants us to use the Copaxone first.

I am, of course, very hesitant to take him off of the LDN for the monthly trial of Copaxone alone that he is asking for, and I'm fighting the ex on that one. I truly believe that LDN is the only thing that has stood between Colby and a major attack since his gall bladder removal in December. He has had some very mild transient symptoms, but nothing in comparison to the attacks he had pre LDN.

I'm also really interested in minocycline, and the other new drugs that are on the pipeline. The oral pill is intriguing, and so is the 6 month i.v. that is being tested in Canada for SPMS. This new doc is intrigued by minocycline as well, and we are hopeful that if the Copaxone does not work out for him, he will go with the mino and LDN.

Hope you have a great weekend!

Kim

_________________
Kim R.

Kim,

I must agree! Your new doc sounds TERRIFIC!! (Uh, is he anywhere close to me at all?)

Yep..........I knew you were probably in "full research mode".

Hang in there. I think you can trust this doc. To tell you the truth, Kim, but I can't exactly tell you why right at the moment, I think you can feel more reassured about taking Colby off LDN temporarily. It should be fine. (And you know me, too, I'm extremely "cautious" about EVERYTHING.)

Anyway, my "gut feeling" is that I think your new doc's opinion can be trusted in that regard (if that helps at all).

Kim, I can't IMAGINE if my son were going through this! You're a very strong woman! My hat's off to you.

Tell Colby I said Hi!! (As if he knows me........... ) Well, tell him this crazy woman you know says hello and wishes him all the best and to "keep on trucking"! Talk about an old "saying"...........

Have a great weekend, if I don't run into you again in the very near future!!

Deb