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ms drugs and pancreatitis

Posted: Mon Jul 15, 2013 8:19 am
by JenJen84
10 years ago I was diagnosed with a mutation of the cystic fibrosis gene that attacks my pancreas in a similar way that the disease attacks the lungs. My lungs are fine but my diet and lifestyle has changed to deal with chronic pancreatitis. About 2 months ago I was diagnosed with MS after developing optic neuritis and I began taking copaxone about a month ago. My neurologist recommended that I switch to tecfidera because of the site reactions I was having from the copaxone. I was sceptical to switch because of the nausea and stomach pain associated with the tecfidera and I was worried it would agitate my pancreas. Ironically I had a pancreas attack about a week and a half ago and after it was still excrutiating after a week I did some more research and found that copaxone can CAUSE pancreatitis. I stopped taking the drug 4 days ago and am finally starting to feel better. My neurologist said to wait until things calm down before I come in and discuss a different treatment but I would like to be more prepared beforehand. Is there any Ms drugs that do not have any side effects that would put me at risk for another pancreas attack? The injection sites were itchy and sore but I will take that over pancreatitis any day. I appriciate any suggestions!

Re: ms drugs and pancreatitis

Posted: Mon Jul 15, 2013 12:11 pm
by want2bike
I suggest you stop doing the drugs and start treating the problem with diet. That is the only cure. You find the right diet then you will get well. Let Dr. Bergman explain it.


Re: ms drugs and pancreatitis

Posted: Mon Jul 15, 2013 5:15 pm
by lyndacarol
Welcome to ThisIsMS, JenJen84.

You are a new poster here; you may not be aware of my obsession with the pancreas and its secretion of insulin, which I think is involved with the MS cascade. I assume that your chronic pancreatitis causes you to have hyperinsulinemia (excess insulin).

You are seeking "any suggestions" and I will offer mine: If you have not had a "fasting blood insulin test," ask your physician to order one. (The result of my first insulin test was 12 UU/ML; since that time, no test has been below 9. Ideal is 3 or lower.) At this time, there is no medication to reduce insulin levels; diet is the only recognized treatment – I agree with want2bike and suggest that you adopt a low-carb diet, eliminate all trans fats, and eliminate processed foods. Many people have experienced improvement in MS symptoms by following careful diets. You may find other diet ideas on our Diet forum. The story of Dr. Terry Wahls and her dramatic improvement in MS symptoms with diet and exercise may be of interest to you (http://www.TerryWahls.com).

Re: ms drugs and pancreatitis

Posted: Mon Jul 15, 2013 6:13 pm
by JenJen84
Thank you both for your advice. My pancreatitis effects my ability to break down fat. As such I maintain a very low fat diet and have to take enzymes every time I eat. I had a diabetes test a few years ago that was negative thankfully but it has been a few years and now hearing that it may effect the MS as well I should probably get it retested. I do try to eat as healthy and un processed as possible but I'm probably not as strict as I should be.

Re: ms drugs and pancreatitis

Posted: Wed Jul 17, 2013 4:52 pm
by lyndacarol
When you state that you "had a diabetes test a few years ago," I assume you had a "glucose" test since diabetes is diagnosed on the basis of the glucose (blood sugar) level. I urged you to ask for "a fasting blood insulin test" which is completely different from a glucose test. Eating a healthy diet that has no trans fats and no processed foods is not easy, but is necessary – good luck.