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My neuro, who originally diagnosed me PPMS (Dec 2005), now thinks I may be having an relapse... So, I've just done a round of coticosteroids and have be advised to consider a CRAB drug.

I suggested Copaxone, but the neuro felt that this drug takes too long to begin working. He mentioned that it can take 6 months too reach full effect. Has anyone heard of Copaxone taking this long to take effect?

By the way, the neuro has suggested Betesoron.

Any insight is very much appreciated!

Thanks.

From my understanding, all of the CRABs take time to reach their full effect, and that amount of time differs from person to person.

I am so jaded my the medical industry, I assume most Neuros suggest medication provided by the pharmecuetical firm that greases their palm best.

I work for one of the top ten hospitals in the US. 1 unit of Interferon beta-1a (Avonex, Rebif) costs the hospital a little over $8. When I received the first invoice for my monthly Avonex delivery (I have since ceased therapy), the bill was for over $1400. CRAAAAZY!

From what I understand, interferons do indeed start working faster than Copaxone. I was told "at least 6 months" for Copaxone by Shared Solutions, but of course they would want to be very conservative in their estimate.

Teva/Shared Solutions studies clearly show that copaxone doesn't even start making much of a difference until the 6-month mark. After that however, it appears that efficacy continues to increase the longer you are on. However, I would think the round of steriods would provide you some protection until the copaxone can start to build up in your system. Copaxone long-term results seem very promising. I've been on for 2 years with no relapses and no side effects.

I take copaxone and it has only been 4 months. I have been having a really bad attack for the last 5 weeks. I decided to do research more and I called "shared solutions" the copaxone company and they said it takes 9 months to fully work.

I would say more than 6 months - I went back on it 2 weeks after having my son but had a relapse 6 months after that, but by about 9 months later it waned again.
HTH

The length of time a drug takes to be effective would only be one factor I would consider when deciding which drug to take. I think the side effects the drugs have would be very important to consider.

I have been on Copaxone for 5 years now and am doing very well. Even though you do take Copaxone every day I have had no side effects from taking it. Good luck with whatever you decide.

ms nurse and neurologist said 9 months before it begins to work as an activated chemical in the boy but we all have different physiology, could be 6 for some, or 12 months for others

stick to it its been the most efficacious of them all`

I'd definitely choose Copaxone over betaseron. You have to look at the side effects compared to how quickly it starts working. I was so sick from the betaseron that I couldn't stick with it. Since you are the one who has to stick with the medication and not the doctor, if you have an issue with side effects that everyone claims "go away" when in reality, you just get used to it. I've been taking copaxone for a week and aside from the pain of the injections, I don't feel bad at all as compared to the betaseron where you can have flu like symptoms that finally go away by the time it's time to take your next shot.

Good luck with whatever you choose!