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@TJmama 

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TJmama

Tecfidera vs. Aubagio or other meds...

This is the first time I've ever joined a group or posted a question but I don't know where to turn anymore. I was diagnosed in 1986, the doctors figure I've had it since at least 1983 (possibly earlier) and have only had to take steroids per occurrence (which was roughly every 1 1/2 - 2 years). I started having "more than usual" issues with walking in August 2015 and even though MRI's showed nothing new I convinced my neurologist to let me take the steroids again, instead of starting a DMD, and they didn't work like they used to. :( He figures I need to start on something now or I'll be playing catch-up trying to control it and it won't be fun. He suggested I start with something mild (Aubagio) but after looking into it, the thought of losing hair, among other side effects, doesn't sound that great to me. Until I make a decision I'm taking Ampyra to help with walking but I don't know if it really is or not. Has anyone been on Aubagio and/or Tecfidera and can let me know your thoughts on them? I appreciate any feed back on the subject. Thanks, Louise
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@Stumbler
@Stumbler
 

Hi @tjmama and welcome. Multiple Sclerosis is a serious, chronic and degenerative condition. The Disease Modifying Treatments (DMTs) for MS are also pretty serious. They all come with strict regimes, side effects and risks. And, not all DMTs work for all people and their reactions can be different. All I can suggest is that you do your research into the available DMTs, so you are aware of all the options, together with their respect advantage and disadvantages. Here's a good place to start, http://support.mstrust.org.uk/file/MSDecisionsWeb.pdf Your Neuro is quite right about you playing catch-up. You really don't want to be 5 or 10 years down the line, regretting that you hadn't started a treatment at an earlier point in time. Hope this helps.

@Rosscoe
@Rosscoe
 

Hi Louise, Ross here. My first (and so far only) clinical attack was 5 years ago. My Neuro moved me from Copaxone to Tecfidera 18 months ago and l appear to be one of those that have experienced no side effects; l just pop a pill morning and night with food. I do have an occasional mild hot flush but uncertain if it is because of medication (it usually is after I drink too much coffee