@adamk 

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adamk

Copaxone bs Tecfidera

Hi Everyone I am fairly recently diaganised and am having to choose a DMT to start on. The docs and nurse are reccomending either Copaxone or Tec. Side effects are lower I believe with Copaxone but obviously you have to inject once every three days. Where ias Tec is more effective against the disease but has possibly more side effects. Could people who have experienced both or either let me know their thought? I..e do the Copaxone injections hurt? How bad are the side effects of Tec? Your thoughts would be much alparediated. Thanks Adam
@Stumbler

@adamk , you should use the Forum Search function (magnifying glass, top left) to search for these two meds. Yes, Copaxone does seem to have no side-effects, although injection site reactions and lipoatrophy may be an issue. Tecfidera can cause stomach problems at first, although this can be mitigated by closely following suggestions of taking the medication with a meal. Additionally, there may be some flushing, which doesn't last long. But, these are just initial side-effects and should fade over the short term. You may want to ready this :- https://support.mstrust.org.uk/file/store-pdfs/MS-Decisions-ALL.pdf This gives details of all the Disease Modifying Therapies (DMTs). You may find one, which you feel may be more suitable for you.

@MiaPi

Hello @adamk Haven’t tried Tecfidera, but I have been on Copaxone for around 7 months now. I will say that the injections do hurt for a while (30 mins maybe), but if you have high pain tolerance you will be fine. Also the side effects of skin bumps and itchiness did improve for me after some months of use. Haven’t had any of the worse ones so far (immediate post injection reaction or lipoatrophy). I chose Cop over Tecfidera mainly because of the small, but existent PML risk of the latter. But that was my personal decision, which I don’t recommend to anyone. Do your research and discover what feels most comfortable to you. If you have any questions about Copaxone that I could answer I will be happy too. Good luck x