Ocrevus or Tysabri? Newbie decisions!
Hi everyone!
Struggling to make a decision between Ocrevus or Tysabri.
I'm 26 and had my first symptoms in February this year with a further episode in June. Diagnosed in July and although I was convinced I had MS anyway I was and still am fairly devastated that it is real. I've since had a repeat MRI with a new lesion and am getting over a course of IV Methylpred at the moment. I was offered Ocrevus straight away but when the new lesion appeared my nurse has since implied Tysabri. Pending my JCV results I could potentially start Tysabri in a few weeks or the other option is to join the waiting list and start Ocrevus in November. Is Ocrevus worth the wait or would I be stupid to put myself at risk by waiting? Tysabri is also once a month as opposed to Ocrevus every 6 months. It's a lot of hospital time although I'm pretty much in hospital all the time anyway as I'm a nurse! So many decisions! Any input would be greatly appreciated X
As a nurse you are in a great place with more medical training to understand the various drugs than most of us are. I'm an accountant so I just see the dollar signs and all the money behind all this...makes me a bit cynical ;-/ But one of the things my Dr considered with my first treatment was how fast the "load" was or basically how long I had to be on it for it to have impact. Because the periods between my relapses was pretty long and I was pretty stable he put me on copaxone as it had a slower load period but was just as effective as the other option back 15 years ago. You could also stop it pretty quickly and start something else if it didn't work...which he also pointed out was something to consider so you didn't have to have a big break of no DMT when you were in a bad spot. You have RRMS? There are more options than just these two but your Dr must feel they are the best treatments for you or that is just their standard recommendation? I was on Copaxone my first 11 years with pretty good success (4 or 5 relapses over that time) and then Rebif for the last 3 with no new lesions. That sounds great but as women approach 55 yrs old (don't remind me...I am getting that old ;-0 ) the chance of a relapse drops significantly and the risk changes instead to possible SPMS and then the DMT he is recommending is Ocrevus. That is why I ask...what is their "back-up" plan if these two don't work...although new options are always coming up now...so that is good ;-) but how would you pull off the current treatment and move to the next, etc. these are some questions I would ask. Also what do they plan to do in the event of a relapse? I've had strong prednisone treatments that pop me out of a relapse within a couple of days. Just some questions I would ask. With your medical training I'm sure your mind is spinning with them ;-) good luck
@itsmewithms Thank you, you've given me a lot to think about. Yes it's highly active RRMS from what I'm told and because there was only 4 months between relapses they want to act aggressively. Apart from the Consultant Neurologist giving me the diagnosis it's been all nurse led and you've made me think perhaps it's a good idea to see the neurologist again before making a final decision. I definitely want a back up plan 😂 I had 2 days of IV steroids a fortnight ago which turned me into an emotional wreck and blurred my vision. The side effects are slowly wearing off thankfully! Residually I don't feel any better but have been told it can take up to 6 weeks to feel any effect. It's great to hear of your success with other medications and hopefully your relapses wernt too bad. Sounds like you and your doctor have a solid plan! As for being a nurse, I know knowledge is key but sometimes I think if I knew less would it be easier, ignorance can be bliss! Too late for me now I guess 😂