Newly diagnosed and deciding on treatment

Hello, I have recently been diagnosed with RRMS (aged 43) and have been offered Ocrevus (Ocrelizumab), Tecfidera (Dimethyl Fumerate) and a couple of others. I have narrowed it down to those two though, so I was wondering if anyone has any experience of these please? Thank you, I hope everyone is doing as well as they can be, Alex.

Hi Alex

It is difficult to advise someone on which drug to choose.

have a look at the MS Trust site (www.mstrust.org.uk) they have free publications including Disease Modifying Drugs.

Carole x

Hi Alex, I’ve been taking Tecfidera twice a day for past 20 months or so. I take them with food. No side effects at all. Do some research and make a decision on what’s best for your circumstances and lifestyle. Welcome to our exclusive club. :wink:

Good luck with your treatment.

Just watch out for side effects.

Boudsx

Hi Alex,

Sorry about your dx, but welcome. I haven’t taken either of those meds, but I think the important thing is choosing the one which works around your life. Many of the meds are either injections or infusions, so it’s important to think about what’s going to be right for you in that regards. I’m a little blase about side effects, mainly because I’ve been on so many meds throughout my life (not just for MS) that I’m both used to them, but more I know that usually you’re not affected by them. They’re listed ‘just in case’ because some people are. And you can always come straight back off if you don’t get on with a med. So I tend to take side effects with a pinch of salt and a ‘wait and see’ point of view. But that’s just me. For some people, it’s an important part of their decision. I wish you good luck with your decision. As others have said, there’s lots of information on the MS trust sight about the meds. But ultimately, I’d say go with your gut.

Best,

Comet

I’d agree… when given the choice of drugs, I went with the one that scared me the least! Started on Rebif, and then they decided that wasn’t doing the job and suggested Ocrelizumab which I agreed to try (and appears to be doing a reasonable job). But ultimately it has to be your own decision… just make it an informed choice or trust the medics to recommend one. I don’t regret swapping 3 x week injections (I’m not too good with needles) for an infusion every six months!

Hi Alex,

If you haven’t already found it, here’s a link to a page on the MS Trust’s Website that I think you will find useful. Have a read…

There’s really a lot of information there; many members of this forum have found it useful.

Ben

Been on Tecfidera for 5 years

Wanted to change to Ocrevus because it is better but they would not let me

Good luck