Hi, Ive been on Siponimod now for about a year. My liver function blood tests have been high for about 9 months and this is one of the side effects of the tablets. I feel fine but I had a call from my neurologist to say it maybe an idea for me to change to injections - but its up to me
The injections are a lower strength to the tablets and I dont fancy injecting myself (or anyone else injecting me for that matter - but I would if I had to) but I dont want liver damage either. Plus if I have a lower med will I get relapses?
The trouble is Siponimod is a new medication and there isnt much data. The neurologist said if it was him he thinks he probably would change
Its possible relapses and injections versus unknown liver damage…what would you do?
Hello Act1. I was diagnosed with RRMS in July 2019 and was offered Copaxone which I self-inject midday every Monday, Wednesday and Friday. At first I wasn’t keen to do this, but the nurse from the company who have the contract with NHS, came to my house and showed me how to use a CSYNC pen. Basically you need to take the injection out of the fridge about 30 mins before your chosen injection time so that it can reach room temperature. After the 30 mins has elapsed, load the injection into the pen and then just place the pen onto one of 7 rotated positions on your body and click the button on top of the pen. This then fires the needle into your skin at lightning speed and administers the Copaxone. You can experiment adjusting the depth of the needle to find a depth which is comfortable to you. At first was very nervous at doing this, but nearly two years down the road it doesn’t bother me in the slightest, has become routine and I find the injections virtually painless. Hope sharing my experience with you help you reach a decision - good luck!
Hi Silverfox, that is really helpful, thankyou, I am nervous about injecting - taking a tablet is so easy even though im not keen on taking medication either. But its also about the fact the injection is half the strength, so will it prevent the relapses
There is the third option of no relapses, possible injections and no liver problems. Has your neuro suggested possible alternatives?
These decisions are always tricky, as you never know how you’ll react. What’s not great for one person may be brilliant for someone else. The thing to remember is that you can always switch again if one doesn’t work out. Personally, I’d probably switch. But speak to your neuro to get as much info as you can
Hi Dan , there is only the tablets im on or the injections, I have SPMS and there isnt alot of choice.
Im having another blood test in a few weeks to see if there is any changes, but if its still high i think im swaying to the injections - like you say i can always switch back.