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Here is My Question:
Trying to decide on new medicine to take. Right now I believe I have narrowed it down to Tecfidera or Tysabri. My JCV came back as 0.23 positive. I am told that is considered on the low side. I used to take Avonex for about 3-4 years, but stopped about 18 months ago. My history is this: I have had about 2 relapses in 9 years since the original 'pain' after knee surgery in 2005 - pain on right side of face/head, left leg, some other 'minor' things possibly. I understand Tecfidera to be about 50% effective, and Tysabri to be 98% effective. My concern is how long you can you be on Tysabri? I looked at Dr. Kinkle's flowchart (SEE FLOWCHART), and it looks like people on Tysabri for 4+ years have much greater risk of developing PML. It was my understanding that a lot of people in my position, early diagnoses with good mobility etc., are starting to take Tysabri where as a few years ago it wasn't considered unless it was an extreme case. I am confused as to how to go about my decision on which is best for me in my current situation? Answer: You are asking the correct questions and beginning to think through this decision rationally, so let me give you a little help. While I still do not have enough information to provide the individual advice you are looking for, I can help refine the answers to some of the points you raise:
I hope this helps. -Rip Kinkel, MD Comments are closed.
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