Multiple Sclerosis sufferers taking Copaxone?
My mom was diagnosed with MS about two months ago. She was perscribed Copaxone and started taking it a week and a half ago. Since then she has suffered SEVERE dry mouth. It gets so bad she can’t eat, sleep or sometimes breathe properly. I need to talk to someone who has experienced this symptom. I need to find out first of all, what they did to ease the symptom, and also if this is something that goes away with time, or is it a permanent side effect of the drug. Please only personal experience answers…her doctors don’t know much and are little help…
P.S. Copaxone DOES cause dry mouth. It’s listed in the drug explanation as a side effect. It’s at the bottom of the list, but it is there. My mom and I have both read it
I am also perfectly aware that when clinical studies are conducted, if just one person of 500 suffers a specific symptom, that this symptom must be listed in side effects. Obviously my mother is one of the rare cases. I’m not looking for people to tell me it’s abnormal or incorrect, I’m looking for someone who has experienced this as well. Trust me, we are a very throrough and well educated family. We don’t need to be told the obvious. I need first hand experience please.
Also, thank you Maggie F and ktajfl for the links!
I have had good luck discussing such things with the pharmacist
Hi,
I’ve been on Copaxone and haven’t experienced dry mouth due to it, nor have I heard of it. I have experienced slight dry mouth from Neurontin and from meds to help with urination frequency,
I’ve posted your question on my Yahoo Group on MS Resources. We’ve got many folks on Copaxone and maybe someone will have something helpful to say.
Copaxone is not known to cause dry mouth. Have you spoken with her pharmasist? Doctors know about diseases while druggists know about medications. Give the pharmacy a phone call and consult with them. Best of luck.
Hi,
It’s great that you are asking this question.
People with MS, like myself, understand that when a person gets sick, everyone in the family is affected. Your mom will have good days and bad days and will definitely need your love and support.
Your mom is doing a great thing by taking action against the disease so quickly.
Other meds can cause dry mouth, but not usually Copaxone.
As far as other side effects, bumps and bruises are normal. Benadryl Anti-Itch Gel is great for the injection sites as they heal.
On rare occasions, there can be a tight feeling in the chest and difficulty breathing. That happens when a vein is accidently injected with the Copaxone.
Staying calm is the most important thing she can do when that happens. Lying down and putting a cold pack where she feels hot is the best thing for that.
MS is really the easiest on the body as far as disease modifying meds go. I hope she does well with it.