Cladribine for Multiple Sclerosis User Reviews

• Kar...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• April 19, 2023

Cladribine "This was my 7th therapy. I am currently on no therapy, and my scans are good, MS symptoms are minimal 36 months after. My doctor is pleased. This medication was exactly as my nurse educator explained. Slight fatigue for a few months, headache during and right after taking. My lymphocytes dropped by 50% or so, but all else was fine. I actually felt good - better than I have in years - after my first year. My cog fog lifted. Year two was similar. I highly recommend meeting with your local nurse for education because I did not really understand how the medication worked in the body until she simplified it. This was so helpful. I don’t think most doctors take the time to explain - I was just given a broad overview brochure and then left to my own devices. I was scared at first. Also, MS Lifelines handled out-of-pocket costs for me, and my nurse made it not so scary. Note - it took a long time to get it approved, but worth it! A+"

• Jus...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• March 25, 2024

Cladribine "Great medicine!!! Very convenient to use, minimal side effects...except drink lots of water and I mean LOTS OF WATER cause it raises your bilirubin drastically. No need for needles every week, month, 6 months. Sad to hear it does not work for everyone but I'm sure it will work for you."

• DS6...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• June 22, 2025

"Not recommended. During the 1st year, it started off okay for the first four months, but things did change. Four months in, I had plateaued and leukopenia (low white blood cells) started and my leg strength lessened. Over the following months, my legs got weaker, or I was unable to stand for periods of time over a few minutes. This hampered my ability to go places. Even doing chores like going to the laundry room became difficult and risky. A year after taking the first dose, I had to call 9-1-1, as both my legs gave out in the laundry room. I basically had a relapse, my 2nd one ever! My neurologist eventually convinced me to go for the 2nd round despite my misgivings. The second round has not really improved anything, and my son now lives with me and has helped daily. Otherwise, I'd have to be in hospice. The only thing Mavenclad helped me with was it got rid of my vertigo. Side effects: hair loss, start of bronchitis at times, some joint pain, and leukopenia (low WBC)."

• Chr...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• May 16, 2022

Cladribine "I ended the 2nd year of treatment in 2020. I took 5 pills each day once a day for 5 days, then repeated the following month. 3 months post-year 1, my absolute lymphs dropped significantly (as intended). I did feel poorly then due to coming down with type B influenza. Forward about 10 or 11 months, I did year 2. I wish this drug was available 20 plus years ago. It's not a miracle drug, but I think it probably is most beneficial for those with an initial diagnosis. My absolute lymphs are normal now. I did start Copaxone back in May 2022. The doctor wanted me on something because, even though he speaks for the pharma company that makes Mavenclad, he's stated that I think half the patients in the studies may have a relapse after year 4. He didn't advise doing a 3rd year of Mavenclad."

• cam...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• April 28, 2022

"Cladribine worked for the first 7 months, only spreading 5 lesions, which is good for how aggressive it was acting, off of REBIF and GLATIRAMIRE. Later, I had a flare-up of 6 ring-enhancing and more than 6 white matter lesions, so I switched to Ocrevus. I hope everyone stays strong and finds the medication that works for them."

• EMM...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 29, 2024

Cladribine "Easiest MS medication! Wish I was offered this years ago. So glad I decided to take it. No side effects, and yes, stayed hydrated with extra water intake."

• Jes...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• January 9, 2022

"No new lesions. No relapses. Finished year 2 in 2020. Virtually no side effects."