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1936411 tn?1333831849

About To Start Copaxone

Hello all. I was just diagnosed with RRMS last week and my doc is recommending Copaxone. I've been trying to do my research to the best of my abilities through Google scholar and the various websites out there, but there is so much information it's a little overwhelming. I know many of you have been through this and may even have experience with Copaxone itself.

Do you have any advice on where I should direct my research, or recommendations for things I should be thinking about as I begin this new adventure? Thanks in advance for your time and thoughts. Happy New Year!
Best Answer
1382889 tn?1505071193
Welcome Jane!

I have been on copaxone for about 16 months now and have had no major problems. Read the literature that comes with the meds and all the info that your neuro should have given you on the different dmds out there.

The problem for me initally wasnt finding info it was reading through it all.

As for tricks of the trade, there are many depending on your body's reaction to the copaxone. I very gently press on the injection site for about a minute after injection, then put an cold pack on it for 10-15 min.

I use an auto injector which will take some time for you to learn to adjust. The higher the number, the deeper the needles goes. So in areas where you have the most fat like your hips, you would typically use the higher number, say 7, and the less fatty areas, like the arms, you would use a lower number, say 5-6.

The main thing is be relaxed. The first few weeks I actually took a warm shower to get myself in the right frame of mind. I set my phone alarm for 9pm every night to remind myself of the shot.

The worst reactions I have had are some bruising, some lumps and sometimes painful stinging. But all of these are few and far between and well worth what I am getting in return.

Good luck and let us know how it goes!

Julie
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1936411 tn?1333831849
Thank you for the comments, everyone. Norman, I have been on the Shared Solutions website and I am finding the videos and other info very helpful. I am really looking forward to meeting the nurse who will teach me how to do the injections, because I plan to bombard her with questions while I have her attention ;)

My legs are starting to feel sluggish and sore, so I am hoping that she will direct me towards possible physical therapy information so that I can keep them strong as I go through this flare up.
Helpful - 0
1832736 tn?1325082968
You may want to check out Shared Solutions website, they are the support site for those of us using Copaxone, http://www.sharedsolutions.com they have lots of information and videos available.

Norman
Helpful - 0
1936411 tn?1333831849
Thank you all! I had not hear about the stinging sensation until I came here, so I really glad for that information. I'd rather be prepared for that then caught unawares after my first injection.

I am so happy that I can take a medication that doesn't cause flu-like symptoms. I would really hate to have to deal with that (I'm tired enough as it is these days!)

@Lulu54: Thanks for the search recommendation. I'm learning a lot through the search mechanism as well.
Helpful - 0
1889242 tn?1321354938
I started Copaxone in October so I can only speak in the short term. I chose it because it didn't have the flu-like side effects. I work full time as a high school teacher and have two small children so I don't really have time to feel that way. The daily injections can be a bit painful but definitely not unbearable. Many times it feel like a wasp sting but sometimes, on a lucky day, I barely feel them. Even on a day that it hurts, it just stings for 15-20 minutes. I do tend to keep sore spots for a few days. But in all honesty, it isn't that bad. And this is coming from a terrible needle phobic!!! I use the Autoject by the way.

I do recommend a heat pack before the shot and an ice pack after :) Good luck!!!
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Congratulations on doing positive things for your health - starting a DMD and trying to research it.

I think all of the disease modifying drugs all pretty much have the same results - a 30% reduction in relapses.  Like Lulu had brought up, Copaxone is one of the ones that doesn't really effect your liver & doesn't give you flu-like symptoms. I've been taking Copaxone for only a little over a year.

-Kelly
Helpful - 0
572651 tn?1530999357
Hi Jane and welcome to our forum here - I hope you will find our information and company useful and stick around to learn more.

If you search this community (use the window on the right) for copaxone, you will find a slew of ifnormation about this drug, its pluses and minuses and a whole lot more.

Copaxone is a good drug, without the side effects that the interferons have.  No depression, no liver screening and no flu like symptoms.  The down side is the daily injection and getting your body accustomed to the discomfort of the injection and the welts that many people get with Copaxone.

What type of questions do you have or are you looking for general information?

I'm sorry you've joined our ranks with MS - it's the club no one wants to belong to.  
best,
Lulu

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