Copaxone (glatiramer acetate)

Hi,

Does anybody know how individuals respond to Copaxone (glatiramer acetate)?

[doublevision1]

I just started Copaxone five days ago so can't comment personally on its effectiveness.  In terms of side effects, I have had some site reactions (post injection pain/sting; mild redness; swelling/lump at injection site) but no other problems thus far.

Copaxone is reported to be about the same effectiveness as the interferons, for reducing relapses.  It is not yet clear whether it is effective in delaying disease progression and disability.

There are others here on this forum who have been on Copaxone longer than I have been, who may let you know how they have responded to this med.

Also, if you search this forum, you'll find previous threads on Copaxone, some pretty recent.

Are you on this medication now, or considering taking it?

db

[Deb61]

I've been on Copaxone for 3-4 months now.  I don't really have anything to add that db hasn't already said about the site reactions and effectiveness of it.  I

will say that from my own experience with it, I'm happy with it.  My sister was on Rebif, and had flu side-effects.  That's why I'm taking Copaxone.  Other than the site reactions, and a very very mild post-injection reaction (face became hot and flushed), I've not had any problems with it.  

[MCBCON]

I have been on Copaxone a few years and tolerater quite well.

Some folks on the forum have reported having allergies to it, breaking out in hives.  But, not may have reported this.

The biggest complaint has been pain in the injection site.  If given properly this can be avoided most of the time.  The trick is to get the inject between the skin and muscle.  When it is injected into the muscle it hursts a lot for about fifteen to twenty minutes.