Embracing the suck!

[Finalfantasyfawn]

I was diagnosed with MS in March. I have been taking copaxone 40ml 3x weekly auto injection since April. I am 5' 3" and 115 lbs. At first it was going great with minimal injection site reaction the stinging wasn't bad either.  In June that changed. When I inject into my thighs the next day I get really huge (softball or larger) bright red welts/swelling.  That itch, are sore like a bruise to the touch and sometimes sting if anything touches the area even clothes. In the center where the needle entered it starts out white and then changes to a darker purple. I'm wondering if the change in the weather is affecting the injection or certain activities. I work in a warehouse with no ac and the temp is 90 or more since June.  My job is also very physical and I find myself bumping the injection sites a lot. Has anyone else experienced anything like thi?

[aspen2]

I use copaxone and my shared solutions nurse says its not uncommon to have to take one area out of rotation.  I can't inject into my things either.

If you've played with depth (the nurse over estimated how fat I was) with no improvement, it's possible to set up a new a new schedule with the nurse.  Just give them a call.

[immisceo]

This is why Copaxone was never on my personal list of potential drugs. At the time, the only option was daily injections which I'd have just resented. But also, reading about how common welts and lipoatrophy are sealed the non-deal. It's a well known, very common side effect. That's not to say it effects everyone or that it will always happen to you. But yes — it's experienced by a lot of people.

[immisceo]

Also, here's a past discussion on what people do to help alleviate the irritation. http://www.medhelp.org/posts/Multiple-Sclerosis/Copaxone-and-welts/show/1770770