Starting Copaxone With A Cold

My injection training nurse comes tonight, so I'm officially going to start Copaxone. Woot! I woke up this morning with a nasty sore throat, which tells me I probably also have a nasty cold to look forward to this weekend. Blech...

Starting Copaxone with a cold won't be a big deal, right? My  understanding is that Copaxone does not work by lowering the immune system the way that some of the other DMD's do... But just wanted to toss the question out to you guys for an expert opinion.

[doublevision1]

Bummer you are getting a cold!
I don't see any reason why this would be a problem with you starting Copaxone.
None of the first line (CRAB) DMDs suppress the immune system, they're immunomodulators.  
Good luck and check in and let us know how you are making out with your shots.  Be prepared that Copaxone really stings for the first little while.  This will lessen after a while, once your body adjusts to it.  The needle is itself is so small, I rarely even feel it going in.

[tingletingle]

Hey Miss Jane,

That is rotten luck! The great thing is you sound quite ok with the actual injections and that is good because they are physically nothing. I was the biggest needle phobic but now after neary 6 months I can honestly say it is about as big as a tick on an elephant.

Copaxone protection doesn't kick in for around 6 - 9 months and the great thing is you don't get the flu like side effects with some of the other DMDs. So when you're over your cold in a week and still injecting imagine how good you'll feel. So, your nurse will give you official advice but I would say the sooner you start the sooner you can look forward to 30% less exacerbations.

Blessings
Alex

[Lulu54]

Grreat advice from the others, so I will just add my well wishes for a smooth transition.  These shots can be so simple and I hope you react well to them.

Be sure to let us know how you do, ok?
Lulu

[JaneK1975]

Thanks for the reassurance, guys. T-minus two hours. Yee-haw!

[Lulu54]

go, go, go  Jane!!! You will be great with this new chance to beat this MonSter.

[Beula88]

Hi Jane!  I have been on Copaxone for about 3 years and take it no matter how "ill" I feel.  It does not seem to react to my colds, flu, etc.  It does really sting a lot for a few months.  Keep an ice pack handy- that really helped immediately following my shots.  GOOD LUCK!  I am not a needle or blood person- but PTL I can do these shots!

[Lulu54]

ok, girl.  We're waiting for an update..... do you feel comfortable now with this process?  I sure hope so.

[jujuminx]

Woot indeed!  Way to go... Go for it and let us know what you experience is.

I had no problems with it other than some stinging. Now occasional brusing and sometimes small lumps which I massage out after 24 hrs.

Good luck!

Julie

[JaneK1975]

It couldn't have gone better. The nurse was nice and explained the procedure to me very well. It stung a bit and I ended up with a welt, but when I woke up this morning the welt was already gone! I can't even tell exactly where I gave myself the shot now.

I hope they all go like this, and I wish everyone's shots could be this easy. Thanks for all the support guys :)

[doublevision1]

Great news Janet!

[kwarendorf]

"I hope they all go like this,"

Well, minus the welt part anyway :-) Glad it went well!

[bubbles_04]

Yay go Jane!! So glad it went well and you shared :)

[Lulu54]

Terrific to hear you had a good nurse and excellent training.  You're now a pro!