bad reaction to copaxone

[donna1429]

Hello, I started copaxone 4 weeks ago, after the first week I started to get flu like symtons so I phoned my ms nurse who told me that she didn't think it was the copaxone and to carry on with it. After a couple of days the flu like symtons disappeared and I was left with big reaction sites and big lumps under the skin, I showed my ms nurse who said they were bigger then normal but yet again to continue. That night I took my injection and within seconds I couldn't breath, my heart was racing, had shakes all over, stomach cramps and face ears and throat swelled up so much, my partner phoned an ambulance, the ambulance man said that it was a servere reaction and discontinue use. I phoned my ms nurse this morning who said that I would appear to be allergic (what a genius) but then asked me to go to my doctors surgery to take them, is she serious like I would ever inject that into me again. Has anyone ever experienced these side effects before?

[donna1429]

Thank you for replying,  I was diagnosed a few months ago, I want to have a baby so they told me that copaxone was the only one that was safe enough.  I spoke to a nurse last week who basically said because I won't take the copaxone I'm on my own until after I get pregnant which unfortunately may be a while, I think its wrong to leave me for that lengh of time considering I've no idea what to expect with ms, thought a few appointments to keep an eye on me would have be nice just for peace of mind.

[Khiba]

You are not alone.
I had flu like symptoms 10 days into starting copaxone and the nurse at shared solution said the very same thing. And suggested I take an Advil before and after taking my daily injection.  I stopped for a day, was just fine and knew I wasn't actually sick. I tried one more day, without the Advil, just to see, and sure enough, had the same reaction again. That was the last time I used Copaxone. I called my neurologist who said she had other patients with the same reaction. I reported the reaction to Shared Solutions and filled out some papers to send in. I am very surprised they are still saying that the flu like reactions are NOT due to the drug. I guess they should update their material.

I am very glad I didn't continue taking the drug as it obviously triggered an allergic reaction in my body.

Don't buy into it, taking the shot at the Doctor's office. There are now so many good choices for MS drugs, why risk it with one that causes such a bad reaction.

Just my opinion. I could be wrong. ;) Good luck to you. I am sure you will find the right treatment for you. :)

Jessica aka Khiba