Copaxone side effect?

[rendean]

Hi all,
I had my first dose of Copaxone today, which went quite well. My question is regardng side effects. I read the literature and the package insert, etc.  Before the SS nurse arrived, unexpectedly, I had a headache. I get migraines but the was the garden variety type. Anyway, after the injection ,which was a breeze with minamal discomfort, my headache worsened. Took a long nap. Headache gone.

When I awoke, I was lightheaded, actually felt more like orthostatic hypotension as I have a long history of hypertension. Anyway, took my BP and it was 156/110. Rechecked that I took my BP meds this morning (I did). Read a book to chill out. BP still no lower than 130/100, pulse 64- 7 hours post -injection.

Does anyone know if the rise in BP is due to the Copaxone (it's listed in the long list of possible reactions)?

Any thoughts? I already plan to address it with my doc on Monday.

Thanks,
Ren

[rendean]

Your point regarding someone monitoring my BP is what frustrated me about waiting until next week. I have a nursing background and take my BP on a regular basis. I actually think the nortriptline for the neuropathic leg pain pushed the BP over the top again and then the added Copaxone did not help.

I appreciate your response and will strongly considering stoppping the copaxone (hadn't actually thought about it due to the blur of the last 2 weeks of dx and my son's trip to ahriners, etc.) . The exhaustion and emotions I'm sure play a role in the BP as well as me not even considering stopping the copaxone. Thank you for the insight!

Ren

[essdipity]

You're a beginner with Copaxone, so it hasn't had a chance to do anything anyway. If I were you I'd stop taking it until some knowledgeable doctor is supervising this. Not in person, but someone who wants you to report your BP everyday while on Copaxone, or who will supervise your experimentations on and off your other meds in various combos. The BPs you list are awfully high to just wait on.

ess

[rendean]

Please do not worry. I have had hypertension since I was 22. Have had every work-up you could imagine. I was mainly just venting tonight because I didn't want to wait a week to be see. The doc treating this is internal medicine/nephrology. He did say if I felt worse or it didn't get better with the diuretic to come get worked in. Trouble is I ususally have wait an hour with a "normal" appt. much less a work-in.

I have used this guy for 10 years and he is still the only one ,out of many, who has managed to control my BP for any length of time. Several cardiologists and PCPs have tried but never succeeded for any length of time. And yes, I am compliant about taking my meds ,avoiding salt and exercising(walking) when my body allows it.

How are you doing Michelle? Are you holding up okay? You and your family have been in my thoughts a lot lately.

Ren

[michelleric]

You are making me nervous.  When you say you called the doc, is it the neuro of PCP? It doesn't sound like "just waiting and watching" is the appropriate thing with your BP so high.

Find a 24 hour pharmacist now, or call the nurse now, and ask again. I am worried for you my friend.

Let us know how you are doing,
Love,
Michelle

[rendean]

My BP was even higher today (180/110). Still wondering if anyone else has ever heard of this as a side effect of Copaxone or nortriptyline. Called doc...no appt. till next (unless of course I have a stroke first) and up the diuretic. Nice answer to someone who has difficulties voiding. Arrrrrh!

At least I give him credit for actually coming to the phone as soon as I told the nurse the symptoms and I can be "worked in " if it gets worse. What is he waiting for??? A lawsuit?

Sorry about the rant. But I do feel a little calmer ;-)

[Lulu54]

Ren,
There are regular hours for SS, but there is a nurse available 24/7 to answer your questions.  EVen if you wake up in the middle of the night thinking of somehting, there is someone there to take your call.  Its their job, so don't feel badly for them.  :-)

Lu

[rendean]

Thanks for the input. I just looked up the nortriptyline I take for neuropathic pain and it too lists hypertension because of the effect it has on norepinephrine. The neuro just raised my dose  of nortriptyline so maybe that's the culprit. Guess I'll be one of those pain in the neck patients calling as soon as the office opens :-) Good to know about the headache info.

Thanks again,
Ren

[cuttersmom]

For about the 1st week and a half after starting copax I was nauseous and had a raging headache.  Never checked BP, but with the headache, very possible that it was elevated.  SS nurse said the headache and nausea is listed as possible side effect (but usually everything known to man is listed).  I just kept going with the shots, and they went away.

[rendean]

bump , please . Should I take another dose? The Shared Solutions hours list M-F. I don't think this an emergency as my BP is labile and has been known to reach greater heights, i.e. 220/110 while I was sleeping as an inpatient.

Just was curious if anyone else has experienced this before I discuss it with my doc and before we make medication adjustments accordingly.

Thanks,
Ren

[Lulu54]

Hi Ren,
I had my first site reaction tonight - have not had BP problems.  Perhaps you should call the SS hotline and talk to the nurse on duty and ask her/him about the blood pressure/headache connection.  They are very nice and thorough and its their job to answer the calls.  

Sorry I can't be of more help to you.
Lu