Injecting Copaxone into arm?

[katie4242]

I just have a quick ? for all of you expert Copaxone users.  When the nurse taught me how to inject into my arm, she said to stand with my arm held straight out, elbow extended, palm up.  Then inject into the "bat wing" area of fat that hangs down.  I have done it this way each time without any problem, but everybody seems to talk about how difficult it is to inject in the arms.  Am I doing something wrong?  

Katie

p.s.  Just a side note to let everyone know how wonderful I think you are.  I don't usually comment on other people's posts, mostly because I'm newly diagnosed, and don't have much to add.  On the other hand, I am here daily and I appreciate all of the great advice that is given to everyone!  I have learned so much and am very grateful!

[twopack]

If there is scar tissue you should be able to see or feel it there.  It would explain why the drug doesn't inject easily.  It won't be absorbed correctly either.

If this is only happening in one area there must be a specific reason.  Is it difficult for you to get the proper angle for injections in that arm?  It is possible the drug is not being deposited deep enough into the subcutaneous fat, isn't absorbed and then scar tissue forms around it.

But it is also possible this is lipoatrophy, a place where the subcutaneous fat has been destroyed following injections.  I'd advise you to avoid further injections into that arm until you can get your physician to examine it and tell you what is happening.

Mary

[cindys116]

First of all, I wanted to say that this is a great site...I just stumbled across it and I've learned so much that I had no idea about. I've been using copaxone for almost a year now, and I'm experiencing a lot of problems with my right arm. These past two weeks, the injections don't penetrate like they use to...it seems as if the scar tissue is preventing the injections from properly going in...is this possible?? Or am I just doing something wrong???

[katie4242]

"Shoot naked"  I love it .... thanks for the laugh for the day!  That said, I have to admit that I would be afraid to do it that way.  I like the not seeing the needle because it is hidden in the autoject.  I also don't think I have the steadiness of hand to keep the needle still after letting go of the skin pinch before plunging.  I'll stick with the autoject for now until something changes.  

Katie

[jensequitur]

Shooting without the autoject isn't all that bad.  After my blood clot I had to self-inject with Lovenox, and they don't give you an autoject for that one.  After I got used to sticking myself with the needle, I was more comfortable with it.

[twopack]

No, there is no requirement to use the autoinjector.  Several people here "shoot naked" as the saying goes (and if it doesn't get bleeped out).  I've done it both ways and found I prefer autopilot programed by my preferences, for reasons I've given earlier in this topic.

There isn't an absolute ten second requirement.  People who don't use the autoinject tend to inject slower to begin with.  It's one of the reasons people prefer it.  There can be less trauma to tissue because a slower injection means a less forceful stream out the end of the needle.  

The tiny bubble of air that follows the medication into the site can also serve as a type of 'plug' preventing backflow.  If you don't wait to withdraw the needle but don't get more than a surface drop of liquid, there is no problem in saving a few seconds at each dosage.  I haven't thought much about it.  Guess I really am accepting that my life moves in slow motion now.

If you decide you want to try the autoinjector, make sure the doctor includes a script for one when he orders the DMD.

Mary

[HoustonDogLove]

Do you have to use an auto injector? If you don't do you still have to wait for 10 seconds. I haven't started yet but 10 seconds seems like a long time.