Anyone happy with the 40mg dose?

[its2much]

Seems like there's alot of negative comments on the 40mg copaxone. I have a prescription for the 40mg 3 times a week. Has anyone been pleased with the 40mg?

[kim-mastro]

Copaxone 40

I'm probably not the right person to answer your question since I have never been on anything but Copaxone 40. I researched the options and Copaxone seemed like the one with the most "acceptable" side effects. I was afraid my Neuro would put me on one of the browser's. My cousin had a really bad reaction to it-she got worse when she took it. I've been on Copaxone since June and (fingers crossed) so far so good. I can't imagine injecting 7 times a week. I'm hoping a once-a-week Copaxone comes out soon! I hope you have good luck with the 40. Keep us informed!!!

[October22]

See Disclaimer:

I was stable on the 20mg for over a year, switched to the 40mg and within 3-4 months had new lesions. I had no problems taking it though.
The disclaimer is: I am new to MS, Copaxone was my first DMD, I have no proof switching caused new lesions and I realize everyone reacts differently.

Personally, if I ever have to go back to Copaxone, I'd do the daily. Hoping that never happens...I don't miss the shots (taking Aubagio now...).

[BobOP]

Hi

I have been using Copaxone since 1998. Last year, I was in the Glacier study

The Glacier study looked at Copaxone 20 daily vs Copaxone 40 3 times a week. I was in the Copaxone 40 part of the study.

I have been on Copaxone 40 since June 30, 2013. I do my injections on Tuesday, Thursday & Saturday.

When I started the Copaxone 40 injections, I had some stinging & redness. Nothing major in my book. Those symptoms have lessened over time.

It has also nice to only do 3 injections a week....144 versus 365....my injection sites like that...LOL

Take Care, Bob

[2BEACPA]

Copaxone 40mg

I love it. Took it daily for 15 years. Three x per week is great. Not feeling any difference.

[MyGirlsMom]

I too have noticed no difference in site reactions in the 40 mg vs the 20 mg. When I was on the 20 mg I ended up down to just every other day but changed to the 40 three days per week in February this past year. Now though I am taking just 40 mg two times per week. I feel the best now compared to the past five years when I got diagnosed, so of course, I think that it is working for me. 😉

Unless I hear something compelling from my neuro at my upcoming appointment or my MRI this year looks bad, my goal is to stay on this schedule. Keeping my fingers crossed....

[ewizabeth]

I was taking 20mg daily for years and then switched to 2 20mg shots 3x weekly until the 40 mg version was approved.

It is such a relief to only have to inject 3x a week and still have the efficacy of the Copaxone that has helped me so much over the years, and so safely.

I really like it and I'll take it as long as it is working for me.

[Jules A]

I was stable on the 20mg for over a year, switched to the 40mg and within 3-4 months had new lesions. I had no problems taking it though.
The disclaimer is: I am new to MS, Copaxone was my first DMD, I have no proof switching caused new lesions and I realize everyone reacts differently.

Personally, if I ever have to go back to Copaxone, I'd do the daily. Hoping that never happens...I don't miss the shots (taking Aubagio now...).

Your example is the main reason why I didn't switch. I've been on daily injections for 10 years and am doing well, knock wood, if I were to change and for whatever reason my condition changed I would be haunted that perhaps it was the lower dose of medication.

I hope Aubagio works great for you!

[babygirlamy]

I'm loving it

I've been on copaxone 20mg since 2007. I started the 40mg injection back in the summer. It's such a relief to only inject 3x a week. I'm loving it. So far there have been no changes so I am crossing my fingers that it continues to work well for me.

[Larry K]

I've been taking the three day a week 40mg copaxone for about 5 months now and haven't had any real issues. The only problem I have is site injection areas. I get large swells where the injection was done. It goes away usually by the next day. I also have to do manual on my thighs due to lack of fat. Other than that, if it works then it's for me.

[Bo Perkins]

Copaxone 40

I started on Copaxone 20 and boy howdy am I ever go glad to be on Copaxone 40. There are only so many spaces to give those shots in and when several of those are either scarred or have too little fat tissue to be of use, it made finding a place to inject fun sometimes. Plus I would react to the 20 from time to time.

So when I heard of the 40, I researched it and asked my neuro on my next trip up to see him. He was glad I took the initiative to do the research on it and agreed it would be much better for me. My only concern was if I would react. It turned out to be a mute point. I have been on it now for six months without having a reaction.

It has been the best decision we made as far as I am concerned. The spots where the needled go into have longer to heal before I get back around to them again so I am not running out of spots like before.

Hope this helps some

[kim-mastro]

Does anyone else on 40 get bruises at the injection sites? Is there something I can do to lessen them? They are lasting longer and longer. I've been on since June.

[Imagine]

Fun, huh?

Does anyone else on 40 get bruises at the injection sites? Is there something I can do to lessen them? They are lasting longer and longer. I've been on since June.

I've been on the 40mg 3xs a week since march; prior to that, I did 20mg everyday.

My Neuro (ms specialist) told me "never inject in your thighs again," and to use the lowest setting on the injector. I was injecting into muscle b/c NO fat on my thighs- zero- so I was injecting into muscle

Yeah, the injections are painful and yeah they leave lots of bruises; but I am still thrilled to have it b/c it's working! Before I inject, I tell myself that each shot brings LESS SXS and, God willing, a HALT to any progression.

1 thing that helps lessen the bruising is placing a heating pad on the area I am going to inject for aprox 5mins and an ice pack for 2mins following the injection.

I hope that this helps... I'm getting reading to inject now and I'll be thinking of you!

Shalom, Suzanne

[Imagine]

Uh-huh

Understatement! I am thrilled. I kept trying the drug when it was x7- but had to stop as I ran out of injection sites!

Did the x7 the month of February b/c I knew that x3 was coming. Ok, I did the 20 every other day. Since March, I've taken the injections pretty consistently and as of September, SO MANY of my sxs have disappeared! The damn fatigue... just as present; but the pain, spasicity, horrific itching/burning; blah, blah, blah... GONE.

Worth the pain for me.

I so hope one of the 2 choices work for you. Good Luck and hang in there- you're not alone sweetie

Shalom, Suzanne

[fishead]

I am going on Copaxone 40- 3X/week. I will be watching this thread for any issues with the higher dose. Thank you for info regarding heating/ice pad use.

March on my MS buddies, March on!!!