Anyone happy with the 40mg dose?

[cptmelissa]

Also try room temp Copaxone

I've only been on Copaxone (40 mg) since April, but I have found that if I take out the week's worth from the refrigerator on Sunday, I have much less site reactions. I leave the 3 syringes in the drawer with my auto-injector. I rarely get itching, and just occasional swelling and redness with is gone the next morning.

Hope this helps.

[fishead]

Melissa,

Thank you for your helpful post. Where do you put the drug, so it stays at a proper temperature?

[kim-mastro]

Suzanne-thanks for the reply. I'm really happy that Copaxone is working for you! I'm feeling good but like you said the fatigue still stays. I'm sure it could be worse!!!
Melissa-I'm trying your suggestion and leaving my 3 shots out for the week. Didn't even notice but there has been no itching since I started doing that!!! Woo-hoo! Now if the bruising will clear up...!

[Imagine]

Suzanne-thanks for the reply. I'm really happy that Copaxone is working for you! I'm feeling good but like you said the fatigue still stays. I'm sure it could be worse!!!
Melissa-I'm trying your suggestion and leaving my 3 shots out for the week. Didn't even notice but there has been no itching since I started doing that!!! Woo-hoo! Now if the bruising will clear up...!

You are more than welcome! Make sure the syringes are kept in the blue bag and in a dark place. My understanding is that the Rx is less effective if exposed to light. THANK YOU FOR THE OPTIMISTIC POST!!!
Shalom, Suzanne

[kim-mastro]

I've tried heat before and cold after. Stopped heat before but found the cold keeps the swelling down so I always do that. The bruising is continuing and my thighs (Which have enough fat to inject into, trust me!) look like heck! They are the one place that always bruise and the bruises take a looking time to go away. Oh well! I'll just keep on keeping on!

[sardi_g]

Kim - a nurse told me to try to see where the veins are and avoid those areas. Easier said than done. It might help with the bruising.

I'm also keeping on bc I like this dmd.

Good luck!

[Mamabug]

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?

Thanks for starting this thread. My MS Specialist prescribed Copaxone 40 for me, but my insurance would not cover it. Shared Solutions told me that some insurance companies were likely to begin to cover it after January 1, so I'll check again.

Looking forward to being able to try it. Glad to hear mostly good reports.

[AnitaJ]

I was on Copaxone 20 for 15 years, switched to Tecfidera for the past 2 months and, due to some horrible side effects, am switching back to Copaxone but going for the 40 instead of the 20. I should have stayed with Copaxone instead of switching, but the thought of taking a pill instead of doing a shot was just too tempting. I've had no progression for 15 years, and I really think that Copaxone is to thank for that. I saw my neurologist tonight and am now waiting for my new *improved* Copaxone 40 to arrive.

[mom 2 4 cats]

New to having MS but an old nurse having worked in the neurology department of a multi specialty clinic and than as a utilization review nurse for a third party administrator. In short, an insurance nurse.

Copaxone 40 is what I started with and the only side effect I have had is stinging at the injection site for a few minutes. I use a heat pad at the site before and after.

[Ikaika]

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.

-Apply ICE after the injection for about 5 to 10 min at most. --Also make sure syringe is at room temp for injection.
-You can rub the syringe (capped between your hands for about 10-15 seconds before injecting and that helps too.

Regardless if manual or autoject.

Arnica cream works if a bruise has appeared. Just rub it in. Helps bruising heal faster.

[Larry K]

What really sucks is that my work changed insurance and the insurance denied 40 copaxone and approved the 20. Tonight is my last injection of the 40. Monday I start the 20

[Mamabug]

I've only been on Copaxone (40 mg) since April, but I have found that if I take out the week's worth from the refrigerator on Sunday, I have much less site reactions. I leave the 3 syringes in the drawer with my auto-injector. I rarely get itching, and just occasional swelling and redness with is gone the next morning.

Hope this helps.

Melissa,

Thank you for your helpful post. Where do you put the drug, so it stays at a proper temperature?

Fishead --

I've been doing that for years, even with my Copaxone 20. Makes a huge difference. Someone here, at MSWorld, suggested that to me, too.

I keep me one week's worth in my medicine cabinet, or, sometimes, in a medicine travel bag that I have that I keep in the bathroom.

I don't leave it out, exposed to the light because I've read that it's important not to expose it to light for long periods of time. (Not sure where I heard that, or, if it's true or not.)

[Larry K]

20mg

What really sucks is that my work changed insurance and the insurance denied 40 copaxone and approved the 20. Tonight is my last injection of the 40. Monday I start the 20

I don't really like the 20mg. I feel OK but miss so much the 40mg. By time I get through the rotation cycle my welts haven't quite healed before I shoot in that area. I really want the 40mg back!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Just ranting. OK I feel better now since I got this out!!!!!!

Larry

[Suzzette]

40 mg.

I've been on 40 mg since June, 2014. Love three injections per week, BUT they sting so bad when injecting the drug!!! I have tried everything to lessen this, to no avail. Sometimes, it's all I can do to keep from pulling the needle out before the injection is complete. Any suggestions? Take care all!

Suzzette

[Ikaika]

I've been on 40 mg since June, 2014. Love three injections per week, BUT they sting so bad when injecting the drug!!! I have tried everything to lessen this, to no avail. Sometimes, it's all I can do to keep from pulling the needle out before the injection is complete. Any suggestions? Take care all!

Suzzette

Did you have the same stinging issue with the 20mg?

I know you mentioned you've tried everything, so forgive me if these are repetitive

- make sure alcohol has dried over skin area before you inject (that is a nasty sting when the alcohol is still wet and the needle tip takes it in with it!)
- leave syringes out at room temp for at least an hour before injecting
- with cap still on syringe, rub between palms for about 15 sec, this warms up the liquid and helps lessen any sting (if using autoject, just do this prior to putting in autoject)

If it still stings after you've made it through keeping the needle in, ice the area for 5 min or so. And congratulate yourself

Hope this is only temporary for you and it goes away so you can enjoy the 40. I'm still on the 20mg and I have zero issues so I don't dare change the thankful one in a million things that actually have no issues for me