Copaxone (Teva)

I would appreciate any information about side effects when using "Copaxone". I'm afraid of start using it after reading its directions. Does it really work? Are side effects as bad as they describe? How much time they can last? I'm 50 yaers old and was diagnosed with MS 10 years ago. I've been using Interferon since 1997.

Leila Wildi wrote:

I would appreciate any information about side effects when using "Copaxone". I'm afraid of start using it after reading its directions. Does it really work? Are side effects as bad as they describe? How much time they can last? I'm 50 yaers old and was diagnosed with MS 10 years ago. I've been using Interferon since 1997.

My dad used to use Copaxone and experienced none of the side effects excpet for a day or two of flu-like symptoms when he first began using it. He used to use Interferon...do you mind if I ask why you switched meds?

Thank you for your supportive answer. I already started using Copaxone last week and experienced few side effects. Research says that after using Interferon so many years, the patient ends up developing some tolerance to the drug and its efficacy becomes inadequate. That's why my doctor decided to try another option after my last hospitalization.

Leila Wildi wrote:

Thank you for your supportive answer. I already started using Copaxone last week and experienced few side effects. Research says that after using Interferon so many years, the patient ends up developing some tolerance to the drug and its efficacy becomes inadequate. That's why my doctor decided to try another option after my last hospitalization.

That's what I was thinking, just wanted to make sure. Good luck with your switch, and glad to hear it's gone well so far!

I have been on Copaxone for eight years. Except for some skin irritation I don't have any adverse side effects. The skin irritation usually means a red bump but I consider it minor and manageable compared to how great this drug has worked for me.
By the way, I am 32 and have had MS over ten years.
Good Luck!!

Thank you Sarah.In fact, I've been experiecing some flu-like symptoms 3 or 4 hours after having the shot. I believe those symptoms could be related to the drug only because it is new. Is there any hope of getting used to it?
I have to tell my doctor that happened.
Good luck for you too and thank you one more time.

Leila Wildi wrote:

Thank you Sarah.In fact, I've been experiecing some flu-like symptoms 3 or 4 hours after having the shot. I believe those symptoms could be related to the drug only because it is new. Is there any hope of getting used to it?
I have to tell my doctor that happened.
Good luck for you too and thank you one more time.

My dad experienced those flu-like symptoms only the first couple of times he used the injection. He got used to it quickly. I am sure that, given time, you will also get used to the medication, but until then, you are right, you do have to tell you doctor.

I am starting this new drug on Friday. I must say...Im petrified, after reading up on it. The tightness in the chest really scares me. I was on Avonex for six months, but it made me really ill. I have four children, and I need to feel healthy so I can chase them around..... Any suggestions?

this is an old thread I see. However, I switched from Rebif to Copaxone back in april. So far, the only side effects are skin site reactions. A big change from the Rebif for me.

That being said, others have taken Rebif with no problems. I'm sure others has had problems with Copaxone. I'm not sure how your injections went. But for any first time users, ask if you can take the shot at the doctor's office. or if they will send a nurse to do training. that way, you will be more at ease your first time.

I'm 57 with two stents in my heart and MS for
about five years. I couldn't take Rebif-it exposed the heart problem, but Copaxone has been a breeze for over a year now. And my MS
has improved too.

I do take it after dinner each night after taking the shot out of the fridge in the morning. I put my feet up, turn on the TV and drink some green tea until the stinging goes away. And I ONLY put it in my ample rump. Too much stinging for arms or legs.

I have been taking Copaxone for about a year and have found that it has improved my health greatly. Although I am not a fan of shots I was also given an auto inject device to make sure it is injected properly. Site reaction and a lump under the skin for a couple of days have been my only issues. The improved quality of life for me is well worth the reaction. I'll admit that I have to take a list of other medication for management of long term symptoms that don't go away. But I believe Copaxone is a great medication.

there is nothing to be afraid of im 26 and was diagnosed 1 1/2 years ago and was also afraid to start my shot because of side effects i finally got the courge to have a nurse come and show me how to use copaxone its really easy and the only side effect i get is a itchy spot were i take the shot so far so good

Leila Wildi wrote:

I would appreciate any information about side effects when using "Copaxone". I'm afraid of start using it after reading its directions. Does it really work? Are side effects as bad as they describe? How much time they can last? I'm 50 yaers old and was diagnosed with MS 10 years ago. I've been using Interferon since 1997.

there is nothing to be afraid of im 26 and was diagnosed 1 1/2 years ago and was also afraid to start my shot because of side effects i finally got the courge to have a nurse come and show me how to use copaxone its really easy and the only side effect i get is a itchy spot were i take the shot so far so good

Hi,
I have been using Copaxone since diagnosis in 2000 with no adverse side effects and no further visible lesions upon follow-up MRI.

I have had MS for 27 yrs. I started copaxone 4yrs ago.I used to get itchy spots at injection site but not now. I tolerate it well and the MS is stable--I do well I am still a working speech pathologist-I have definately slowed down but keep on slugging away !!

I was recently diagnosed in May, I had a few episodes early this year before I knew what it was. I have felt fine since. I'm supposed to start treatment this month. My mind tells me I need to from everything I have read but feeling fine is a bit of a deterant. I know all medications have side effects, I'm not looking forward to them since I feel fine now.

For the itchiness at the injection sites I use anti itch gel usually used for ivy itchiness and it works great. I take a day off every two weeks for so because I run out of injection sites and some days I just don't want to do the shot. If I take it in the AM I can see very well and the dose is strong. Happy living!!

I have been taking Copaxone since Feb. 22, 2008. The shots hurt me every night and sometimes the areas swell. I have had two relapses, but my Neurologist thinks the shots are working.

I've been on copaxone for about 7 years now. In that time I have run the gamut of side effects: injection site reactions, nausea, anxiety, muscle stiffness. Plus, I have had a number of post-injection reactions. Of these, about 4 have been sufficiently intense to be frightening (at the time)BUT I stay on it, because after 21 years of living with MS I can still walk, talk etc... and in the past 7 years, the drug has kept the MS at bay. So be brave, all drugs have side effects, you just have to be aware of the alternatives.

Thank you Sara for your input, it give me great hope! I am 58 and I have been on Copaxone since July of 2006, when I was diagnosed. Some symptoms have clared up (still numb and limpy now though), but my follow up MRI shows no new lesions. I have a little itchy bump after a shot, but it is nothing compared to dealing with MS every day. I have had about 4 shortness of breath, palpitating heart, hyperventilating reactions, but I hold on to my husband and breathe and they go away within 5 minutes. I'd rather Copaxone than any of the other drugs out there. Good luck all, and keep on keepin on!