Copaxone User Reviews & Ratings (Page 2)

• kpp...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• April 2, 2013

For Multiple Sclerosis "I've been on Copaxone for over 10 years, it has kept me stable and still able to teach dance (but without spins and turns!). I would not have continued without the shooter from your doctor, it makes it quick and easy. I bought a needle clipper from the drug store so I can clip off the needle and throw the shot in the garbage. Great for traveling... no need for a refrigerator for a couple of weeks. I just heard Copaxone is coming out with a shot every other day. Yippee!"

• Middle...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• March 6, 2013

For Multiple Sclerosis "I was diagnosed in 2001 with relapsing-remitting Multiple Sclerosis. I never had any major flare-ups. I took Avonex for 5 years but didn't notice any real difference. I went on to Copaxone 5 years ago. What a revelation! The major difference is it took my tiredness away. There was a painful injection and one incidence of a 'heart attack that wasn't,' but it was worth it for the lack of fatigue. I can now work full-time, walk miles, etc."

• Icky...
• September 15, 2015

For Multiple Sclerosis "I only took it for two weeks. I have been told to stop by the nurse at Shared Solutions. Right from the get-go, I was getting bad reactions. There was the normal hard swelling 3' rash at the injection site, and the stinging persisted for hours. The next week, after an hour of the injection, weakness throughout my entire body, all of my joints hurt, especially my spine, horrible cold chills, and extreme nausea. These effects were lasting up to 6 hours. The injection site swelling would continue to get bigger for 3 days. I tried the massaging cold packs and warm packs... Nothing worked. I know this is an extreme way to put it, but it felt like chemo...."

• Abbys...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• December 17, 2014

For Multiple Sclerosis "Copaxone has been excellent for me, as far as slow to minimal progression. I hate injections. However, I much prefer the 20 mg daily injection over the 40 mg three times a week. I have fewer localized reactions."

• Bourg
• January 26, 2016

For Multiple Sclerosis "Updating my 3 MRIs and X-ray. I'm stable, nothing new, just dealing with old damages. I've been on Copaxone 8 years on Feb. 8. The 40 mg hurts more, but if I'm stable with nothing new, I'm sticking with my Copaxone."

• Lindy...
• December 16, 2015

For Multiple Sclerosis "My first MS symptom was sudden right-sided paralysis, which is very rare. I was put on steroid therapy, infusion with tapering off meds. After six months, I regained most of my motor control. I started on daily injections 8 years ago. Had the usual itching, bruising, lumps under skin. It does melt the fat under the skin also. When the 40 mg 3 times a week came out, I jumped on board with it. Honestly, I have not had any major flare-ups and the last 3 years have had no new lesions. Stick with it if you can. I know a younger woman than myself, and she would never switch from it either. Good luck :)"

• Ranha...
• May 1, 2018

For Multiple Sclerosis "Diagnosed in 2000. Lost all feeling in half of right arm. MRI showed innumerable lesions in brain and 3 on spine. Also, evidence of MS in spinal fluid. Immediately began Copaxone 20 mg daily. Swank MS diet limiting saturated fat to 15 grams per day. Have taken Vit B, D, CoQ10, chorella (for the amino acids), multi-vits, sphingolin (myelin protein), evening primrose oil, and fish oil with food at lunch. Also, apitherapy (hugely helpful) sting myself with live honeybees whenever possible. I had one exacerbation in 2005 where I was dragging my foot when walking and was put on steroid intravenous drip for the 2nd time (which reversed all symptoms). I exercise 3 times per week with mild cardio (stairclimber, weights, swim), don't push myself except to get heart rate up to about 130-150 with a push at the end. No real symptoms except for occasional tingling and minor balance issues. Naps also very important. Massage also helpful. Something is working. Don't know what."

• Monic-a
• December 18, 2015

For Multiple Sclerosis "I started Copaxone 2 months ago. So far, so good, only a little redness at the injection site, but I think that that's nothing compared to the damage MS can do. I have a sister who is blind and handicapped, so I will try to do my best to help myself even if the injection site gets bad every time I inject. Nothing is perfect in life. So far, that's the only reaction: redness, and I do use the autoinject. I don't drink or smoke, and I also take vitamin D every morning-2 or 3 gummies, 2000 mg. The only thing I am missing is that I still put sugar in my coffee :( I read sugar is not good. That will be my next year's resolution. God bless all of you!"

• Lion...
• March 1, 2017

For Multiple Sclerosis "I started taking Copaxone in 2001, after trying Avonex for 3 weeks with bad flu-like symptoms. I began Copaxone 20 mg once a day, it's been 16 years now with minimal side effects compared to the exacerbations. I miss approximately 1 injection a week, on average, due to it not injecting. I have not had a major attack in 16 years. I rarely ever use my cane. Once last year, I caught the flu and had bad MS-related symptoms. When I was 21, I had optic neuritis, at 28, I became at least 90 percent paralyzed from my waist down and was told I would be in a wheelchair by 50. After this, I quit smoking, drinking, and any non-medicinal drugs, I began working out, etc. The answer to me is the opposite of burning the candle at both ends and a positive outlook."

• spinn...
• July 7, 2016

For Multiple Sclerosis "I have been taking Copaxone for 5 years now for MS. I started the 1 a day shot, but a year ago went to 3 a day. This stuff kept my MS in check. If you get this drug, I suggest you get an auto injector with it. Makes things easier."

• Antti...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 19, 2016

For Multiple Sclerosis "After dealing with the horrific side effects of Avonex and being admitted into a hospital for four days after I was suspected of having PML due to my worsening symptoms and low white blood count (thanks to Tecfidera), I finally found the right treatment for me. I couldn't be any happier with Copaxone."

• Carbo
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• July 5, 2014

For Multiple Sclerosis "Took it off and on for 2 years on the advice of my doctor and because of my age. I was told this was the best option for me. Had terrible deep itching at the injection site and painful welts. After stopping when I was pregnant and restarting, symptoms were more pronounced and eventually went into anaphylactic shock. Fell over, hit the side of my face, and that's when I called it quits. It's been over a year and at this point, I am choosing to stay off any of these medications. Not enough evidence to support the pros outweigh the cons."

• Sook
• October 20, 2015

For Multiple Sclerosis "I have been on 20 mg for about 6 years. Some annoying side effects, such as itching back and feet, muscle spasms, and tingling, but could pretty much handle them. Then went to the 40 mg. Not good. For a few months, it was okay, but then the severe heart palpitations, tingling in head and face, and muscle spasms would wake me up. Neuro said it was not the meds and kept giving me something for anxiety. Nothing helped, so I figured it was me and would have to live with it. Decided to go off and see if that helped. It has been a week and a half, and I feel the symptoms fading away already. Don't know if I will go back to 20 mg or just stay off of it. I can't live with the harsh side effects of the 40 mg."

• still...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• April 24, 2016

For Multiple Sclerosis "I was diagnosed in 2004, and I've been off and on Copaxone since then. I take the 3x a week 40-count shot now, and there is a study ongoing now that is trying to see if taking an 80-count injection once a month works just as well. I always feel better on Copaxone, and I will try to remain compliant. In the past, I've had muscle stiffness, anxiety with it, but not now. I find I have less site reaction if I inject it chilled, and stomach is best. Multiple studies have shown it's the best chance to avoid a relapse. I do wonder if I had remained compliant whether I would be able to walk without a cane or avoid the burning legs that make it hard to wear most pants. (I find medical cannabis hugely helpful, but I would prefer the no-high variety.)"

• Bohem...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• March 24, 2014

For Multiple Sclerosis "Copaxone was working great for over 10 years, until the day came that my injection site reaction went anaphylactic. Not a pleasant experience, especially when health care providers (of which I am/was one) refuse to believe that the only potential exposure agent was Copaxone. I would be willing to give it another try (in a controlled hospital setting with emergency medicines on hand), but my neurologist and PCP won't let me. If you can take it, site reactions are the only problem I ever had, as they only occurred the last year I was on it. Side effects were virtually non-existent compared to the other ABC medicines and the new treatment modalities."

• Diegos
• May 8, 2016

For Multiple Sclerosis "I had two pretty worrying initial exacerbations in July 2011 and February 2012; since then, I use Copaxone, and I've had no relapses nor new lesions (I write this May 2016). Injections are, of course, a nuisance, but what can we do."

• LNP
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• September 9, 2015

For Multiple Sclerosis "I was diagnosed with MS in late December 2013. I started taking Copaxone the summer of 2014. I started off using the daily 20mg, then I switched over to the 40mg because I didn't want to give myself a daily injection. When I first started the 40mg, the side effects included sore injection site welts. Over time, the side effects became worse. Now, every time I take the 40mg, I get very sore, itchy welts at the injection site, along with patches of itchy, rash bumps on certain parts of my body. The other side effects happen randomly after an injection. These include severe body aches and chills. The symptoms are fever-like. Other than that, I feel an increase in my energy levels since taking Copaxone, and my MS lesions have not spread."

• Anonymous
• December 29, 2011

For Multiple Sclerosis "I've been on Copaxone since the day I was diagnosed almost 10 years ago. I too had the choice of which medicine I wanted to take, and I chose Copaxone, and I haven't looked back since. Yes, I've had occasional flare-ups, but nothing major. I could barely walk when I started, and it got me back on my feet and back to work full-time."

• Fern
• Taken for 10 years or more
• April 15, 2018

For Multiple Sclerosis "I had my first MS symptoms in 1985; diagnosed with RRMS in 1990. Started on Copaxone in 2000, 18 years ago. When they came out with 3x a week injections, I switched to that. My course has been largely benign: most of my symptoms involve sensory sensations on my right side; a few times those sensations have been pronounced enough that it causes weakness/numbness in my foot and some trouble walking. I haven't had a relapse for 8 years now; not sure if it's because I have mild MS or if it's the Copaxone. For now, I'm not willing to go off it to find out. Of all the MS drugs, I think Copaxone has the most manageable side effects. I've never had any problems aside from being a little sore after the injection and getting those lumps after repeated injections. Years back, I stopped injecting in my arms/legs because I don't have a lot of fat there, and the lumps I felt in those areas eventually went away. It took about a year, but they did disappear."

• Jsw
• Taken for 10 years or more
• January 6, 2022

For Multiple Sclerosis "I have been on Copaxone for 15 years. It's the only medication I've been on for MS. Overall, great med. 1 flare up in that time. And progression only in the past 2 years. I have had injection site reactions like redness, swelling and knots. Last year I had a seizure immediately after injecting Copaxone and I don't have a history of seizures. Never happened again. But, like Lee, it is not mentioned in any Teva literature. I reported this to my Neurologist, Shared Solutions, and the drug manufacturer. Nobody had heard of this reaction."

• katblue
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 11, 2014

For Multiple Sclerosis "Medicine appears to be effective. Injection sites are painful after injection, injection sites must be changed daily. Most approved injection sites cannot be reached by user, therefore, requiring assistance."

• Monique
• Taken for 10 years or more
• September 7, 2021

For Multiple Sclerosis "I used this amazing drug for 17 years before it stopped working! I went to an infusion and now another injectable (no names). I am secondary progressive and walked unaided for almost 40 years. Now I am wishing I could turn the clock back."

• Camar...
• November 25, 2012

For Multiple Sclerosis "I started taking Copaxone as soon as I was diagnosed. I don't like the red welts and stinging, but my doctor prescribed me a spray to put on before I inject, and it helps. I don't have much fat, so I have the indentations and bruising. But I had not had any new lesions on it! But I decided I would stop taking it and was off it for 5 months, and had an MRI and have more lesions, so it does work! I'm back on it now, hope my next MRI proves it works."

• Vamp...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 16, 2018

For Multiple Sclerosis "OMG, first time taking Copaxone after taking Avonex for 20 years. It is unbelievable, no side effects. Even though I am happy that Avonex was there and I truly believe that because I stayed on it, my MS is controllable, it was a pain, the side effects were too much. I am happy to try Copaxone, I was not happy with injecting myself daily, but since there are no side effects... that helps. :)"

• TishaM
• May 29, 2013

For Multiple Sclerosis "I was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis on Jan 10, 2012. Since being on Copaxone for one year, I haven't noticed any change in my symptoms. I have noticed they come every three months instead of monthly. Haven't seen a neurologist yet and hope no new lesions. I will say that I have experienced hair loss. I have never had a problem with hair loss other than cutting it off myself, but this has been ongoing. At first, I had the indentions, but was told by an MS nurse to try getting a massage. And that I have done. I get a massage on a weekly basis, and it has taken the indentions away and it relaxes me. I have hope this medicine works for me."