Copaxone and Bumps: What Users Say

• Tia...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 13, 2013

For Multiple Sclerosis "I started Copaxone about six months ago. I had been diagnosed with MS 10 years ago but didn't take anything for it but a giant dose of B vitamins daily. Last December, I had my first real flare-up and it was awful. The neuro told me I had no choice now, but to take something. So after researching with my husband, I decided on Copaxone. Do not give up if you just started and are having itchy bumps and stinging when injecting. It really did get better for me. I did have one incident of chest tightness and anxiety which lasted about three minutes but only once. When I read the side effects from other drugs (Flu-like symptoms and hallucinations!) I picked this drug. So far, so good. Neuro thinks I am not progressing at this point."

• Neh...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• January 4, 2016

For Multiple Sclerosis "I think Copaxone has been great for me, no serious relapses. I went to 40 mg because 3x a week sounded better than 7, right!? I wish I had just stayed with the 20 mg, been doing it for years, never had any issues. Getting a lot more site reactions now with the 40 mg, lumps, itching, painful, etc. Talked to my doctor about going back to 20 mg, he said there is a generic available and most insurance companies are gonna try to push people toward the generic now. I might be stuck with the 40 mg. My advice would be, just stick with the daily shots."

• Meo...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 14, 2019

For Multiple Sclerosis "I was on Copaxone 40 mg for 2 months before I quit. It was my 1st MS drug; I hope I won't react so poorly to the next. For me, each injection just really hurt. It burned starting 15 - 30 seconds in, even with an ice pack. The burn was intense for about 15 minutes, then in about 1 hour, it lessened enough I could limp off to bed. Welts about 2 inches in diameter formed on my arms and thighs, and lumps formed in my stomach or the back of my hips. The welts were painful and hot for 3-7 days (thigh injections were the worst; I cried after those). The lumps itched for about 5 days after stopping hurting (about 1 day). Not to say they weren't bad too; just less so. The burning was bad enough that by the 2nd month I had my husband do the injections; I just couldn't bring myself to put the needle in anymore. Does everyone who uses Copaxone feel like this and just suck it up? Am I being a wimp here? I hope not."

• PJa...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• February 5, 2017

For Multiple Sclerosis "I was diagnosed with RRMS in 1993. Tried Avonex, worst side effects: body pain, pounding headache instantly. Stopped drug after 6 weeks. In 1999, had relapse: double vision, numb on left side, slurred speech, dizziness, fatigue, unable to walk without falling, my mind felt odd. Doctor at Duke University suggested Copaxone 20 mg. Started in 1999. Now on 40 mg, 3 times a week. Had relapse May 2016. I have itching, welts, injection pain, lumps, and permanent indentations."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• August 28, 2017

For Multiple Sclerosis "Diagnosed MS 2/2015; problems started 12/2014. 1st Tecfidera: @4-5 months, many side effects, horrible flushing, medicine worse than MS, t-cells plummeted. 2nd Copaxone: @2 months: hypothermia (one time very serious), and infections; @9 months, mammogram showed calcification. Pre-filled needle is thick and painful; syringes are poorly made and slip, causing pain; big lumps at injection site. 3rd Wahl's protocol (level 1 w/supplements) and Radical Remission protocol: all symptoms resolved, am better now than any time I can remember. I look forward to MRI next month, will be about 1 1/2 months off meds at that time, and 11 months on Wahls & Radical Remission lifestyle."