Copaxone and Chest Pain: 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."

• Klm...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 25, 2023

For Multiple Sclerosis "1st dose OK. 2nd dose, a bit of nausea and weak for a short time, maybe 1 hour. 3rd dose, nausea, stomach pain, chest pain, pain between shoulders, very cold for several hours, then very hot, unwell for 10 hours, very tired and weak the next day. 4th dose, nausea, stomach pain, pain between shoulders, pain in kidneys, chest pain. Again, very cold, then very hot. Unwell for 24 hours, still very weak after 2 days."

• jac...
• January 4, 2010

For Multiple Sclerosis "I have been on Copaxone for 5 months now after being diagnosed in June. The injections are easy, but the site reactions are awful. I get red, itchy, and swollen at the site despite using heat, ice, and the various adjustments of the needle depths as directed by the nurse. I also had a really bad reaction that included chest pains and what seemed like muscle spasms coupled with electric shocks in my joints, which lasted about 30 minutes. I am going to continue for a few more months, but if there is no change, I'm going to ask my neurologist about other options. I'm glad to hear that it works for others."

• Lfr...
• September 16, 2015

For Multiple Sclerosis "I've been on Copaxone since February 2001. I have not had a major exacerbation during that time. Previously, I had a major exacerbation approx every 5 years. The minor exacerbations I now have are very mild. Initially, I had a bad site reaction - burning like a wasp sting for about half an hour, but this passed. I did have one chest pain episode, but none since. Otherwise, no side effects - though I do have a bleeding 'rogue blood vessel' coming through scar tissue in one eye (retina). This is from a blow 10 years ago, but I wonder if Copaxone may have exacerbated this. I have been on 20 mg, only this week going onto 40 mg."

• Dom...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 21, 2013

For Multiple Sclerosis "I've been on Copaxone for 3 months, and I got to say it gives me a lot of energy. I never really had bad flare-ups, but what I had was very scary to me, and so far, Copaxone has only given me a little chest pain and shortness of breath, but other than that, I trust that Copaxone works. All I can say is stay positive."

• Stu...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• November 18, 2017

For Multiple Sclerosis "I was diagnosed with relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) in 2009. Started Copaxone 20 mg. Used auto inject. Had injection site lumps, itching, bee sting-like reaction always. The skin began to atrophy. Had the immediate post-injection reaction (IPIR) too many times to count. Can't breathe, flushing, back spasms, terrible headache, chest pain. Was switched to 40 mg because of lack of injection sites a few years later. IPIR was THE WORST I've ever experienced. Stopped taking it for about 6 weeks. No exacerbations since my diagnosis. While off the meds, I started having more nerve pain. My MS doctor said to switch back to 20 mg. I had a bad reaction last night with freezing, shaking, and joint/muscle pain for an hour. I have 4 injection sites left to use: hips and flanks. Don't want liver trouble from other meds. Stuck."