Copaxone User Reviews & Ratings (Page 3)
Copaxone has an average rating of 7.5 out of 10 from a total of 133 reviews on Drugs.com. 65% of reviewers reported a positive experience, while 17% reported a negative experience.
Reviews for Copaxone
- Bou...
- December 28, 2015
For Multiple Sclerosis "I've had MS for almost 8 years and been on Copaxone the whole time. I'm still on Copaxone and will continue to use Copaxone as long as I can. Going tomorrow to get 3 MRIs and an X-ray. The MRIs are with and without contrast. Because without contrast they wouldn't see new lesions. MS gets my right side numb: face, nose, tongue, throat, right side only. Two weeks ago, I experienced my first MS hug. Horrible feeling. I get spasms all over, and it affects my bladder as well. I hope it goes well for me tomorrow. The MRIs don't bother me - it's waiting on the results."
- Tis...
- 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."
Frequently asked questions
- Where and how should Copaxone be injected?
- What happens if an MS patient stops taking Copaxone?
- How long can you take Copaxone?
- How long does it take for Copaxone to be effective?
- Dix...
- November 11, 2010
For Multiple Sclerosis "I was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis 2 years ago, and this is the 1st medicine I've tried and hopefully the only! I've only had 1 relapse since I've been on it, and the only side effects I've had (other than the after-shot reaction, which I've had 2 times and isn't as bad as it sounds if you know it can happen) are redness, swelling, and itching at the injection site and weight loss (which I'm not complaining about). Sure, everyone's response will be different, just like MS is different for everyone, but I'm very happy with this therapy and got over the fear of needles quickly. Actually, I feel empowered when I take my injection."
- Poo...
- July 26, 2010
For Multiple Sclerosis "I was diagnosed with MS 10 years ago and started on Copaxone within a month. I chose Copaxone because it's a subcutaneous (tiny needle) injection rather than an intramuscular injection, with no flu-like symptoms. During these 10 years, I have had only one flare-up. When I first started on the drug, I had painful site reactions that lasted about an hour. After a couple of months, these got less severe and soon became very mild, and currently, I have no injection site discomfort. I don't have much body fat, and I suspect I was accidentally injecting into muscle tissue, which I understand can cause burning pain. Teva's Shared Solutions is a great and caring resource. Thanks, Teva!"
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Your review helps others make informed decisions.- Tab...
- Taken for 10 years or more
- June 1, 2019
For Multiple Sclerosis "Diagnosed in 2006, started on Rebif, which nearly killed me. Crashing blood sugar levels. Got on Copaxone, first 20 mg every day, then 40 mg 3x/week. Besides the minor effects of tingling, fatigue, slowing down, no major issues. MRIs show minor progression. In Nov 2018, my insurance notified me it would no longer cover the cost. I’ve been working with my doctor to find the next med, tried Tecfidera, stopped after 3 weeks, the side effects were so horrible. I want back on Copaxone."
- cpk...
- Taken for 5 to 10 years
- July 28, 2015
For Multiple Sclerosis "I was diagnosed with MS 10 years ago by MRI after many falls due to foot drop, around 2005. I took Copaxone from 2009 - 2011, 20 mg per day. It didn't help, it didn't hurt. I stopped because my insurance wouldn't cover it anymore. I've had regular symptoms over the last 10 (or even 30) years, they have gotten progressively worse the last 2 years. I got back on Copaxone about 4 months ago, 40 mg 3 times a week. I don't think it is helping. My site reactions are worse than they were with 20 mg daily shots. I have gotten to the point where I can barely walk without pain, weakness, and shin splints from the muscle weakness in my legs and inability to walk and balance properly. I take Copaxone ONLY because I'm afraid not to. Good luck."
More FAQ
- Anonymous
- October 2, 2009
For Multiple Sclerosis "I have been using Copaxone for almost ten years. In that time, I have had maybe two flare-ups. I self-inject. Found the auto-inject hurt more. Skin irritation lasts less than half an hour. The only long-term side effect is a loss of fat cells under the skin, which causes slight indentations. I chose Copaxone after many hours of research and have never been sorry. I intend to continue using this drug until someone convinces me there is something better."
- kat...
- 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."
- dee...
- Taken for less than 1 month
- March 16, 2016
For Multiple Sclerosis "So far, doing good. Got a diagnosis of MS in January 2016. I was numb from the waist down. Took a month for the numbness to recede. I am very unbalanced. I am hoping as months pass that will disappear. My energy has not returned for me yet. Maybe it will. I am praying so. No reactions except itching on the back of my arms. That is all. I do all 7 sites."
- dry...
- Taken for 1 to 6 months
- January 4, 2013
For Multiple Sclerosis "I was diagnosed in July 2012. Finally! I could no longer walk, my legs had gotten so weak. I was already in a wheelchair. PPMS is not fun. I have noticed that my legs are stronger, but still not able to walk. And my MS has not gotten any worse. I don't have and have never had 'flare-ups,' but at the rate I was going downhill before Copaxone, this is great. I don't like the shots, but I know they are worth it."
- Ms...
- Taken for 10 years or more
- September 10, 2016
For Multiple Sclerosis "Have been on Copaxone 20 mg every day for 14 years. Only one major flare-up in 2011 that left me numb from the waist down, had to learn to walk again. But only missed 5 days not taking Copaxone. Am okay with a shot every day. Am now walking with a walker, no flare-ups since 2012."
- Car...
- 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."
- Lia...
- Taken for 1 to 6 months
- August 28, 2012
For Multiple Sclerosis "I'm 17, and I've been on this medicine for 6 months now, and I'm super pleased with it. I chose it because I didn't want flu-like symptoms. At first, I was nervous about getting skin reactions, but I haven't had anything at all! It was quite painful for the first couple of weeks, and using heat and cold packs helped it, but now I don't need to use them. I totally recommend this, but it's a bit too soon for me to know if it's reducing attacks."
- Hav...
- March 28, 2013
For Multiple Sclerosis "Been on this medicine for almost one month, not quite sure if it's working 100% yet, but I feel quite well. Hands still have a tingly feeling, but I'm able to work and walk good, just have to keep faith! It does burn when being injected, other than that, I just pray it works well."
- igo...
- Taken for 2 to 5 years
- July 5, 2021
For Multiple Sclerosis "One can't really rate an MS DMT, as MS is unpredictable (never know how you'd be without the DMT), so I'll weigh 3 criteria: effectiveness on phase 3 studies (not much), how controlled my disease is (well), and my side effects (very minor). Since I started it (08/2018), only a tiny new lesion appeared, and muscle rigidity became a bit more pronounced, so I plan to stay on it. Side effects were none from the beginning (except for my horrible 1st injection - went too deep). With time, I stopped caring about syringe temperature, compresses, etc. But switching from 20mg to 40mg caused pain, some blood, bruising, etc. However, a decent procedure made it fine again (I now take it out of the fridge >30min before and apply a cold compress for 1-2min AFTER). Great 1st treatment if your MS seems milder (otherwise go with a stronger DMT like Tecfidera or even Gilenya). And, of course, switch to a stronger one if you have relevant disease activity while on this DMT."
- TRU...
- May 8, 2009
For Multiple Sclerosis "My doctor let me choose which medicine I wanted to be on. After many hours of research, I chose Copaxone. I absolutely love it. I self-inject. I do not use the auto-inject. Less pain that way. I love it so much. Very easy to do - the only area I can't reach is behind the arms, and my kids do those ones. Only site reactions. I feel great and look forward to many flare-free years."
- Dia...
- Taken for 1 to 2 years
- June 16, 2015
For Multiple Sclerosis "Diagnosed March 2014, and have been on Copaxone (3x weekly) since May 2014. Two MRIs since (Oct '14 and June '15) have shown no change. Had one exacerbation in April. Overall, I am pleased. I do have site reactions, red itchy lumps, but worth it to have little to no progression. Early in treatment, I had hair loss for 3 months, but that did stop. Plan to continue this treatment."
- Mon...
- May 21, 2016
For Multiple Sclerosis "I wrote a review in 12/2015. Unfortunately, I had to stop using Copaxone because I got bad reactions. The last one was body shaking, like if I had a machine connected to my body for one hour, my buttocks muscle shaking so much. I got very scared and stopped the medication. It's been 2 months, and I don't think I will go back to it. I am just trying to eat healthy, I cut all dairy and red meat."
- Anonymous
- July 18, 2012
For Multiple Sclerosis "I started Copaxone 2 years ago, and I am doing fantastic! I never miss a day, and aside from a small bump at the injection site that lasts for a few hours, I have not experienced any negative side effects. I had my latest MRI 2 weeks ago, and according to my neurologist, everything looks great."
- Ita...
- Taken for 10 years or more
- March 28, 2018
For Multiple Sclerosis "Diagnosed with MS in 2005, started on Copaxone daily. A few months later, in 2006. Stayed on it for about nine years, and then the 40 mg came out. I have been on that for the past three years or so. My first major symptom was transverse myelitis, which eventually led to my diagnosis. It basically went away on its own, except it left my feet with sensory numbness. Other than a couple of other very annoying symptoms, I’ve had no major problems with either the 20 mg or the 40 mg dose. I use an injector and always have. I will be having my first MRI in 12 years next week, so it will be interesting to see if anything has really changed. In any case, my neurologist said he would not change my treatment regardless of what an MRI showed, which is why he never ordered an MRI after the original ones. Now it’s more of a curiosity after all this time."
- Gle...
- May 9, 2016
For Multiple Sclerosis "Have been on Copaxone 20, Avonex, and Tysabri. Avonex caused bigeminy, Tysabri was stopped because I had the virus and could have a brain infection. Copaxone has kept me free of relapses for 12 years. I recently started Copaxone 40 and have had 2 massive injection site reactions and am currently off treatment. I hope I can start back on Copaxone 20 in 6 weeks. I am a lucky person. I am weak and tired, at 67 doing okay. I do not recommend Copaxone 40, but do not want geneticists."
- A...
- Taken for 5 to 10 years
- December 24, 2018
For Multiple Sclerosis "I was diagnosed in 2008. Was put on Betaseron - didn't work, Tecfidera (nightmare, no good, always read ingredients). Then Copaxone, which was a great fit, 20 mg works for me and exercise that helps balance and builds muscle. Copaxone helps, but talk to your nurse because most patients react differently."
- Dre...
- March 17, 2017
For Multiple Sclerosis "I was diagnosed with relapsing-remitting Multiple Sclerosis (MS) in April 2016. In August 2016 and February 2017, the MRI showed minimal activity. My neurologist advised me to start using Copaxone, 3 times a week - 40 mg. I've been injecting myself without the auto injector, and so far, so good. I only inject in my belly and legs (in the evening). When injecting in my belly, I experience a burning/itchy feeling. This fades away after an hour. It's an awkward feeling, but not a big deal. When injecting my legs, I experience stiffness of my leg muscle. After a few hours, it is gone. The stiffness is a nuisance, but not a big deal. The next morning, no more itchy sensations or muscle stiffness. All gone. Because I am only using it for 2 weeks, I don't know if it helps, but so far, I am very happy."
- 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."
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For Multiple Sclerosis "I stopped Copaxone due to bad reactions. I haven't eaten red meat, milk, cheese, yogurt, and white bread. I only drink almond milk and try to eat healthy. I am also taking vitamin D 5000 mg, cranberry pills 3600 mg, turmeric pills, fish oil, and B12. I've been healthy even without injections. Also, praying a lot."