Glatiramer and Numbness: What Users Say

• Bou...
• December 28, 2015

Glatiramer 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."

• JLD...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 20, 2019

Glatiramer for Multiple Sclerosis "I was completely stable on Copaxone for years, with no progression, until Cigna made me switch to Glatopa. After several weeks on Glatopa, I began having severe symptoms, including numbness and tingling in my extremities, difficulty using my hands, clumsiness in one foot, and difficulty thinking. I am afraid and wish I had never tried this drug."

• Ms...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• September 10, 2016

Glatiramer 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."

• MSg...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• March 23, 2013

Glatiramer for Multiple Sclerosis "I started Copaxone a couple of months after being diagnosed. At the time of diagnosis, I was just getting over a relapse that included numbness on my left side and a phantom turtle-neck feeling. I haven't had any symptoms since then, and that was November 2011. I'm pleased with Copaxone this far."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 2, 2012

Glatiramer for Multiple Sclerosis "I chose Copaxone because of the liver problems that people have from the oral medication. I have been on Copaxone for 2 months now. I have had site reactions like swelling, redness, and itching. I have started using the heat before and a cold pack after my injection, which has helped. Recently, I have had some problems with numbness in my right side from under my arm down to my toes and a burning sensation from my calf down to my toes. It is probably a flare-up. I will stay on the injections until my neuro tells me to stop. Shared Solutions is great, and they are very helpful."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 17, 2022

Glatiramer for Multiple Sclerosis "So I have been on Copaxone for about 3 months now. The injection site was bad. I got big welts and bad itching. That has gone down quite a bit. But now, as of a month ago, I have been having a very fast heart rate and having a hard time breathing at times. Also, I'm cold all the time now. Never had a problem with that before. I don't feel like doing anything. I'm always tired. And the shaking, stomach aches, back aches, and numbness in my face and hands all suck. I have also, in the last month, been having a problem with anxiety. I have never had anxiety before. I did all kinds of blood tests and a chest X-ray because I thought there was something wrong with my heart. But everything keeps coming back normal. So it has to be from the Copaxone. I'm thinking I'm gonna stop the Copaxone for a week and see if my symptoms improve. I can't take all of this. This is not me. It is driving me crazy."

• Jus...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• November 3, 2019

Glatiramer for Multiple Sclerosis "I was diagnosed with MS in 2014, started Copaxone in 2015... 40mg 3x/wk. It was hard to get used to injections, but I got used to it after about a year, and I was at the point where I could just take a shot manually in the stomach or by the injector, and I could just carry on. Then my Tricare insurance decided to change to generic Glatopa. Since then, my shots have burned, and injection sites hurt weeks after. Noticed more numbness in legs and feet, and constantly cold. My Dr. is trying to fight for Copaxone, but I don't think she's gonna win. I can't afford $5800.00 a month for Copaxone. I'm going to request another MRI to see if there's any changes."

• Gre...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 26, 2018

For Multiple Sclerosis "I was diagnosed in 2002 and put on Copaxone with no side effects and no progress of the disease on MRIs. This past January, I had to switch to Kaiser and was unable to get any meds until July-they would only approve Glatopa. I had, over the 6+ months, a lot of symptoms I had never experienced before, and was scared for the first time since being diagnosed. I have been on Glatopa for less than a month, and my mouth is numb and sometimes my lips, and I'm not able to speak properly at times as my tongue can't work properly. I also have tremendous mood swings and intense feelings of being overwhelmed, none of which I had on Copaxone. They don't have a neurologist that specifically treats MS, so I feel like my choice is nothing or Glatopa that may be doing me more harm than good. I wish there was more information on the difference with these drugs, as there obviously are big differences."

• Gre...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 26, 2018

For Multiple Sclerosis "I was diagnosed in 2002 and put on Copaxone with no side effects and no progress of the disease on MRIs. This past January, I had to switch to Kaiser and was unable to get any meds until July-they would only approve Glatopa. I had, over the 6+ months, a lot of symptoms I had never experienced before, and was scared for the first time since being diagnosed. I have been on Glatopa for less than a month, and my mouth is numb and sometimes my lips, and I'm not able to speak properly at times as my tongue can't work properly. I also have tremendous mood swings and intense feelings of being overwhelmed, none of which I had on Copaxone. They don't have a neurologist that specifically treats MS, so I feel like my choice is nothing or Glatopa that may be doing me more harm than good. I wish there was more information on the difference with these drugs, as there obviously are big differences."