Glatiramer and Swelling: What Users Say

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

Glatiramer 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. One 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."

• Dix...
• November 11, 2010

Glatiramer 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."

• jac...
• January 4, 2010

Glatiramer 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."

• apa...
• August 15, 2009

Glatiramer for Multiple Sclerosis "I have been on Auto Inject Copaxone for over a year now. I have just entered my second year. I may have the disease, but it certainly does not have me. I feel great for the most part. I get tired, but I think that is from chasing my 9-year-old son. I have had swelling from injections, but it disappears within 20 minutes. Arms seem to be the worst for me for injections."

• 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."

• Kar...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 3, 2020

For Multiple Sclerosis "I was on Copaxone for three years until Cigna switched me to Glatopa. I was fine with both, just some injection site redness and swelling. Two months ago, I was forced to switch to Glatiramer Acetate. Out of nowhere, I went into anaphylactic shock right after my injection. My doctor believes it was because it was a generic. I have a very mild case, and the remaining drug choices have so many bad side effects. Just make sure you consider all the side effects. They say they are rare, but it does happen. I almost died and am considering taking a break from these drugs."

• Mom...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 25, 2018

For Multiple Sclerosis "I had a severe allergic reaction last night. My face and mouth swelled. I couldn't breathe and had a hard time swallowing. My whole body was covered in hives. I had to go to the ER. I will NEVER take this medicine again. I thought I was going to die."