Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Support Group

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sherizi 07/03/2012

I am still dealing with site reactions. Most of the sites just do the typical welt, some of them still bruise up badly, and then all of the sites turn into itcy red spots. Some about 2-3 " in diameter. The itching lasts usually over a week.
I am tiring of these shots! I will likely keep taking the Copaxone for the next week, until I can get in to see my neuro. But, this is driving me nuts!

Not enjoying this daily routine of misery, and the large ugly spots that are left on my legs, arms, hips, and stomach for weeks and weeks!!! :(

Oh, to answer one comment, I can't do the ice pack after because I also suffer with Raynaud's. That just makes my skin swell. And, I also can't really massage the sites even after 24 hours, if it is bruised, it hurts to touch!

deleted_user 07/25/2012

I have been having the same type of reactions and I have been on copaxone for about a year now. I warm the spot as directed, I take benadryl and I ice after and for at least a week after the shot I have a large, red, itchy and really hot spot where we inject. I do massage them and it doesn't seem to help at all. I actually end up skipping doses because when you have a welt the size of a large ball you tend to run out of spots to inject, I can't inject into my legs, arms or thighs or butt because of how I react so stomach only. I talked to the shared solutions nurse but all they say is over time it will lessen. I plan on talking to my Dr when I see him next week to see if I can switch medications.

deleted_user 07/25/2012

i know one of the injectable drugs, not sure if it is copaxone, your not suppose to ice afterwards because it slows down the delivery of the meds through the tissues. does anyone remember about this?

deleted_user 07/25/2012

I do think I remember reading something about not icing after one of the injections but I can't remember which one. Maybe it is copaxone. The first few months (almost 6?) I didn't use ice at all, just heat but the nurse said after it was okay, just not before and for me, either with out without I get the same reaction. I don't think I used to get this reaction with Betaseron but after like 2 years I started to have relapses and was told that I had to switch since it wasn't working. I wish I could remember how that one was but my memory doesn't go back that far. I keep saying I should start a journal....than seem to forget :)

mteverest 07/27/2012

You can use ice but no longer than 1min or 2. I usually used it for a min or less and since it didn't make a difference, I just stopped using heat/ice.

I have the same problems with copax, only areas I use my stomach and hips. I use different needle adjustment for different areas. But I like to stay on copax for as long as I can b/c the side effects are not as serious as other treatments.

ps. when I run out of sites to inject, then I use my thighs as a last resort and deal with that huge red welt for a week.

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