I am starting Copaxone soon too. I've done Rebif and Tysabri and now will be doing Copaxone with a steroid pulse every other month.

I am up for hearing any and all tips and tricks from users. I was also wondering if you send you any freebies (other than the auto-injector)? I love freebies. :-)

Rebif had sent a messenger bag, a jar/bottle opener device, a sharps container, a hard case for the injector, and a smaller hard insulated travel case to hold your shots with a travel sharps case. They also sent a dry erase chart for the refridgerator to keep track of your shot locations.

So far I've only received the auto-injector with a soft case. My meds haven't arrived yet.

Best wishes to you Laurelvo!

I was told if I used the sharps container it would have to be properly disposed of, Dr office. I was told to use a smal laundry detergent bottle, bend the needles, tape the cap shut,,,,,,,, Was on Copaxone for almost 9 years...... GL :)

I think each state has a different policy on sharps disposal. I used one when I was on Rebif and it wasn't a problem. I am in Ohio so I don't know about other states.

I have been on Copaxone since April of 2010. The tip I would give would be
Do your injections at the same time each day. Try to tie it to something that you do regularly so you will remember. For me I found the best time was at night right after a shower but just before bed. I put a cold pack on for a few minutes after the injection.

When I first started the injection site would itch and burn for about 20 minutes but now don't even notice it. I really haven't noticed any other side effects.

When you speak with your nurse at Shared Solutions request a lock box, travel case and hot/cold packs. You can also ask for another auto-ject if you need one. The lock box is a metal box with lock and key that you is handy if there are children in the house. The travel case is great for trips and can hold the auto-ject, 10 -15 syringes and a hot/cold pack. It also has a spot for you put your prescription label that is need for flying.


As for disposal, each state is different. You can check with your local health department or use the CDC site http://cdc.gov/needledisposal/ and look up your state.

Once you get into a routine, I am sure you will do fine,

I've been on Copaxone since March 2010. I quickly got used to the daily shots and I do it right before bed so I never forget.
I still tend to swell up and get itchy - it's particularly bad in certain spots (usually my stomach). The welts can last for a couple of days but even so, I've sort of gotten used to it. I'll be honest, there are still many nights when I complain about it and try to convince my dog that he wants to take the shot for me :) But I never felt sick and didn't miss a day of work which was really important to me.
They'll send you a soft ice pack (and more if you ask for them). The travel boxes I have hold 5 needles so I had them send me an extra one as I usually travel (when I do) for a week or so. They also sent a backpack (in my basement), a soft travel case with a hard ice pack, the autoinjector, a needle cutter, and a book to keep track of your shots. Nothing super exciting but my nurse told me that people love to use the soft travel case as a lunch box :)

reply #4, it sounds like you have a slight allergic reaction to Copaxone?

I only took Copaxone for about 9 days, as I started getting itchy and hives. My doctor pulled me right off of it. I didn't get any freebies, except a binder to hold all my Copaxone literature in it. Nothing fantastic!

I took the shot every night before bed too so I could be consistent. I'm glad now that i'm off Copaxone due to the permanent dents that it makes in your skijn.

Been on Copaxone for 9 years. Don't like the new literature that is out there for it as it is coming up for loss of patent and they filed for lesser dose. FDA said NO because mechanism of action could not be determined (very scary) so any generic would have to do complete clinical testing! Awaiting results from a new MRI (only new one in 9 years and for that had to change neuros) and we'll see. I fear the lesions are moving along at a slow steady clip as now my autonomic nervous system seems to be shot but we'll see. Rotate where you can. I can't use my legs at all - too painful. Stomach looks like cottage cheese after years of injections and fat depressions and now the arse is starting to look the same. Permanent dents in my arms but I guess that is to be expected. Shakes periodically and palpitations from nowhere which I attribute to the drug (9 years is a long time) but otherwise, like Montel says - it is like shooting battery acid so try not to get it on your skin. God bless the autoinjector! Good luck and as far as freebies are concerned - for the first 2 years I got lots of crap from Shared Solutions from daytimers, to travel packs (hard and soft) calendars but now I hear absolutely nothing from them. Guess they have me hooked so onto the newbies.

Thanks all, for your comments! Nurse is coming for my 'lesson' in like, an hour. I will press them for freebee's too, but, here's the best one! I got a call from Shared Solutions and because of my 'script co. provider (medco/accredo) and the state that I live in and that this is my only health care provider, they have offered to pay for my $50 monthly out of pocket for the drug, so a $600 a year, savings! the best freebee yet. Least they can do. The drug is like $30k a year?? I will TOTALLY rotate sites, but as for cottage cheese legs, got them, already.

I have been on Copaxone since August of 2007. This drug has worked good for me. I have only had 2 relapses since I started it.
I take my injections every night before bedtime. The auto injector is wonderful. I am not scared of needles but it sure helps when It comes to sticking yourself everyday. The only reaction I have had to Copaxone is a red spot where it was given. It will go away in a few hours or the next day.
Good luck in starting your new med!

I just started Copaxone in August. So far I'm very happy with it. I was on Avonex for 2 years and I'm telling you, I could tell the day it finally worked it's way out of my system. Daily throbbing headaches, depression, fatigue; all symptoms I was blaming on the MS, when it was mostly drug side-effects. The copaxone does sting pretty good for 15 to 20 minutes after the injection (ice pack helps), and I have a red, swollen bump for a couple of days. But for me, so far, this has been a great change.