I had been on the Beta since I was dx in 2006. I have been having a steady decline for the last year or more. So I have switched to the Copaxone.

These shots REALLY hurt. It's not bad going in...but then it feels like a bee sting and the pain just slowly spreads out. I keep an ice pack on it for at least 20 min. It takes at least that long to get some relief.

And this everyday thing is for the birds. I am lucky though that my dh helps me with them.

Any suggestions or is this just the way it's going to be?????

Thanks!

Hi Friend2U ... I've been on Copaxone for over 4 years ...

didn't the nurse go over this with you?? and are you using an auto-ject II to do the shots?

if you're on Facebook - there is a great group "Taking Copaxone" ... and it's been very helpful ...

yes, you will get the lump ... but, first - swab the location ... don't blow on it .. count to 60 ... then, do the injection .. it won't burn so much - and I count to 10 while holding the auto-ject to make sure it goes all the way in ...

the lumps will eventually go down .. this will take a couple of months, then - it will be red where you shoot that day, but - after you do shoot ... sit and read or play solitaire for 1/2 hr ... if I would get up and start doing something right away - I'd get dizzy ... but, I relax now ... and it doesn't bother me so much ..

I hope this helps ... don't panic ... your body is getting use to the new medication ..

keep me posted ... (HUGS)

Aww, first hugs! it DOES get better. LOTS better! I think its because as your fat tissues get used to the medicine it does a bit of damage and numbs out the nerves. it will get to the point that you barely feel some, and others will have that old sting. I did it for years, so I know that angry bees on steroids sting.

You can ice BEFORE your shot, and that will help. You can ice AFTER your shot and that will help. Some folks like heat after, but it may or may not make any change for you. You can use numbing creams too. Ask your MD for a suggestion on which one.

The best thing you can do is just know it WILL get MUCH better, but for now, do the ouchie dance, and when its done get yourself a treat. A popcicle, or a 20 minute break to listen to your Ipod or take the time used with the ice pad to talk to DH, or kids.

Hang in there.

I took Copax for almost a year and had no pain or site reactions at all. I stopped all DMDs when I started on LDN, but Copaxone was a breeze for me....It just didn't stop the exacerbations..

I hope it eases up for you Friend and hope it works..

i've been on C for about 8 yrs. at first i had bad site reactions; lumps, reddness and pain. the medicine is pretty acid-y and that's why it burns.

i used to use the autoject for most shots. then the RN came out and taught me the manual, which i had resisted for some time, ok, yrs. but, the manual hurts a lot less.

i also used to ice mine but gave up on that. usually by 5 min's it stops hurting. make sure you're not pulling up on the skin. let it lay flat.
i use my free hand to "blow" til the alcohol dries. wet alcohol will burn.

you could even try some ice before you give the shot. just a couple of mins.
make sure you're injecting into subcutaneous fat. you may also need to adjust the needle depth. sometimes going a bit deeper will help. pull back if you don't have much fat. me? i've got plenty.

don't give up. it does get better with time. and, it becomes more routine.
pick a time of day that's convenient and try for the same time every day.
good luck.

I agree that manual shots hurt MUCH less, and you have much more control over the speed of how fast the stuff goes in. Instead of slamming it in, you can ease it in.

I hope you are feeling better.