My neurologist's office is going to mail me a Copaxone packet, with a form to fill out and return to them to fill out their part and fax to the Copaxone people.

Then, as I understand it, they will make sure that my insurance will cover it, will arrange for a nurse to train me, etc. I might be able to get started on it in a week to 10 days.

From what I've read, Copaxone, like the other ABCR's, takes quite a number of months before it becomes effective. I worry that going off of Betaseron might increase my risk of flares, while I wait for Copaxone to get in my system. What has your experience been with this?

I have about 5 boxes of Betaseron left. I know that nobody is supposed to accept and redistribute them, but I asked my doctor's office anyways. They suggested that I call the local NMSS society, and ask them, so I'll do that. I'd hate to see those expensive meds go to waste.

Any tips for a Copaxone newbie?

~ Faith

It does, unfortunately, take a few months to be effective in the system. At least that was my experience. But after back to back flares, I'm pretty much stable for close to a year now. Except for those normal semi-flares caused by heat and pushing too hard.

Shared Solutions can be very helpful at times. They've arranged things with my insurance companies very well. Be warned that they might call you a lot in the beginning to make sure everything's ok. They also offer you freebies almost everytime too, lol.

There might be some injection site reactions in the beginning, but they do get better with time. Of course, I didn't believe it at the beginning, but it is true. Everyone's a little different with what works to keep those down. For me, it's heat before and after. Some use ice, some use nothing at all.

Best of luck on the Copax.

Good luck Faith. I switched from Beta to Copaxone. At least you won't have the flu like side effects like the interferons!!

Suggestions from my experience: I did my shot in the morning right after my shower and that way I didn't have to use the alcohol swap (skin sensitive). I sat very still for about 10-15 minutes after the shot which I found helped with the site reaction - none!

I didn't use the autoinflictor at all. I had horrible site reactions from it as it was too rough for me. Once I stopped using it, the redness stopped completely! I never injected my arms, only my legs, stomach and buttock area.

I also found that if the area stayed red for more than about 20 minutes, I used either arnica gel or benadryl cream/spray.

I hope Copaxone works for you.

I didn't ever have flu-like side effects with Betaseron. I was one of the lucky ones, I guess.

OK; I'll try that. Thanks.

I used to use the auto-injector with Betaseron, but I don't anymore, so that won't be a problem.

OK. thanks.
~ Faith

Hello Faith!

Copaxone is my first MS drug. I'm almost to the 3 month complete mark. No looking back. I've never used the Autoinjector (it's there to use if you choose, whether you do the shots with this or manually, entirely up to you!). I don't pre-heat or pre-ice either, or do either after the shot.

I found the worst for me was the 20ish min. site burn after the injection. At the point I am now, I still get this in some locations. The first area for the burning to cease was the 2 spots on the lower back (just above the bum) in my case. Also, I don't find the thighs burn much (the injection part on the thighs, plus the after bump, was what I experienced, more in a bit!). The tummy for me still has the most burn after shot to this day, followed by my arms.

After I do my shot, I take my cotton ball and press down firmly on the injection spot for about 30 seconds after. I find this DRASTICALLY reduced any amount of lump after the injection (thanks Dej for this one!!!). This was the best "tip" I learned .

Other than that, for the thighs, I find holding 2 inches of skin between 2 fingers for about 2 min before my shot really helps numb the area for injection 'pain'. Overall though, the needle is so tiny, that most of the time the injection of the needle itself doesn't hurt me. Sometimes I come across an area with tougher skin and have to use more force (that's no fun!) but overall, as a newbie myself, I find Copax is very tolerable, convenient and easy to get used to.

Thanks Laura.

For me, the tummy is the only site that I've used lately for Betaseron injections, because it has the least burn.

I'll try the pressing down on the cotton ball tip if i have site reactions. I've read elsewhere, though, not to rub on the injection site (makes site reactions worse), which is one thing that they tell us to do with Betaseron, because it helps the med to go in. Do you have any experience or advice about that?

~ Faith

Hi Faith,
I've been on Copaxone for over 3 years now and have felt good, knock wood. I do mine before bed, don't use alcohol but I do warm it under my arm prior to shooting it. Never put heat or ice on before or after.

Normally I use the autoinject although sometimes when shooting my stomach I do free hand because I don't have much fat there and it seems to swell. Rarely use my arms because not much fat there. I shoot my thighs, butt and hips the most. Sometimes it hurts but most times it doesn't and I can't put my finger on why or when it will sting. No biggie though once you get used to the feeling.

I guess thats all. Wish you the best of luck with it! Jules

I'm curious why you are quitting the Beta? thanks

Jules -- Thanks for the info. :-)

Friend2U -- I've been on Beta for about 5 years. Didn 't seem to be decrasing fx or severity of flares. Most recent flare, I was hospitalized for almost 3 weeks. Also, was not keeping new lesions away on MRI's. Just didn't seem to be effective.

Started seeing an MS specialist this month, in addition to my neuro. She recommended switching. My neuro had considered it too, but she seems to be more pro-active.

I liked Beta. Every other day, instead of daily. I didn't have side effects, except for a few site reactions. But, if it doesn't work, it doesn't work.

~ Faith

I ask because I've been on beta since Jan. I just got out of the hospital from a pretty bad exasebation...compliments of a brand new lesion. I go followup with neuro later this morning. We will discuss new plan of attack. I hope the C works for you. Good Luck.