Started my 40 mg Copaxone

[NanMacan]

I've taken three shots of the 40mg now, and so far so good. there isn't really any noticeable difference I do still get the lumps under the skin. They are bigger lumps with the 40mg but so far they have been going away quicker.

I Hope that continues as I have lumps and bumps, all over me from the daily shots, and large indentations on both arms.

[SalpalSally]

Good for you. I hope things go well for you with this new therapy.

[agate]

This is such good news! Having fewer lumps and dents is a definite plus.

[Howie]

I'm glad for you. I take no MS drugs, but if I did, Copaxone would be my choice. I hope you do well with it.

[Lazarus]

So what's wrong with lumps??

Really, I hope all goes well for you. I took Betaseron, then Avonex and finally copaxone. I am grateful that there was that hope offered. When I was first diagnosed there was nothing!

Keep us posted.

[NanMacan]

I did Avonex and Rebif. Those side effects were worse for sure, plus I was having more and worsening exacerbations on them than I ever had before or after. I can handle the lumps and bumps from the Copaxone, but I wish the indentations were on my hips instead of my arms...I could use a little less hip.....LOL

[agate]

I've heard of quite a few people opting out of the arm injection sites and doing more injections in the abdominal area instead. It's all right to do that even though Shared Solutions will probably say something like, "Well, we don't recommend it." A doctor or nurse will tell you it's really all right as long as you aren't injecting in the same spot in an injection area too often.

I had a chart when I was on Copaxone. I put in the dates when I used each spot, and each spot was blocked off on the chart. I had a chart for the abdomen, one for each arm, one for each thigh, one for each hip. Towards the end I was using the abdominal area for the shots that should have been done in the arm.

I don't know if you can see this, but this is the type of chart:

Only registered and activated users can see links., Click Here To Register...

I had fewer problems with the arms when using the autoject device.

[NanMacan]

yes agate I have that chart. They sent a nurse to do a refresher, She mapped sites for me to avoid the lumps under the skin. She told me to still use the arms two inches on either side of the indent, but I'm giving up on the arms. I have plenty of other "real estate" I can use that's always covered.

[renee]

I start Copaxone Nuevo in 4 weeks.
My arms are comparatively puny to the other site areas
so I'll probably inject arms only half as often as recommended.

3x a week with a choice of 35 plus injection sites….
that should be ok.

Only arm injections have made me feel strangely
ill from pain.

3x a week with a choice of 35 plus injection sites….
I think that should be ok.

[NanMacan]

good luck renee. There are plenty of other sites to use. The best sites are the ones with the most meat on them.

[newone]

Do you have to have a nurse do a refresher for injections if you've been on the 20mg? If so, anyone know the reason why?

[NanMacan]

I was on 20 mg for about 4 years before the switch to 40mg

they just told me it was a good idea to have a refresher as a reminder of how and where to do the shots, and so the nurse can check injection sites and give some pointers for problem areas. you don't have to have a refresher if you don't want one. It wasn't mandatory.

[skm]

Disaster with 40mg

I've taken three shots of the 40mg now, and so far so good. there isn't really any noticeable difference I do still get the lumps under the skin. They are bigger lumps with the 40mg but so far they have been going away quicker.

I Hope that continues as I have lumps and bumps, all over me from the daily shots, and large indentations on both arms.

On 20 for 14 years .Made the switch and realized for past 6 weeks had lost appetite, anxiety, increased fatigue and sleep problems. Getting back on 20 ASAP which I only do every other day anyways. So want my life back but glad to hear allot of folks are doing well on new dose.

[renee]

I went on 40 mg a few months ago.

The difference is like going from brussell sprouts every dinner to
flourless chocolate whiskey cake three nights a week.

I did not have a refresher with a nurse but I really should.
It's like taking the defensive driving course every three years-
freshen up driver vigilance.

Howie, don't say it.

[NanMacan]

skm I'm sorry the 40mg didn't work for you. it hasn't bothered my sleep at all. I wish I could lose some of my appetite but that didn't happen, darn it!!............. Flourless chocolate whiskey cake sounds good....LOL