how does copaxone work

I was just dx with ms in July of this year. I'm on my second week or copaxone injections and they seem to be going pretty well so far. My question to everyone is how long do your relapses last? I've been having sx ever since mid May with more sx coming on every week. Obviously the copaxone takes a long while to work. My neuro believes that I've had ms for 10the yrs, but my sx have never lasted this long.

I can definitely see how you are at a loss right now. The Copaxone sounds miserable, but you can't take the interferons. If it can stall future disability I'd say try to keep on it and maybe use your arms, hips, & stomach more often (with neuro or shared solutions permission). Does the interferons also give you flu-like symptoms, or what type of allergic reaction do you get when you use them? How about Gilenya, Novantrone, or Tysabri - are those all out of the question?

I went off the copaxone when I went into the hospital and have been off of it for almost 2 months now. How long does the copaxone stay in your system after you stop taking it? Anyone have low platelet counts?

I was wondering how and when does one decide to change to another medication and when one changes how long does it take to see results from the new medication? I have not seen any slowing of the progression of the disease with copaxone only a steady continuing decline and I have relapsing remitting MS.

The only thing that I notice with Copaxone is the injection site reaction. It does burn. Sometimes I get a welt, a lump, or some hives (all of which are normal for this drug.....). If you use an warm compress before injecting and a cold pack after it really helps. The drug company should send someone out to show you how to use it and explain all of the side effects. I know what you mean about finally knowing something but still feeling kind of helpless. I have been there myself.

Anyone out here using Copaxone? And if so for how long. I think I am going to try it, and was interested in some first hand information. shots, side effects, if you think it is working, etc. Any information would be greatly appreciated.

1) Has anyone taken a break from their medication for that long (and if so, any consequences) and 2) Has anyone switched from Avonex to Copaxone, and if so, how did you do? I still after all these years lose a day on the weekend due to the side effects of the Avonex and am hoping that will not be the result with Copaxone.

I'm at almost 4 months on Copaxone (haven't missed a single shot). Every once in a while I get a little nausea after my shot. It's usually so mild I can just ignore it. I have been thinking it might be psychological (heebie jeebies from sticking myself with a needle). But tonight it's severe enough to feel really real. Blech :P I Googled "Copaxone nausea" and see that I'm not the only one to experience this.

t be a big deal, right? My understanding is that Copaxone does not work by lowering the immune system the way that some of the other DMD's do... But just wanted to toss the question out to you guys for an expert opinion.

how much is evryone paying for thier medication/month...i take copaxone...it costs 11oo. candian..it used to be the least expensive..now i am wondering 12 years later is this the same?

The Copaxone rep called me yesterday to discuss my refills. I have some questions that maybe some of you can answer. She asked me if I was was still taking Copaxone or a different MS drug with Copaxone, or instead of Copaxone. In the 8 months I've been on Copaxone, I've never been asked this question before. I know the new pill is out, but is anyone here taking the new medicine? and if so... does it work, do you like it? why did you choose to take this?

I've been on Copaxone for a yr. I have had 4 systemic reactions where I had a rapid heartbeat, My face felt like it was swollen, I couldn't breathe. It happens to some people but since switching my injections around, I haven't had any trouble. I get a red, bee sting-like lump where I inject. It can itch for up to a week. The medicine seems to be doing ok for me so far per my neuro. Good luck with your injections. Take Care!

It's plenty of areas to work in but I don't know how restrictive they are going to be. For example, I work in the production area, but I don't know if the lab areas are as strict. =\.

Has anyone experience upon travelling to Australia with 10 boxes of Copaxone? Is there some special declaration needed? or is there a limitation on how much you can bring for personal use with you , when planning a longterm stay in Australia?

How many relapses per year prior to copaxone, if you don't mind me asking, jujuminx?

I was reading the question that were posted about copaxone and I am currently on my husband insurance and my copay is $40.00 a month but they pay $5.00 and I only pay $35.00 a month. Well my situation is changing and I really need to find a way to pay for this medicine. I check with my insurance on my job and it will not cover this medicine. I need help. I read this other lady post and she said they told her she didnt qualify, that is what I am afraid of.

Right guys, here's a question for you...for the first time in over 5 months I'm feeling totally 'normal' (apart from my lack of vision of course!) It's so nice to feel so good but I was just wondering this: do MS symptoms eg numbness & weakness reappear without warning and does it just come and go? Can you have Ms and feel really healthy, like I do? I sort of feel like I want to delay starting copaxone just in case the docs have got it wrong and I haven't got MS.

I will be starting Copaxone shortly and I'm not really sure how it works. As a teacher, I get a flu shot every year. Can I still do that?

I'm not on Copaxone, but Copaxone does take a while (I think maybe around six months) to take full effect, which you've passed in a way, but not at the proven dosage. In addition, the DMDs are not said to improve existing damage (some of the ones in trial now are said to have neuroprotective effects, but not the FDA-approved ones except maybe Tysabri) . They are prescribed to slow down and perhaps prevent future damage.

PS - If improved walking is a goal talk to your neuro about Ampyra. I take it daily and think it does help. Don't get scared of its cost. With Acorda's co-pay assistance I get it for $40/month.

How does copaxone work

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