@Moglula 

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Moglula

Started Copaxone - tips from MS Nurse!

I’ve just started Copaxone and did my first injection with the MS Nurse a few days ago. I just wanted to share some of the advice she gave me in case it’s of use to anyone else, as some of it I hadn’t seen mentioned before. Firstly, she said she doesn’t like the CSYNC autoinjector because it leaves a mark on your skin due to how long you have to press down on it for and the trigger sound is so loud and dramatic. Obviously this is all down to personal preference, but she advised me to just inject straight from the syringe. When I asked how far to insert the needle she said all the way, and if I decide to use the autoinjector set it to 12 because deeper is better - this I was a bit confused by as I thought if you do it too deep you risk going intramuscular rather than subcutaneous which is more painful (I have a normal BMI/fat amount)? I’ve also read other people say they alter the depth depending on the injection site, but she said it should be left at 12. Does anyone else inject this deep? About 5 minutes after the injection (which was fine) it felt exactly like a wasp sting, which she said it would feel like every time. Because the area around the site had a slightly raised itchy red rash she suggested taking an antihistamine tablet 1 hour before to help with this. She also suggested antihistamine cream, aloe vera or witch hazel gel to soothe the area. 24 hours after each injection she advised massaging the area with a nice oil to help prevent hard tissue forming, and something I’ve never seen mentioned before - using a small vibrator (yes that kind of vibrator) to help break up any hard lumps that form under the skin! Interesting. Another thing she suggested was Arnica tablets/cream to help with any bruising. Overall, it was a very helpful appointment, but keen to know other people’s thoughts on needle depth?
@Rhona74

Hi @moglula I'm on week 15 of Copaxone. The sting!!!😱 I only use the auto inject for my hips. Depth of 6 I was advised. I did try the auto inject on other sites but found doing it manually better for other areas. I have noticed I bruise on the right side of abdomen only. Sometimes I put Aloe vera on and I put ice pack abdomen and thighs. I hope it goes well for you. I'm just on Copaxone until things settle with Covid, then plan on changing.

@Moglula

Hi @rhona74 Thanks for your reply! When you inject manually do you push the needle all the way in? I've done both sides of abdomen now, going to try back of arm today 😬 I'm on Copaxone at the moment because I'm trying for a baby, not sure how I feel about staying on it long term, we'll see!