Copaxone med question

[doublebuttons]

Hello! I am newly diagnosed and just this past week started on my Copaxone therapy.

I have to tell you that I feel like a fumbling fool when it comes to this process. The nurse came and gave me her tutorial which I was OK with until I had to do it on my own. But all this pinch, no pinch, 90/45 degree, varying levels for the auto-inject is maddening to me. I mean, I did fertility treatments for surrogacy last year and they just sent out the meds and told me stomach or thigh. One med was a subcutaneous, one was in a muscle. And I didn't have any problems with those. There wasn't any of this exactness to the process like Shared Solutions is giving me. And frankly, the auto-inject is more cumbersome than using the syringe manually.

My question is this: Does it really need to be all this precise? As long as I give it in the recommended spots, rotating of course, shouldn't it be OK? Part of my frustration is that both processes seem to be 2-handed and I want to be able to do these shots myself. And that really only works on my stomach and thighs.

And I didn't bother to call Shared Solutions with this question, because I am sure for legal reasons their answer would be 'yes, it does need to be that precise'. Any insight fellow Copaxone users have would be greatly appreciated!

[HVAC]

I played around with mine and kept it at 4. There are others who forget the autoinject and do it manually. My hands were too shakey. At first my husband helped with arms and hips. It made him feel good to help. Then I got good at doing it myself.

My only issue at first was remembering to remove the orange cap. I shot a few into the air that way.

The main thing is to go in straight and pull out straight.

Alex

[twopack]

Hi and welcome to the forum.  I'm glad to meet you but sorry it has to be for this reason.  When you have time please tell us a little more about yourself and your journey to diagnosis, if you feel comfortable with that.  Otherwise, we will still gladly answer any questions.

I've been taking Copaxone for two months now.  I preferred manual injection initially so I could control the depth and speed (and therefore the force) of the solution as it was injected.  After using the auto-injector so I could inject my arms and hips independently, I decided it was easier to just use it all the time.  The mechanics were a little tricky at first but I figured out what works for me after a few attempts (and one spray across the wall).

Pinch if you don't use the auto-inject.  Don't pinch when you auto-inject.  You would only have to angle if you have very little subcutaneous fat and inject manually.  The auto-injector will allow you to set the depth so you can always go straight in with it.

I've most often read here that people experiment a bit to find out what works best for them with technique and limiting site reactions.  The important things are to inject every day, rotate to all sites, and inject into the fat (not muscle).

You're right that it's not that complicated.  You'll have it mastered in no time.

Mary

[michelleric]

Welcome to the forum here.

To do the arms, you can sit in a chair, and bring another chair next to you. Put you upper arm over the second chair, and you can inject using one hand.

This will become second nature to you , and doesn't take that long to get the hang of it.  It is a "pain" in more ways than one, but it will get easier.

Warmly,
Michelle

[LoveMyBostons]

I personally use the auto-injector every time. I've been on Copaxone for almost 6 months now. I'm able to all of my shots myself. I also have plenty of fat to choose from and I inject at a depth of anywhere from 6 to 8.

Some tips I have:

-With the exception of my legs, I always inject in front of a mirror so I can see what I'm doing.

-When doing your arms with the auto-ject, kind of grab your opposite shoulder. That way your injection area is right in front of you and easily accessible.

-Stay away from veins, stretch marks, moles, basically any skin abnormality.

-Inject straight and pull the needle out straight.

-Rotate injection sites like you're supposed to. I've heard of people who have permanent dents in their skin now from fatty tissue destruction because they only injected in a couple favorite sites.

That's pretty much all I can think of for now. And you're right, Shared Solutions is usually less than helpful....

[Ambian]

I was newly diagnosed June 28, 2010 and I have bad headaches and nausea and dry heaving. I don't know why but, I plan to discuss with my doctor.