Author Topic: Personal update: Possibly returning to Copaxone  (Read 96 times)

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Offline agate

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Personal update: Possibly returning to Copaxone
« on: December 04, 2020, 08:51:47 pm »
I don't want my MS to get any worse. Copaxone wasn't causing me any huge problems. And nowadays it can involve only 3 shots a week instead of 7.


So the neuro has called in an rx for generic glatiramer acetate, 40mg, to be taken 3 times a week.


I don't have it yet. There are some unexpected roadblocks.


The pharmacy said it would be ready a few days ago. It wasn't. Nobody called me about it and so I called them.


I found out that a specialty pharmacy may have to be involved, and the pharmacy isn't sure that they can fill the rx.


And since it was Friday, and someone's boss's boss had to be contacted, of course I'll be waiting until at least Monday.



MS Speaks--online for 17 years

SPMS, diagnosed 1980. Avonex 2001-2004. Copaxone 2007-2010. Glatopa (glatiramer acetate 40mg 3 times/week) since 12/16/20.

Offline agate

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Re: Personal update: Possibly returning to Copaxone
« Reply #1 on: December 08, 2020, 10:03:04 pm »
News flash! 80-year-old with MS for 40 years will be doing glatiramer acetate shots three times a week!


The rx is ready at the pharmacy, I'm told. With luck I'll have it by Thursday, but then will need to set up an appointment for a nurse to come to help with the first shot.


In case I pass out, the nurse is recommended. I'm not expecting to pass out but I'd like to ask a couple of questions of the nurse anyway.


Apparently, because I called the company about the nurse, I'll be getting some additional materials.


Shared Solutions (when I had brand-name Copaxone years ago) sent out all kinds of freebies. I'm still using the two ballpoint pens that say Teva Neuroscience on them, and there was a can opener that did quite well for a few years. I'm also still using the shoulder bag that says Copaxone on it.  It's the only handbag I ever use, in fact.


I don't expect these promotional items from Mylan, the company that produces generic Copaxone. I probably won't receive the handy hot/cold gel packs that Shared Solutions supplied either but that's all right. I still have the gel packs from Shared Solutions.


These pharmaceutical companies really worked hard to get people to take their drugs back then. I don't know if they're putting forth that much effort nowadays.
MS Speaks--online for 17 years

SPMS, diagnosed 1980. Avonex 2001-2004. Copaxone 2007-2010. Glatopa (glatiramer acetate 40mg 3 times/week) since 12/16/20.

Offline agate

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Re: Personal update: Possibly returning to Copaxone
« Reply #2 on: December 10, 2020, 09:55:35 pm »
The syringes are here. No alcohol swabs, no "Whisperject" (autoinject device), but then these people aren't the Shared Solutions people from Copaxone. These are the bare-bones people from Mylan, which puts out generic Copaxone.


However,  they are sending me a Welcome Kit that even includes hot/cold gel packs and the "Whisperject."


I'm not sure why it's called a Whisperject. Maybe it's quieter than the autoject device Shared Solutions supplied. It made a loud clicking noise.
MS Speaks--online for 17 years

SPMS, diagnosed 1980. Avonex 2001-2004. Copaxone 2007-2010. Glatopa (glatiramer acetate 40mg 3 times/week) since 12/16/20.

Offline agate

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Copaxone resumed after 10-year hiatus
« Reply #3 on: December 18, 2020, 09:47:39 pm »
The Whisperject came. One gelpack was included in the Welcome kit, along with a needle clipper that I probably won't ever use.


The nurse was here, and I did the first shot while she looked on. I opted for the left arm, which is almost the hardest one, so that I could get the hang of the Whisperject under "challenging" circumstances. My hand slipped at first but it wasn't hard.


Just as an aside, I think "Whisperject" is an unfortunate choice as a name. It's hard to say and it really doesn't mean a lot to me. Would anyone care much whether an auto-injecting device was particularly quiet?


My arm stopped hurting after several hours. Not bad at all.


And I got to wait an entire day before the next shot. That is liberation!


Tonight I chose a really easy site--the thigh. Armed with my bright red sharps container and an alcohol wipe, I did the shot without bothering with the gelpack.


Next time I'm going to bother with the gelpack. My leg still hurts.  It's all bearable though.


Today there was a phone appointment with the neuro. She very agreeably didn't insist on doing an MRI.


The next appointment will be 6 months from now, and there are to be no more phone appointments unless I have a cellphone with a camera.


The receptionist says it's really easy. If I can't manage that, I'd need to have an in-person appointment. Maybe 6 months from now, that will be possible again.


Now I won't need another shot until Monday! ;D 8)



MS Speaks--online for 17 years

SPMS, diagnosed 1980. Avonex 2001-2004. Copaxone 2007-2010. Glatopa (glatiramer acetate 40mg 3 times/week) since 12/16/20.

 

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