Author Topic: Glatiramer acetate injection reaction  (Read 45 times)

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Offline agate

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  • MS diagnosed 1980
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Glatiramer acetate injection reaction
« on: November 05, 2022, 09:32:43 pm »
I've been taking glatiramer acetate 40mg 3 times a week now for nearly 2 years, never missing a dose. I try to follow the instructions for injection technique exactly.


But last night, a couple of hours after a shot, I was troubled by burning at the injection site that was so severe it kept me awake for hours. Waves of stabbing pain would hit every minute or so, and no position was comfortable. I tried another ice pack for a few seconds. I took a couple of Tylenol.


Finally I was able to sleep, and by morning the problem was pretty much gone. But I got on the phone to Mylan (one of the makers of generic Copaxone) and asked what I could do to prevent this reaction or to treat it if it happens again.


Many of these glatiramer acetate shots burn for a while afterwards, maybe even for a couple of hours, but it's bearable. This wasn't.


What I was told was surprising to me. The instructions say to take the syringe out of the refrigerator about 20 minutes before doing the injection. They also mention that the syringes can be stored safely at room temperature for up to 30 days.


I usually remove the syringe from the refrigerator 1-2 hours before the shot. But today I learned that that might not be long enough for all of the cold spots in the medicine to warm up, particularly with the cold weather coming on.


Apparently it is cold spots in the medicine that can bring on severe burning like the burning I had last night. 


This explanation made sense to me. I was told to take the syringe out one or even two days before doing the shot.


I'm going to try that. My apologies for this post, which is just a personal whine. I'm still recovering from yesterday's bout with burning pain. I'm very glad to have an extra hour just now.



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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