This Is MS Multiple Sclerosis Community: Knowledge & Support

I just started Copaxone 10 days ago. The shots are just ok. But, when i did my thighs, 2-3 days later, i get a big red mark, it is warm and a bit swollen. I want to rotate the shots around but I am scared to do it in the thigh again. Does anyone have any suggestions?
Thanks,
Dave (new to MS and Copaxone)

Hi Dave,
You may wish to do a search on lipoatrophy and copaxone on this site as well as via google. There is also this thread for reducing copaxone injection site reactions which may be of help.

Copaxone Sting Reduction Technique
http://www.thisisms.com/ftopic-4405-0.html


NHE

i'm new on copaxone also and find the thigh to be the trickiest spot to inject. there is a fine line between going too shallow and too deep. the redness and swelling i believe is from going too shallow. for me my muscle is close to the surface on my quad so i go in at an angle and try to feel with the needle as it goes thru the layers. you really have to focus and try different approaches. i'm about 10 days ahead of you and have noticed improvements with the redness and swelling as i figure out the angles and depths. i still get a little stinging for about 2-3 minutes.

I tried thigh shots and was left with brown spots which lasted for almost a year. Not one Dr. knew what these spots were and I was afraid of being left with indents. I am a woman and lipotrophy is much more common in woman. I found that injecting into my stomach and the sides of my stomach( by my waist) were the best spots. No marks or lipo. Doctors and Shared Solutions will not tell you that but my Dr. did. Lipo occurs the most in the thighs and arms. Another spot my Dr. told me was good to use was the buttocks and again Shared Solutions will not tell you that. Good Luck!

I agree with patti. I am thin and my legs and thighs just created huge lumps, I am too thin for arm injections.
I do now stomach and buttocks only:)

I've been on Copaxone for about 3 months and have issues when I inject my thighs as well. I am heavier and had the needle going too deep and was getting huge lumps that would last for a week. I reduced the depth and the lumps got smaller, but I still get them and occasional bruising. I called shared solutions and they said it was normal, but suggested using the hot packs before and the cold packs after, which helped a little but I still get somewhat of a lump. So frustrating!