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Real members of MyMSTeam have posted questions and answers that support our community guidelines, and should not be taken as medical advice. Looking for the latest medically reviewed content by doctors and experts? Visit our resource section.

Copaxone And Lipoatrophy??

A MyMSTeam Member asked a question 💭
Glendale, AZ

I have been on Copoxone 40mg 3x weekly and was wondering whether or not I can prevent lipoatrophy from occurring in the future. I've read that lipoatrophy occurs in higher rates with people who use the autoject vs manually. If anyone has used Copaxone for 2 plus years I'm curious if you've experienced this side effect. Thank you!

March 16, 2015 (edited)
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A MyMSTeam Member

I use the autoject for Copaxone. I dry brush my body at least 4 times a week; and I think this is the reason I have little problems with my injection sites after 8 years. Give dry brushing a go; you will notice improvement immediately.

March 21, 2015
A MyMSTeam Member

I've been on it for 2 years now. I have been doing injection of Betaseron and Rebif since 2000 so I know a lot about lipoatrophy. First I have always injected myself, I'm more comfortable with that. Every prescribe injection spots that we are supposed to use, for me are completely lipoatrophy. I asked my doctor and he told me I could inject in any soft tissue. That being said you should speak with your doctor first. If you have been on it a little over 2 years I wouldn't worry about it. As for side effects I do my shot right before bed and sleep through the effects.

March 17, 2015
A MyMSTeam Member

@ash214 First.... Copaxone did wonders for me! I would suggest it to anyone. However, I self injected for 17 years no real problems... Over the past few years after injecting for so long(yes I injected properly) I had hardening of the tissue. Bad lipoatrophy now. I had to stop the shots because I had it so bad, (remember 17 years) that I had 2 very bad reactions leaving wounds. I went on Gilenya. I DO RECOMMEND COPAXONE. Just follow the directions and make sure you rotate sites.

March 17, 2015
A MyMSTeam Member

I've only been on it for 7 months & have been told to make sure you rotate your injection sites, use heat prior to injection & cold after. Also do not massage site until 24 hrs later. There is an app on smart phones that is free & reminds you where you need to inject next. I do manual injection so I can slowly inject. The auto injector injects pretty fast.

March 17, 2015
A MyMSTeam Member

MattGusick, I think that is a great way to get the blood circulation to the skin. Great idea.

March 24, 2015

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