I just started copaxone three times a week three months ago. I travel for work and was afraid to be in a hotel alone so I schedule my injections on Sunday, Wednesday and Friday. That way I am on,y alone on Wednesday I call my family at that time. That reduces my anxiety. I also take in early evening. For the most part I just have the sting and minor swelling but that goes away soon, I also have the chills twice for about four hours....it's horrible. But only twice so I am ok with it. Luckily I still was able to get several hours sleep and make it to work....key is around dinner time so there is time to get over and issues. Try not to stress....good luck!

I agree with @boymom134 that taking it in the evenings might be a better option. That way if you have any of the reactions you have the time to work through it without rushing off to work. I am waiting for the nurse to come to my house for my first injection of copaxone too. Would like to know how it goes for you.

Hi I've been using Copaxone for 6 yrs now. I feel for you with yr anxiety. It's not fun but it's not all that bad. Follow yr nurses instructions and you should only have very minor side-effects eg it'll sting for a few minutes and you might have a lump that will go away next day. Using a hot pack on the injection site for a couple of mins. before hand and don't rub it afterwards as this will make it sting more. Good luck.

The nurse is coming at 9am Saturday. I work rotating shifts (two weeks days/two weeks nights) so I'll have to find what works best for me. Thank you all so much. You've really helped ease my mind.

After being on Copaxone for almost a year, here is my suggestion...take your shot in the evening when you get home from work. It gives you time to relax and makes it much less stressful (especially the first time). Is the nurse coming to your house to show you how to take it? Make sure to ice for a good 1/2 hour afterward. By taking at night, if you have any symptoms at all, you won't have to worry about it making you miss work.

For what it is worth, I really do not think you will need to take any time off. As CrisCuppyCakes says, the major reaction, if it is going to happen, will happen within the first 15 minutes. Otherwise the site reactions are something you can easily manage and shouldn't have any issue going to work with. The only "bad" reaction I ever had was getting the chills for a few hours one evening, after about 3 weeks of shots. Other than that no issues.