I'm now 67 and have been on Copaxone for nearly 21 years. Initially, I chose it because it was the only non-interferon medication available, which I thought would allow me to live my most normal life because there would be no flu-like symptoms. AND there was an autoject available, which made giving myself a daily shot possible, in fact a no-brainer. I'm happy to report that it has worked well for me.
Today, though, a troubling letter arrived from Teva: the manufacturer of the device has discontinued it and Teva is directing Copaxone users to throw out their autojects and use as directed in the instructions—i.e., to inject by hand. I arrived home to find the letter after their phone support hours had ended, but it sounds like they won't even be able to mail patients the ones that are currently available.
Does anyone know whether there's another device that could handle Copaxone needles? I am simply not able to mentally face the prospect of sticking myself with a needle daily.
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MrStripey
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😱😭 I was given a csync autoinjector when I started copaxone, and was directed by my MS nurse in how to use it. I tried doing my own injections when I first got it, because I was doing my nursing degree, but I had to admit defeat when I went back home-home and had a post-injection reaction one morning. Not to scare you or anything, because my other self injections were alright, but see if you can get a csync one. Really easy to load with the copaxone: take off the "head" part and use it to push the injector thing into its ready position, load an uncapped and body temp copaxone, put the "head" back on, press against the area you're injecting into that day, and then press the button at the end. When it's fully injected, you'll hear a snapping noise and the display thing will go all red. Sent it back to the delivery people when I got a call from my MS nurse telling me that I'll be going on ocrevus because my neurologist had enough evidence to get me started on ocrevus. I would have sent one to you if I still had it 😔If you can, ask your people if you can get a csync autoinjector 🙏
I'm not sure what a csync injector is, but it sounds like exacly what the autoject is. I've always said that whoever invented it deserved a Nobel prize because it makes the injection such an easy, stress-free thing. Going to call Teva today and see if I can learn anything more, or whether they can send me another one right now. (I doubt it because of the way their letter was worded. Seems to be CYA time.)
I was on copaxone 17 years &loved autoinject. Trying to do self, blk & blue & couldn't do arms.They usually last a while. Wonder their motivation for discontinuing? Maybe look up
I did quick 5 min search. Injector needs to be compatible with brand of copaxone using, now 3 brands. Says if wrong injector not full dose dispensed. If I were doing full doses missed. Got spoiled
I'm wondering that too. Apparently the device isn't made by Teva iself, but rather by another company. I'm guessing there will be a lot of people like me who really love the ease of delivery with the autoject and will be really unhappy about this.
They are issued with your first delivery of copaxone, as well as a sharps bin. I'm unsure where you could buy one from, as mine is free as per the medical exemption certificate (UK). If you have a look on Google, there'll be plenty of places you can get one from.
Cwright, I'm well aware that they sent them out in the past; I got my first one nearly 21 years ago and have received a number of replacements since then. But from now on, nope, according to Teva's letter. "...they (Owen Mumford) have discontinued manufacture of this device. As a result of this supply termination,...this autojector device is obsolete and we recommend that patients discard any Autoject #2 for glass syringe device they may have in their possession and only use the COPAXONE PFS as directed in the Instructions..." etc.
Good suggestion to look online though; it looks as though they can still be purchased (at this point anyway) from several places. I guess I'd better lay in a supply if I can, because I am not going to be injecting daily without one. Again, glad that I can afford one. There will be those who can't. US medical system is MESSED UP.
It's a shame, really 😔 I wonder why they need people to self inject now... Like, did they made a bad lot, causing injury? It's so stupid, and I completely agree with your statement "US medical system is so messed up"! 😑 having to do gofundme for a lifesaving procedure is SOOOOO crazy and ridiculous!
That's what I wonder too. At any rate, I called my local pharmacy and they show their distributor as having 3, so I ordered all of them. I'll find out tomorrow whether or not they actually had any.
🙏 thank goodness the pharmacy is kind enough to let you order them. Tomorrow's another day, and maybe another headache, but you're at least coming to the end of today 🤗
I switch to the so called generic version of Copaxone and am using the original Copaxone auto injector. I had not heard of it being unavailable! I wonder if the new place I get it from still or does offer the auto injector. I'm in the hospital right now but will try to find out.
I am on Glatiramer Acetate now, because it is less expensive. I was on Copaxone before the insurance charged too much. I find both products comparable. I am 63 years old still on Glatiramer Acetate. The Copaxone needles need a special auto inject with out breaking their syringes. I find that with out auto injection, less lipoatrophy and site irritations.
I am in the same boat. Have been on Copaxone for 20 years without issues. I can't believe they couldn't find another manufacturer willing to make a compatible injection pen. I have no idea how on earth I can inject both arms or hips. And you really do have to rotate which site you use. I tried a generic version once (because my insurance made me) and had multiple incidents of tachycardia, so that's not an option. I am not a candidate for immunosuppressive therapies, either. It's pretty much Copaxone or nothing for me. Arrrrggggh!
I just tried calling the number on Teva's letter and got a long voice message which basically said to send them an email and talk with your doctor. I'm going to do both, but I don't expect to get any satisfaction. Do they WANT to lose everybody who's on the medication??
CWright mentioned looking online, so I did, and there appear to be some available in the range of $50 each. Then I called my local pharmacy and their distributor showed 3 in stock, so I ordered them. He told me they would likely disappear as soon as the word trickles down from their corporate. My advice is to act quickly if you can!
Has Teva said why they are discontinuing the autoject device? Maybe there are some safety considerations?
I've been taking Glatopa, a generic version of Copaxone (3 times a week injection) and was supplied with an autoject device that isn't exactly like the Copaxone one, if I remember right, but similar. You might want to ask Sandoz about switching to that drug, which is really the same as Copaxone (glatiramer acetate, either 20mg or 40mg) because I haven't heard anything about Sandoz discontinuing the autoject.
I tried their autoject device a few times and was so unhappy with it that I've been using only manual injections. I didn't much like the Copaxone autoject device either, but understand that people do prefer it quite often.
No, and I called the manufacturer as well to confirm that it was discontinued, with no reason given there either. It's been around for so long that I can't imagine there would be any safety considerations, unless there was an issue with a certain batch or something. It's a shame if that's the reason.
Thanks for the info on Glatopa. I've stuck with the name brand because I'd had good luck with it and didn't want to rock the boat. But now, maybe I won't.
As I understand it the Glatopa that is put out by Sandoz and the glatiramer acetate that is put out by Mylan are the same stuff you get with Teva's Copaxone. They're just generic forms. I was on Copaxone (daily injection) for 3 years, took a 10-year break, then went on glatiramer acetate (3 times weekly) and noticed that the pharmacy would send either the Mylan product or the Sandoz product. They're interchangeable, and I didn't notice any difference. But the autoject devices have to be used with the brand name product you're taking. You couldn't use your Copaxone autoject device with Glatopa but you could get the Glatopa autoject device if you're on Glatopa.
I just ordered the generic version today and she asked if I needed a new auto injector (had been using the original Copaxone one) so I said sure and she's sending one called a Whisper Injector no charge at all. It must be the same thing because the Copaxone Injector was totally fine when using the generic shots.
me too, i was furious. but i told them i'm not discarding anything, and by the time mine need replacing, every 15 yrs so far, when the numbers rub off, i'll probably be too old to be able to take it anyway.
impossible for my hands go do it the other way. tremor way too dangerous to inject myself with an open needle.
i looked by the company that makes the injectors, Owen Mumford, they make lots injectors for other diseases, life-threatening ones, epinephrine for anaphylactic shock allergies, etc.
So maybe they decided it was more cost effective to stop our injectors.
I also filed a complaint with the FDA. Wish other people would do the same.
If I still had mine I would send it to you but I got rid of it a couple of years ago. I only used it on my arms cuz it's kind of hard to jab the side of your harm & push the plunger. I did all the other sites by hand. I eventually had to quit I jetting on my arms cuz I was getting knots & sunken areas. I still have a couple of knots on my hips & arms from the autoinject. It actually hurts less doing it by hand if that helps you. My Dr at the time showed me how to inject without pain. He is the best shot giver ever. Just pinch up some flesh & slowly push the needle in then push the plunger slowly. It's better than stabbing the needle in which hurts.
MrStripey, I am 62 years old and have been taking Copanoxe since 2005. I too received the letter advising us to discard our Autoject 2 auto injectors. I too do not want to inject with just the syringe. I’ve looked everywhere on the internet and even contacted my neurology team to inquire if they knew of an alternative and I can’t come up with any solution. My existing Autoject 2 is nearing the end of its recommended 2 year life but I’m not going to get rid of it. I will say that maybe 2-3 shots per month don’t fully dispense. I’ve attributed that to hardening of my particular injection site but maybe it is the injector. Who knows. I welcome hearing about any alternatives others may have found. Perhaps I’d switch to another MS medication.
Yeah, I'm going to hang onto mine and the older one I have as well. Will be discussing options with my neurologist at my yearly visit next week. I'm wondering about discontinuing the meds since I'm now 67 and apparently pretty much stable. Also, from what others here have said, it looks like the generics do have autojector devices available, so that will also be part of the discussion.
MrStripey, like you, I’ve been fortunate to have stable MS since diagnosis in 2004. I, too, have considered discontinuing meds but haven’t made that decision quite yet. I benefit from Copay assist with Copaxone and would want to ensure that a generic version would have that same assist. I considered some of the newer drugs but felt that with my stable condition, why change just to change.
I haven't wanted to rock the boat either. Copay assist may disappear when you turn 65 and have to go on Medicare; I was told that it did. Looks like the generics are quite a bit less. Go figure.
Hi Cm0126, Are you referring to the Autoject 2 for glass syringe device, specifically for Copaxone 20mg? If so, I'd appreciate the opportunity to purchase them from you if they're new or in very good working order. I'm in desperate need. Please let me know. Many thanks!
They have come out with a new copaxon auto injector called the whisperject. I had been just dong the injections as I have given myself I jexriins for years for other health issues but my fine motor skills and strength were becoming an issue I love the whisperject ask your pharmacy to get a script for one and they will send it with your next shipment
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