Copaxone - Injection site reactions and Plegrady

Hi, I’m new the forum and any help would be really appreciated. I was diagnosed with RR MS in 2019 - aparently I have had it for years and never knew!
I started Copaxone injections in Oct 2025. Apart from the odd bruise, I didn’t have any injection site reactions (or side-effects). However, in June 2026 I started to get large hot rashes develop approx 10 hours after injecting. I have been using cold packs every day and the rashes usually last over a week. The rashes only really started when we started having the extreme heat. I inject 3 times a week on my legs (thighs) varying the locations. I tried injecting in the stomach area below my belly button, but that was so painful the next day - but no bruises or rashes.

I have had a conversation with my MS nurse support and she has suggested there is an alternative to Copaxone : Plegrady which is injected fortightly. Looking on the MS Society comparison, Plegrady can also give injection site reactions and I’m also worried about possible kidney issues.

So, do I keep on with the Copaxone and the site reactions? or move to Plegrady and see what happens? What experiences have you had?

Many thanks.

Hello @sue.ives2565 , I don’t know about Plegridy but I use Avonex which I think is very similar to Plegridy but injected once a week. Been using it for around 19 years with no injection site problems nor any bad side effects.

Avonex and Plegridy are basically the same except that Plegridy has a higher dose of interferon and has been treated in a way that allows it to stay in the body for longer . I’m happy with Avonex

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