COPAXONE® injection demonstration
You can follow the step-by-step instructions of how to administer your COPAXONE® injection with either the autoject® 2 for glass syringe or the COPAXONE® Pre-Filled Syringe.
Read the complete COPAXONE® injection guide.
View the injection therapy
video
Storing Your COPAXONE® Pre-Filled Syringes
- Keep your monthly supply of COPAXONE® Pre-Filled Syringes refrigerated between 36°F and 46°F (2°C-8°C)
- COPAXONE® Pre-Filled Syringes may be stored at room temperature between 59°F and 86°F (15°C-30°C) for up to 7 days
- Never freeze your COPAXONE® Pre-Filled Syringes. If they do accidentally freeze, DO NOT USE and discard in a proper container
- When you aren’t injecting, store COPAXONE® Pre-Filled Syringes in a place that’s protected from light
- When traveling for more than 7 days, store your COPAXONE® in a cooler with ice packs. On arrival at your destination, place COPAXONE® in a refrigerator
To help with storage, Shared Solutions® offers a free refrigerator lockbox that holds up to a 30-day supply of your MS therapy and safely keeps the prefilled syringes out of the reach of children. Call 1-800-887-8100 to receive your lockbox or for any further questions you might have about storing COPAXONE®.
Disposing of Your COPAXONE® Pre-Filled Syringes
- Properly dispose of used syringes in a hard-walled container immediately after your COPAXONE® injection
- Follow your local regulations for disposal. You can check with your local health department, doctor’s office, or pharmacist for guidance
- Always keep the waste container in an area of your home that is out of the reach of children
For any further questions you might have about disposal of COPAXONE® injections, call Shared Solutions® at 1-800-887-8100.
Preparing to inject your COPAXONE® MS therapy
COPAXONE® should be injected when it is at room temperature. So always be sure to take the COPAXONE® Pre-Filled Syringe out of the refrigerator about 20 minutes before you inject. Then, follow these steps:
- Place each item you’ll need on a clean, flat surface or on your preparation mat
- 1 COPAXONE® Pre-Filled Syringe
- The autoject2 for glass syringe (if you’re using it)
- An alcohol wipe
- A dry cotton ball
- A used-syringe disposal container
- Take a close look at your COPAXONE® Pre-Filled Syringe before injecting. If it appears to be cloudy or contain particles, DO NOT USE IT. Instead, call Shared Solutions® at 1-800-887-8100 for guidance
- Don’t worry if you see an air bubble in your syringe. It’s part of the manufacturing process and perfectly normal. If you try to get the bubble out, it may result in accidentally losing some of your COPAXONE®
- Look at and touch the injection site. Avoid sites where any of the following are present:
- Redness
- Swelling
- Tenderness
- Scar tissue
- Indentations
- A tattoo
- Lesions
- Warts
- Hardness of skin (lumps)
- Birthmarks
- Bruising
- Stretch marks
- Wash and dry your hands (don’t touch your skin or hair after washing)
- Clean your injection site with the alcohol wipe
- Make sure your skin has completely dried before you inject COPAXONE®. Don’t blow on or fan your skin; let the air dry it naturally
Now you’re ready for injecting using the autoject2 for glass syringe or the COPAXONE® Pre-Filled Syringe by itself.
If you have any questions about preparing to inject, you can always count on Shared Solutions® for support and for all your injection needs. Call us at 1-800-887-8100.
Injecting with the autoject2 for glass syringe
Above is a picture of the autoject2 for glass syringe and the COPAXONE® Pre-Filled Syringe that includes the name for each part of both devices.
Important note:
Be sure to follow these steps in preparing to inject COPAXONE® before injecting with the autoject2 for glass syringe.
- First, make sure that the Red Cap Remover is fully attached to the Depth Adjuster (see Figure A)
- Begin screwing the Depth Adjuster into the Syringe Housing using the Red Cap Remover (see Figure B). If adjustment is needed, you can change the depth adjustment for different sites. Call Shared Solutions® at 1-800-887-8100 if you have questions about this
- Continue turning the Depth Adjuster until the appropriate depth setting (scale mark) is even with the end of the Syringe Housing (see Figure C)
Important notes:
- The average depth for subcutaneous injections is setting 6. However, make sure you speak with your doctor to determine the best depth setting for your injections
- Higher scale number = deeper injection: To increase injection depth, set the Depth Adjuster to a higher number. To decrease injection depth, set the Depth Adjuster to a lower number
close
- Unscrew the Syringe Housing from the Injector Body (see Figure D)
- Place the Red Cap Remover of the Syringe Housing straight against the Yellow Plunger in the Injector Body (see Figure E)
- Push the Yellow Plunger of the Syringe Housing in completely until you hear a "click" and the Yellow Plunger locks in place inside the Injector Body (see Figure F)
close
Before you insert a COPAXONE® Pre-Filled Syringe into the autoject2 for glass syringe, please make sure to
- Place the Syringe Housing, with the Red Cap Remover inserted, onto a flat surface (see Figure G)
- Be sure the Red Cap Remover is inserted all the way onto the Depth Adjuster
- Check that the COPAXONE® Pre-Filled Syringe is loaded into the autoject2 for glass syringe with the Needle Cap on the syringe
- Insert the COPAXONE® Pre-Filled Syringe needle-end first, with its cap still in place, into the Syringe Housing (see Figure H)
- Push the syringe down firmly into the Syringe Housing until you feel the syringe "click" into place (see Figure I)
Now that the COPAXONE® Pre-Filled Syringe is loaded, you’re ready to
- Screw the Syringe Housing and the Injector Body of the autoject2 for glass syringe together. Please make sure not to touch the Blue Button (see Figure J)
When you’re ready to inject, you’ll need to remove the Needle Cap. To do this,
- Hold the device with one hand
- With the other hand, firmly pull (do not twist) the Red Cap Remover straight away from the Injector Body (see Figure K)
- The Red Cap Remover should come out of the Syringe Housing with the Needle Cap inside (see Figure L)
- Turn the Red Cap Remover upside down to release the Needle Cap. Double-check that the entire Needle Cap (both the clear plastic portion and the gray inner cap) has been removed
- Save the Red Cap Remover. You’ll need it later (see Figure M)
Now you’re ready to inject. But, before you do,
close
- Place the blue tip of the autoject2 for glass syringe against the skin (see Figure N)
- Apply slight pressure to release the Safety Interlock
You don’t need to use heavy pressure, and don’t pinch up the skin when you inject. To inject,
- Press the Blue Button, and watch the Indicator Window
- Keep the autoject2 for glass syringe in contact with your skin by lightly pressing until the injection is complete
- Your injection is complete when the red mark is stationary in the window (see Figure O). This usually takes about 10 seconds
- Pull the autoject2 for glass syringe directly up and away from the skin, and apply a cotton ball to the injection site with gentle pressure
close
- Unscrew the Syringe Housing from the Injector Body and separate the 2 slowly
- Properly dispose of the used syringe
- Wipe the outside of the autoject2 for glass syringe and the inside of the Syringe Housing with a clean damp cloth or a clean alcohol wipe. Please do this after each use
- Reconnect the Syringe Housing and the Injector Body
- Reinsert the Red Cap Remover into the Depth Adjuster
- Store your autoject2 for glass syringe in its protective wallet
For any questions concerning injecting with the autoject2 for glass syringe, please
call Shared Solutions® at 1-800-887-8100.
close
Injecting with the COPAXONE® Pre-Filled Syringe
Here’s a picture of your COPAXONE® Pre-Filled Syringe that includes the name for each part.
Important note:
Be sure to follow all the steps for Preparing to inject before injecting with your COPAXONE® Pre-Filled Syringe MS treatment.
- Pick up your COPAXONE® Pre-Filled Syringe, and hold it as you would a pencil. Remove the Needle Cap by pulling it straight off; don’t twist as you pull
- Pinch a skin fold of about 2 inches at your injection site between your thumb and index finger (see Figure P)
- Insert the needle at a 90° angle, resting your wrist against your body for support (see Figure Q)
- When the needle is all the way in, let go of the skin fold while holding the needle steady
- Do not push the Plunger until you are ready to inject
- Hold the syringe steady and push down on the Plunger
- When the injection is complete, pull the needle straight out
- Place a dry cotton ball on the site. Do not apply an alcohol wipe
- Properly dispose of the used syringe
Injecting the arms
To inject the upper right arm or upper left arm in the back portion, you may choose to follow this technique:
Sit sideways on a solid-backed chair
- Place the arm to be injected over the back of the chair
- While pressing your upper arm down against the top of the chair, begin to drag your arm forward over the top of the chair
- This should push up a segment of subcutaneous or "fatty" tissue midway between your shoulder and elbow. This is the area to inject (see Figure R)
- Clean the injection site with a fresh alcohol wipe. Let the area dry before injecting yourself
- Pick up the syringe as you would a pencil with your opposite hand. Make the injection by inserting the needle into the 2-inch fold of skin on your arm. If you are unable to push up 2 inches of skin, inject at about a 45° angle
- Release the pressure of your arm on the chair, but continue to stay seated in a sideways position
- Inject the medication by holding the syringe steady while pushing down on the Plunger. This only takes a few seconds
- You may find it helpful to steady the syringe by resting the heel of your opposite hand on the arm you are injecting
- Pull the needle straight out. Immediately press a cotton ball gently on the injection site for a few seconds, but do not rub or massage the area
close
Injecting the hips
To inject the right or left hip on the upper, outer rear quadrant, you may choose to follow this technique:
- You may find it easier to sit in a chair
- Clean the injection site with a fresh alcohol wipe. Let the area dry before injecting yourself
- Reach around the front of your body toward your back and below your waistline, and pinch a 2-inch fold of skin on the upper, outer rear quadrant of your buttock (see Figure S)
- Pick up the syringe as you would a pencil with your opposite hand
- Make the injection by inserting the needle into the 2-inch fold of skin on your hip. If you are unable to push up 2 inches of skin, inject at about a 45° angle
- Inject the medication by holding the syringe steady while pushing down on the Plunger. This only takes a few seconds
- You may find it helpful to steady the syringe by resting the heel of your hand on your body
- Hold a cotton ball near the needle, and pull the needle straight out. Immediately press the cotton ball gently on the injection site for a few seconds, but do not rub or massage the area
- Another technique for injecting in your hip is to reach down your back and below your waistline, and pinch a 2-inch fold of skin on the upper, outer rear quadrant of your buttock (see Figure T). Use whichever technique is easier and more comfortable for you
close
If you have any questions about injecting with the COPAXONE® Pre-Filled Syringe MS treatment, you can always count on Shared Solutions® for support. Call us at 1-800-887-8100.
Additional safety information
What to do if an immediate post-injection reaction occurs
A brief reaction—which may include chest tightness or pain with a fluttery or rapid heartbeat, and trouble breathing—may occur immediately after injecting COPAXONE® MS treatment.
This type of reaction should go away in several minutes and not cause further problems. But if it occurs, it is important to
- Try to relax and not feel scared
- Sit down
- Keep your head upright
- Breathe slowly
Important: If the reaction doesn’t end in a few minutes, or if you have different symptoms, such as swelling of the face, tongue, or eyes, or difficulty swallowing or wheezing, seek medical attention immediately.
After the reaction is over, call your health care professional as soon as possible, and do not give yourself another injection until your doctor tells you to begin again.
Importance of good COPAXONE® injection techniques
Keep in mind that practicing proper injection techniques today can make it easier to stay committed to your MS therapy over the long term. They may also
- Reduce the potential for injection site reactions such as swelling, pain, itching, and lumps, which can happen with any injectable therapy, including COPAXONE®
- Make injecting MS therapy a more positive experience
Importance of good COPAXONE® injection site rotation
One of the most effective ways to avoid injection site reactions and keep your skin healthy is to rotate your injection areas each day. Here’s a simple plan you can follow:
- Never inject COPAXONE® into the same area more than once a week
- Instead, inject in a different area on your body each day by using the 7 injection areas shown above
- Each time you inject in 1 of the 7 areas, choose a site at least 2 inches from the last injection site you used within the area
- This will allow you to use many different injection sites and may help reduce your risk of injection site reactions (which can include swelling, pain, itching, and lumps)
- Do not rub or massage the injection site on the same day as you have injected
- Shared Solutions® will send you a free Daily Planner to keep track of injections and medical appointments.
If you think it might be beneficial, brush up on proper injection techniques by talking with your doctor or calling Shared Solutions® at 1-800-887-8100.
Traveling with COPAXONE®
Part of successful multiple sclerosis management is to keep doing the things you enjoy in life. If you plan on traveling, you’ll want to be able to continue taking COPAXONE® each and every day you’re away from home. If you can, inject COPAXONE® at the same time each day to maintain your regular routine (just as you would at home).
Bring enough supplies when traveling
Before leaving on your trip, be sure to:
- Pack enough cotton balls and alcohol wipes for the amount of days you’ll be away (better to take more than you need than not enough)
- You might also want to use tight-locking plastic storage bags to make sure all your COPAXONE® supplies are sealed properly
- If you’re interested, you can receive a free Travel Storage Container. Just give Shared Solutions® a call at 1-800-887-8100, and we will be happy to send it to you
Keep COPAXONE® close by when traveling by plane
If you’re going to travel by plane:
- Keep your COPAXONE® Pre-Filled Syringes and autoject® 2 for glass syringe in your carry-on luggage, so they are easily available during inspection
- This will also help make sure your COPAXONE® multiple sclerosis therapy is safe and sound if your luggage is lost or damaged
Airport security
COPAXONE® therapy should not be affected when passing through X-ray security measures at the airport.
- To avoid unnecessary delays, bring your current prescription label with you to verify your need for therapy to airline officials
Getting Started With COPAXONE®
|
|
COPAXONE® Injection Tips
|
Using the autoject® 2 for glass syringe
|
|
Traveling With COPAXONE®
|
Message From Teva Neuroscience
|
077005508/071277