Copaxone

Generic name: Glatiramer (injection)
Drug class: Other immunostimulants

Usage of Copaxone

Copaxone is a combination of four amino acids (proteins) that affect the immune system.

Copaxone injection is used to treat relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis in adults (including clinically isolated syndrome, relapsing-remitting disease, and active secondary progressive disease).

Copaxone will not cure MS, but it can make relapses occur less often.

Copaxone side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction to Copaxone: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Some side effects may occur within minutes after an injection. Tell your doctor if you have any of these symptoms: itching, rash, swelling, warmth, skin redness, tingling, anxiety, fast or pounding heartbeats, chest pain, tightness in your throat, or trouble breathing.

This type of reaction may occur even after you have been using Copaxone for several months.

Call your doctor at once if you have:

chest pain (may occur alone or with other side effects shortly after an injection); or

hollowing or other skin changes where the injection was given.

Common Copaxone side effects include:

feeling short of breath;

flushing (sudden warmth, redness, or tingly feeling);

rash; or

redness, pain, itching, swelling, or a lump where the injection was given.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Before taking Copaxone

You should not use Copaxone if you are allergic to glatiramer or to mannitol.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Copaxone is not approved for use by anyone younger than 18 years old.

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How to use Copaxone

Usual Adult Dose for Multiple Sclerosis:

20 mg subcutaneously once a day or 40 mg subcutaneously 3 times a week Comments: -For the 3 times a week dosage regimen, each dose must be separated by at least 48 hours. -Length of treatment should be individualized. Approved indication: For the treatment of patients with relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis

Warnings

Use Copaxone exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not use the medication in larger amounts, or use it for longer than recommended by your doctor. Follow the instructions on your prescription label.

Tell each of your healthcare providers about all your medical conditions, allergies, and all medicines you use.

Copaxone is given as an injection under your skin. You may be given instructions on how to inject your medicine at home. Do not use this medicine at home if you do not fully understand how to give the injection and properly dispose of needles and syringes used in giving the medicine.

Some people receiving a Copaxone injection have had a severe reaction. Tell your caregiver right away if you feel anxious, warm, itchy, tingly, or have a pounding heartbeat, tightness in your throat, or trouble breathing during the injection. This type of reaction may occur even after you have been using this medicine for several month

Tell each of your healthcare providers about all your medical conditions, allergies, and all medicines you use.

What other drugs will affect Copaxone

Other drugs may interact with glatiramer, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any medicine you start or stop using.

Popular FAQ

Copaxone should be by subcutaneous injection (into the fatty layer under the skin) into the upper outer arms, abdomen (but not within two inches of your belly button), fleshy part of the hips, or top outer part of the thighs. There are two recognized strengths of Copaxone, 20mg/ml and 40mg/ml. Copaxone 20mg/mL should be administered once daily, every day and Copaxone 40mg/ml should be administered three times per week (at least 48 hours between dosages), and preferably on the same day each week, for example, Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. Continue reading

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