Medications and Drugs

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Brand Names: Copaxone

Generic Name: glatiramer (injection) (Pronunciation: gla TIR a mer)

• What is glatiramer (Copaxone)?
• What are the possible side effects of glatiramer (Copaxone)?
• What is the most important information I should know about glatiramer (Copaxone)?
• What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using glatiramer (Copaxone)?
• How should I use glatiramer (Copaxone)?
• What happens if I miss a dose (Copaxone)?
• What happens if I overdose (Copaxone)?
• What should I avoid while using glatiramer (Copaxone)?
• What other drugs will affect glatiramer (Copaxone)?
• Where can I get more information?

What is glatiramer (Copaxone)?

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

Glatiramer is used to treat multiple sclerosis (MS) and to prevent relapse of MS.

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

Glatiramer may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What are the possible side effects of glatiramer (Copaxone)?

Some people receiving a glatiramer 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 glatiramer for several months.

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

Call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

• chest pain;
• fast heart rate;
• fever, chills, body aches, flu symptoms; or
• severe pain where the injection is given.

Less serious side effects include:

• redness, minor pain, swelling, irritation, or a hard lump where the injection was given;
• warmth, redness, or tingly feeling under the skin;
• weakness, dizziness;
• white patches or sores inside your mouth or on your lips;
• joint pain;
• nausea, diarrhea;
• muscle tension or stiffness;
• runny nose;
• changes in your menstrual periods; or
• increased urge to urinate.

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.

What is the most important information I should know about glatiramer (Copaxone)?

Use this medication 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.

Glatiramer 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.

Do not stop using glatiramer without first talking with your doctor.

Glatiramer vials and prefilled syringes are for a single use only. Throw away the vial or syringe after each injection.

Store the prefilled syringes and vials (bottles) of glatiramer in the refrigerator. Do not allow the medicine to freeze.

You may also store glatiramer at room temperature, away from moisture, light, and high heat. Glatiramer will keep for up to 30 days if stored at room temperature. Throw away any unused glatiramer that has been at room temperature for longer than 30 days.

Some people receiving a glatiramer 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 glatiramer for several months.

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