Glatiramer

Copaxone is the brand name of the injectable drug glatiramer acetate, which is used to treat symptoms of relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis (MS).

MS is a neurological condition where the immune system attacks the protective covering of nerves. Relapsing MS occurs when symptoms show up from time to time. 

Copaxone is in a class of drugs known as immunomodulators, which work by stopping the body from damaging specific nerve cells.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved this medicine in 1996. It's manufactured by Teva Neuroscience, Inc.

Copaxone Warnings

Before taking Copaxone, tell your doctor if you have or have ever had:

• An allergy to glatiramer, mannitol, or any other drug
• Kidney disease

This medicine affects your immune system and may increase your chances of developing cancer or a serious infection. Talk to your doctor about these possible risks.

You may experience an allergic reaction immediately after you inject Copaxone, which might cause the following symptoms:

• Flushing
• Chest pain
• Anxiety
• Pounding heartbeat
• Trouble breathing or swallowing
• Closing of the throat
• Hives

Tell your doctor if this happens, and get emergency medical care if your symptoms become severe or last longer than a few minutes.

You're most likely to experience a reaction to Copaxone a few months into your treatment, but it can happen at any time.

Copaxone helps prevent symptoms of relapse in people with MS, but it won't cure the condition.

Continue to take Copaxone even if you feel well. Don't stop taking the medicine without first talking to your doctor.

Pregnancy and Copaxone

Copaxone isn't likely to harm an unborn baby.

However, tell your doctor if you're pregnant or plan to become pregnant while taking this medicine.

It's not known whether Copaxone passes into breast milk or could harm a breastfeeding baby. Tell your doctor if you're breastfeeding before taking this drug.  

Common Side Effects of Copaxone

Tell your doctor if any of the following side effects become severe or don't go away:

• Pain, redness, swelling, itching, or a lump at the injection site
• Weakness
• Depression
• Unusual dreams
• Headache
• Pain in the back, neck, or other part of the body
• Loss of appetite
• Diarrhea, nausea, or vomiting
• Weight gain
• Swelling of the hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs
• Purple patches on the skin
• Confusion
• Joint pain
• Nervousness
• Crossed eyes
• Difficulty speaking
• Shaking hands
• Sweating
• Ear pain
• Vaginal discharge or itching
• Painful or irregular menstrual periods
• Urgent need to use the bathroom
• Muscle tightness
• White patches in the mouth

Serious Side Effects of Copaxone

Tell your doctor right away if you experience any of the symptoms listed in the Warning section, as well as the following side effects:

• Dizziness
• Excessive sweating
• Fever, sore throat, chills, or other signs of infection
• Runny nose
• Coughing
• Fainting
• Fast heartbeat
• Skin rash
• Itching
• Severe pain at the injection site

Glatiramer may be found in some form under the following brand names:

• Copaxone

• Glatiramer is not recommended for use in pregnancy. So, tell your doctor if you are pregnant or if you plan to become pregnant while taking this medicine.
• Tell your doctor if you are nursing. It is not known if glatiramer is passed through the breast milk to the baby.
• Do not use glatiramer if you are allergic to glatiramer acetate or mannitol.

Medicines can interact with certain foods. In some cases, this may be harmful and your doctor may advise you to avoid certain foods. In the case of glatiramer there are no specific foods that you must exclude from your diet when receiving this medication.