Copaxone (glateramir acetate)
COPAXONE (glatiramer acetate) – a biologic immune modifier that is commonly used to treat multiple sclerosis (MS). Glatiramer is thought to act by modifying immune processes that believed to be responsible for the pathogenesis of MS.
FDA approved uses: Copaxone is indicated for reduction of the frequency of relapses in patients with Relapsing-Remitting Multiple Sclerosis, including patients who have experienced a first clinical episode and have MRI features consistent with multiple sclerosis.
Available dosage forms:
Prefilled Syringe – 1 mL solution with 20 mg of glatiramer acetate .
Usual dosage: For subcutaneous injection only. Recommended dose is 20 mg/day.
Contraindications: Known hypersensitivity to glatiramer acetate or mannitol.
Special Warnings: Immediate Post-Injection Reaction (flushing, chest pain, palpitations, anxiety, dyspnea, throat constriction, and/or urticaria) may occur, generally transient and self-limiting. Chest pain, usually transient has been reported. Lipoatrophy and skin necrosis may occur. Instruct patient in proper injection technique and to rotate injection sites daily. COPAXONE can modify immune response.
Adverse reactions (side effects) of these medications: The most common side effects of Copaxone include injection site reactions, vasodilatation, rash, dyspnea, and chest pain. Other adverse reactions reported in clinical trial data include lymphadenopathy, plapitations, tachycardia, eye disorders, diplopia, nausea, vomiting, dysphagia, asthenia, chills, facial edema, peripheral edema, hypersensitivity, infection, influenza, rhinitis, bronchitis, gastroenteritis, vaginal candidiasis, weight gain, back pain, benign skin neoplasms, tremor, migraine, syncope, anxiety, urinary urgency, cough, pruritis, hyperhidrosis, vasodilatation.
Common drug interactions: The manufacturer of Copaxone states that results from existing clinical trials do not suggest any significant interactions of Copaxone with therapies commonly used in MS patients, including concurrent use of corticosteroids for up to 28 days.
Special instructions for patients: Use exactly as directed by physician. Do not use if you are allergic to glatiramer acetate or mannitol. Allow injection to warm to room temperature before using. Call doctor right away if any of the following symptoms are experienced: hives, skin rash with irritation, dizziness, sweating, chest pain, trouble breathing. Or severe pain at injection site.
Full prescribing information may be found at the manufacturer‘s official website Copaxone.com or at the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s website at Copaxone Info at Drugs@FDA
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