glatiramer (injection) Health Article

Generic name(s):

glatiramer (injection)

Brand name(s):

glatiramer, Copaxone

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

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 reaction to the infusion (when the medicine is injected into the vein). 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.

What is glatiramer?

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

Glatiramer is used to prevent relapse of multiple sclerosis (MS). This medication will not cure MS, but it can make relapses occur less often.

Glatiramer may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using glatiramer?

Do not use this medication if you are allergic to glatiramer or to mannitol.

Before using glatiramer, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have any other illness or if you take any other medicines. You may not be able to use glatiramer, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment.

FDA pregnancy category B. This medication is not expected to be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment. It is not known whether glatiramer passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.