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EspañolCopaxone overview
BRAND NAMES:
Copaxone, Glatopa
Generic Names:
Glatiramer Acetate
Uses:
Treats relapsing-forms of multiple sclerosis (MS).
Therapeutic Classes:
Central Nervous System Agent, Immune Suppressant, Musculoskeletal Agent
Forms:
Injectable
How it’s taken:
By injection
What is Copaxone used for?
Glatopa is a combination of four amino acids that work by preventing your immune system from attacking the nerves in your brain and spinal cord. It is used to treat multiple sclerosis (MS) and to prevent relapse of MS.
What form(s) does Copaxone come in
Injectable
What are common Copaxone doses?
Syringe 1ML of 20MG/ML
Syringe 1ML of 40MG/ML
Common Copaxone prescriptions
Copaxone
1ml of 20mg/ml syringeCopaxone
1ml of 40mg/ml syringe
How to take Copaxone
Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.
Injection routeUse a new needle and syringe each time you inject your medicine.
Do not stop using this medicine without first checking with your doctor.
Injection routeIf you store this medicine at home, keep it in the refrigerator. Do not freeze. You may also store this medicine at room temperature for up to 1 month. Avoid exposing this medicine to higher temperatures or bright or intense light.
Injection routeThrow away used needles in a hard, closed container that the needles cannot poke through. Keep this container away from children and pets.
Read and follow the patient instructions that come with this medicine. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.
Allow the prefilled syringe to warm to room temperature for 20 minutes before using it.
Injection routeYour doctor will prescribe your exact dose and tell you how often it should be given. This medicine is given as a shot under your skin.
Injection routeA nurse or other health provider will give you this medicine.
Injection routeYou may be taught how to give your medicine at home. Make sure you understand all instructions before giving yourself an injection. Do not use more medicine or use it more often than your doctor tells you to.
Injection routeYou will be shown the body areas where this shot can be given. Use a different body area each time you give yourself a shot. Keep track of where you give each shot to make sure you rotate body areas.
Check the liquid in the prefilled syringe. It should be colorless or slightly yellow. Do not use the medicine if the liquid is cloudy, discolored, or has particles in it.
Injection routeYou will be shown the body areas where this shot can be given. Use a different body area each time you give yourself a shot. Keep track of where you give each shot to make sure you rotate body areas.
Read and follow the patient instructions that come with this medicine. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.
Allow the prefilled syringe to warm to room temperature for 20 minutes before using it.
Injection routeThrow away used needles in a hard, closed container that the needles cannot poke through. Keep this container away from children and pets.
Injection routeUse a new needle and syringe each time you inject your medicine.
Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.
Do not stop using this medicine without first checking with your doctor.
Injection routeIf you store this medicine at home, keep it in the refrigerator. Do not freeze. You may also store this medicine at room temperature for up to 1 month. Avoid exposing this medicine to higher temperatures or bright or intense light.
Check the liquid in the prefilled syringe. It should be colorless or slightly yellow. Do not use the medicine if the liquid is cloudy, discolored, or has particles in it.
Injection routeYour doctor will prescribe your exact dose and tell you how often it should be given. This medicine is given as a shot under your skin.
Injection routeA nurse or other health provider will give you this medicine.
Injection routeYou may be taught how to give your medicine at home. Make sure you understand all instructions before giving yourself an injection. Do not use more medicine or use it more often than your doctor tells you to.
What to do if you miss a dose of Copaxone
Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.
You may also store glatiramer injection at room temperature for up to one month. Avoid exposing this medicine to bright or intense light.
Injection routeAsk your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of any leftover medicine, containers, and other supplies. Throw away old medicine after the expiration date has passed.
Injection routeThrow away used needles in a hard, closed container that the needles cannot poke through. Keep this container away from children and pets.
Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.
Copaxone contraindications
This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not use it if you had an allergic reaction to glatiramer or mannitol.
Copaxone warnings
Warmth or redness in your face, neck, arms, or upper chest.
Unusual bleeding, bruising, or weakness.
Trouble with swallowing.
Swelling in your face, hands, ankles, or feet.
Sores or ulcers in the mouth or lips.
Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.
Swollen, painful, or tender lymph glands in the neck, armpit, or groin.
Your doctor will check your progress and the effects of this medicine at regular visits. Keep all appointments.
Avoid people who are sick or have infections.
Symptoms of your MS may return and become worse after stopping treatment with this medicine. Do not stop using this medicine without checking first with your doctor.
This medicine may cause the following problems:Chest painSerious skin problemsLiver problems, including liver failure or hepatitis with jaundice
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have kidney disease, liver disease, or any type of infection.
Copaxone interactions
Your doctor will check your progress and the effects of this medicine at regular visits. Keep all appointments.
Do not stop using this medicine without first checking with your doctor.
Avoid people who are sick or have infections.
This medicine may cause a permanent depression under the skin at the injection site. Contact your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects at the injection site: depressed or indented skin; blue-green to black skin discoloration; or pain, redness, or sloughing (peeling) of the skin.
Some patients may have a reaction a few minutes after receiving a shot. This reaction may include flushing, a fast or pounding heartbeat, chest pain, shortness of breath, anxiety, a tight feeling in the throat, or hives. The reaction usually lasts a few minutes and goes away without treatment. If the reaction gets severe or does not go away, call your doctor right away. This reaction can happen even if you have used the medicine regularly for several months. Also, chest pain can occur by itself, but should not last more than a few minutes.
Some medicines can affect how glatiramer works. Tell your doctor if you are using interferon beta.
Copaxone side effects
Serious Side Effects
Trouble with swallowing.
Unusual bleeding, bruising, or weakness.
Swollen, painful, or tender lymph glands in the neck, armpit, or groin.
Unusual bleeding, bruising, or tiredness
Swollen, painful, or tender lymph glands in the neck, armpit, or groin
Severe pain, redness, swelling, itching, peeling, or lump where the shot is given
Fever, chills, cough, stuffy or runny nose, sore throat, body aches
Dark urine or pale stools, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, stomach pain, yellow skin or eyes
Chest pain, trouble breathing
Anxiety, fast, pounding, or uneven heartbeat, trouble swallowing, warmth or redness in your face, neck, arms, or upper chest
Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
Warmth or redness in your face, neck, arms, or upper chest.
Less Serious Side Effects
Shortness of breath
Mild pain, redness, swelling, itching, or lump where the shot is given.
Stuffy or runny nose.
Nausea or vomiting.
Sweating.
Flushing
Redness, pain, swelling, itching at injection site
Rash or itching.
Sweating