Glatiramer (Injection) (Copaxone) - Drugs Information, Side Effects, & Interactions

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Glatiramer (gla-TIR-a-mer)

Reduces frequency of flare-ups (relapses) in people who have multiple sclerosis (MS).

Copaxone
There may be other brand names for this medicine.

You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to glatiramer or mannitol.

Injectable

Your 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.
A nurse or other trained health professional will give you this medicine. It may also be given by a home health caregiver.
You 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. Do not stop using this medicine without talking to your doctor first.
This medicine comes with patient instructions. Read and follow these instructions carefully. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.
You 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.
Use a new needle and syringe each time you inject your medicine.
Never share your medicine with anyone.

If a dose is missed:

If you miss a dose or forget to use your medicine, use it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to use the medicine and skip the missed dose.
Do not use extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

Throw away used needles in a hard, closed container that the needles cannot poke through. Keep this container out of the reach of children and pets.
Store the brown bottles of powder in the refrigerator. If needed, you may keep the powder at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light, for up to 1 week. Store the clear bottles of liquid (sterile water) at room temperature, away from heat and direct light. Any medicine that is mixed must be used right away.
Keep all medicine out of the reach of children.

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Do not stop using this medicine suddenly without asking your doctor. You may need to slowly decrease your dose before stopping it completely.
Some patients may have a reaction a few minutes after receiving a shot. This reaction may include flushing, fast or pounding heartbeat, chest pain, shortness of breath, anxiety, or a tight feeling in the throat. The reaction usually lasts about 15 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.

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in face or hands, swelling or tingling in the mouth or throat, tightness in chest, trouble breathing
Facial flushing
Severe pain, swelling, redness, or itching where the shot is given
Warmth, redness, or tingling in your skin

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

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