Glatiramer Acetate (Systemic)
Brand Names : Copaxone, copolymer-1
Side Effects of This MedicineAlong with its needed effects, a medicine may
cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur,
if they do occur they may need medical attention.
The most commonly occurring side effects of glatiramer acetate are redness,
pain, inflammation, itching, or a lump at the site of the injection. Some
patients have reported a rare reaction that started immediately after the
injection and consisted of flushing, chest tightness with racing or pounding
heartbeat, anxiety, and difficulty in breathing. The symptoms of this reaction
generally lasted approximately fifteen minutes and resolved without any further
problems. However, if you inject glatiramer acetate and experience dizziness,
hives and itching, sweating, chest pain, difficulty in breathing, or other
uncomfortable changes in your general health, call your doctor immediately.
If symptoms become severe, or you cannot reach your doctor, call 911 or the
appropriate emergency phone number in your area for assistance.
Also, check with your doctor as soon as possible
if any of the following side effects occur:
More common
Anxiety; bleeding, hard lump, hives
or welts, itching, pain, redness, or swelling at the place of injection; chest pain; excessive muscle tone; flushing; irregular or pounding heartbeat; joint pain; neck pain; swelling or puffiness of face; swollen lymph glands; troubled breathing; vaginal yeast infection
Less common
Agitation; bloating or swelling; chills; confusion; fainting; fever; infections; migraine; muscle aches; pain; purple spots under
the skin; skin rash; small
lumps under the skin; spasm of throat; strong urge to urinate; swelling of
fingers, arms, feet, or legs; tightness in chest
or wheezing
Rare
Back pain; blood in urine; continuous, uncontrolled back-and-forth and/or rolling eye movements; decreased sexual ability; diarrhea; ear pain; fast
breathing; fast or racing heartbeat; high blood pressure; irritation of mouth
and tongue (thrush); loss of appetite; menstrual pain or changes; sensation
of motion, usually whirling, either of oneself or of one's surroundings; speech problems; suspicious Papanicolaou
test (Pap test) results; vision problems
Other side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention.
These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the
medicine. However, check with your doctor if any of the following side effects
continue or are bothersome:
Other side effects not listed above
may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with
your doctor.
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