Precautions
Glatiramer acetate (also known as Copolymer 1, Cop-1, or Copaxone - as marketed by Teva Pharmaceuticals) is an immunomodulator drug currently used to treat multiple sclerosis.
What is glatiramer acetate?
A 2010 Cochrane review concluded that glatiramer acetate had partial efficacy in "relapse-related clinical outcomes" but no effect on progression of the disease. As a result, it is approved by the FDA for reducing the frequency of relapses, but not for reducing the progression of disability.
How effective is glatiramer acetate for treating multiple sclerosis (MS)?
Myelin basic protein is the antigen in the myelin sheaths of the neurons that stimulates an autoimmune reaction in people with MS, so the peptide may work as a decoy for the attacking immune cells. Glatiramer acetate was originally discovered at the Weizmann Institute of Science.
What is myelin basic protein and glatiramer acetate used for?
If you are allergic to glatiramer acetate; any part of glatiramer acetate; or any other drugs, foods, or substances. Tell your doctor about the allergy and what signs you had. This medicine may interact with other drugs or health problems.
What should I do if I am allergic to glatiramer acetate?
What are some other side effects of Glatiramer Acetate?
Where to give glatiramer acetate?
How long can glatiramer be stored?
How long does it take for glatiramer to react?
Can glatiramer acetate interact with other drugs?
Can glatiramer cause death?
Can glatiramer acetate be stored in the refrigerator?
See 4 more
About this website
Does glatiramer acetate suppress the immune system?
Because COPAXONE® is thought to modify the immune system, it may interfere with immune functions. There is no evidence that COPAXONE® reduces the body's normal immune response, but this has not been systematically evaluated.
Does Copaxone weaken the immune system?
Because Copaxone weakens your immune system, you would have a higher chance of catching things like a cold or the flu. Infections could also be more likely. Your skin. You can inject Copaxone into your arms, thighs, hips, and lower stomach.
Is Copaxone an immunosuppressant or immunomodulator?
Older, first-line immunomodulators, including the injectables glatiramer acetate (Copaxone) and interferon-β (Avonex, Betaseron, Plegridy, Rebif), are believed to work by affecting T-cells.
Are MS drugs immunosuppressants?
Immunosuppressive therapy has been used to treat multiple sclerosis (MS) for over 30 years based on the hypothesis that MS is a T cell-mediated autoimmune disease. The most commonly used immunosuppressive agents in MS are azathioprine, cyclophosphamide, methotrexate, and mitoxantrone.
Is Copaxone an immunotherapy?
Examples of immunomodulating agents are Avonex, Betaseron, Copaxone, Rebif and Extavia. The clinical success rate has been good and the use of these types of drugs has proven useful especially in the early stages of the disease.
What are the long term side effects of Copaxone?
Are there any long-term side effects of Copaxone? Yes, some side effects of Copaxone may be long term. For example, it's possible to have skin damage in the places where you inject Copaxone. * While this isn't common, it can cause permanent pitting of the skin in those areas.
What is the difference between an immunosuppressant and an immunomodulator?
In addition, although immunosuppressants appear to globally impair the host immune response typically in a dose-dependent fashion, immunomodulators may act more selectively by targeting only specific portions of the immune system and therefore pose a lower risk of complications related to immune dysfunction.
What counts as immunosuppressant medication?
Types of immunosuppressants include: Biologics such as adalimumab (Humira®) and infliximab (Remicade®). Calcineurin inhibitors such as tacrolimus (Envarsus XR® or Protopic) and cyclosporine (Gengraf®, Neoral® or Sandimmune®). Corticosteroids (prednisone).
What prescription drugs suppress the immune system?
General Immune SuppressantsSteroids. Examples: Prednisone, methylprednisolone, dexamethasone. ... Colchicine. ... Hydroxychloroquine (Plaquenil) ... Sulfasalazine. ... Dapsone. ... Methotrexate. ... Mycophenolate Mofetil (Cellcept, Myfortic) ... Azathioprine (Imuran)
Is MS an auto immune system?
MS is an autoimmune condition. This is when something goes wrong with the immune system and it mistakenly attacks a healthy part of the body – in this case, the brain or spinal cord of the nervous system. In MS, the immune system attacks the layer that surrounds and protects the nerves called the myelin sheath.
What is the safest drug for multiple sclerosis?
The results are in, and according to a recent report comparing the safety records of all multiple sclerosis (MS) drugs on the market, Tecfidera took the top safety prize. The report reveals that newer MS drugs received high marks for safety, while older interferon drugs had more reported side effects.
Why are immunosuppressants used for MS?
The rationale for treating multiple sclerosis (MS) with immunosuppressive drugs rests on the hypothesis that MS is an inflammatory, cell-mediated autoimmune disease affect- ing the central nervous system [1–3].
How long can you be on Copaxone?
Official answer. Copaxone is considered a long-term (life-long) treatment and should be administered for as long as it is effective or tolerated. Copaxone has shown to significantly reduce the number of relapses in people with MS. 34 to 56% were relapse-free after two years.
Can Copaxone make MS worse?
Copaxone also slowed MS from worsening in people using the drug. For example, two studies looked at the effect of using Copaxone 20 mg daily in people with MS. Over 2 years of treatment: People who took Copaxone had an average of 0.6 to 1.19 MS relapses.
What does MS do to your immune system?
In MS, the immune system becomes confused and attacks the protective myelin coating around our nerves by mistake. If myelin is damaged by the immune system, the nerve can't communicate properly and may eventually die.
What does the immune system destroy in patients with multiple sclerosis?
With multiple sclerosis (MS), the body's own system of defense, known as the immune system, malfunctions. It sends disease-fighting cells into the central nervous system (CNS) that may destroy the body's own myelin.
What Do I Need to Tell My Doctor Before I Take Glatiramer Acetate?
1. If you have an allergy to glatiramer acetate or any other part of glatiramer acetate. 2. If you are allergic to any drugs like this one, any oth...
What Are Some Things I Need to Know Or Do While I Take Glatiramer Acetate?
1. Tell all of your health care providers that you take glatiramer acetate. This includes your doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists. 2. You m...
How Is This Medicine (Glatiramer Acetate) Best Taken?
Use glatiramer acetate as ordered by your doctor. Read all information given to you. Follow all instructions closely. 1. It is given as a shot into...
What Are Some Side Effects That I Need to Call My Doctor About Right away?
WARNING/CAUTION: Even though it may be rare, some people may have very bad and sometimes deadly side effects when taking a drug. Tell your doctor o...
What Are Some Other Side Effects of Glatiramer Acetate?
All drugs may cause side effects. However, many people have no side effects or only have minor side effects. Call your doctor or get medical help i...
How Do I Store and/or Throw Out Glatiramer Acetate?
1. Store in a refrigerator or at room temperature. If stored at room temperature, throw away any part not used after 1 month. 2. Do not freeze. 3....
Glatiramer: Uses, Interactions, Mechanism of Action - DrugBank
Generic Name Glatiramer DrugBank Accession Number DB05259 Background. Glatiramer acetate is a mix of synthetic polypeptides that includes L-glutamic acid, L-alanine, L-tyrosine, and L-lysine at an average molar fraction of 0.141, 0.427, 0.095, and 0.338, respectively. 9 Since glatiramer acetate is a heterogeneous drug, there is limited information about its physicochemical properties. 5 ...
Glatiramer Acetate Injection | National Multiple Sclerosis Society
Glatiramer acetate injection is an FDA-approved therapeutic equivalent to Copaxone® (glatiramer acetate injection) available in two dose strengths: 40 mg/mL for 3-times-a-week injection and 20 mg/mL for one-daily injection.
Glatiramer Side Effects: Common, Severe, Long Term - Drugs.com
Drugs.com provides accurate and independent information on more than 24,000 prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines and natural products. This material is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Data sources include IBM Watson Micromedex (updated 4 Oct 2022), Cerner Multum™ (updated 21 Sep 2022), ASHP (updated 12 Sep 2022 ...
glatiramer subcutaneous: Uses, Side Effects, Interactions ... - WebMD
Find patient medical information for glatiramer subcutaneous on WebMD including its uses, side effects and safety, interactions, pictures, warnings and user ratings.
What is glatiramer acetate used for?
Glatiramer acetate (also known as Copolymer 1, Cop-1 ), sold under the brand name Copaxone among others, is an immunomodulator medication used to treat multiple sclerosis. Glatiramer acetate is approved in the United States to reduce the frequency of relapses, but not for reducing the progression of disability. Observational studies, but not randomized controlled trials, suggest that it may reduce progression of disability. While a conclusive diagnosis of multiple sclerosis requires a history of two or more episodes of symptoms and signs, glatiramer acetate is approved to treat a first episode anticipating a diagnosis. It is also used to treat relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis. It is administered by subcutaneous injection.
When was glatiramer acetate first approved?
Glatiramer acetate was approved for marketing in the U.K. in August 2000, and launched in December. This first approval in a major European market led to approval across the European Union under the mutual recognition procedure . Iran is proceeding with domestic manufacture of glatiramer acetate.
What is the name of the medication used to treat multiple sclerosis?
Glatiramer acetate. Glatiramer acetate (also known as Copolymer 1, Cop-1 ), sold under the brand name Copaxone among others, is an immunomodulator medication used to treat multiple sclerosis. Glatiramer acetate is approved in the United States to reduce the frequency of relapses, but not for reducing the progression of disability.
Where was latiramer acetate discovered?
Glatiramer acetate was originally discovered at the Weizmann Institute of Science. Three main clinical trials followed to demonstrate safety and efficacy: The first trial was performed in a single center, double-blind, placebo controlled trial and included 50 patients. The second trial was a two-year, multi-center, randomized, double-blind, placebo controlled trial and involved 251 patients. The third trial was a double-blind MRI study involving participation of 239 patients.
What are the side effects of a syringe injection?
Side effects may include a lump at the injection site (injection site reaction) in approximately 30% of users, and aches, fever, chills (flu-like symptoms) in approximately 10% of users. Side effect symptoms are generally mild in nature. A reaction that involves flushing, shortness of breath, anxiety and rapid heartbeat has been reported soon after injection in up to 5% of patients (usually after inadvertently injecting directly into a vein). These side effects subside within thirty minutes. Over time, a visible dent at a repeat-injection site can occur due to the local destruction of fat tissue, known as lipoatrophy, that may develop.
Does glatiramer acetate cause liver problems?
More serious side effects have been reported for glatiramer acetate, according to the FDA's prescribing label, these include serious side effects to the cardiovascular, digestive (including the liver), hematopoietic, lymphatic, musculoskeletal, nervous, respiratory, and urogenital systems as well as special senses (in particular the eyes). Metabolic and nutritional disorders have also been reported; however a link between glatiramer acetate and these adverse effects has not been established.
Does glatiramer acetate reduce relapse?
A 2010 Cochrane review concluded that glatiramer acetate had partial efficacy in "relapse-related clinical outcomes" but no effect on progression of the disease. As a result, it is approved by the FDA for reducing the frequency of relapses, but not for reducing the progression of disability.
What is GLATIRAMER ACETATE INJECTION?
GLATIRAMER ACETATE INJECTION is a prescription medicine used for the treatment of people with relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis (MS), to include clinically isolated syndrome, relapsing-remitting disease, and active secondary progressive disease, in adults.
What are the side effects of glatiramate?
The most common side effects in studies of GLATIRAMER ACETATE INJECTION are redness, pain, swelling, itching, or a lump at the site of injection, rash, shortness of breath, and flushing. These are not all the possible side effects of GLATIRAMER ACETATE INJECTION.
How long does it take for chest pain to go away after glatiramer?
Chest pain may occur either as part of the immediate post-injection reaction or on its own. This pain usually only lasts a few minutes or can begin around 1 month after you start using glatiramer acetate injection. Call your doctor right away if you experience chest pain.
Can glatamate cause liver failure?
Liver problems, including liver failure, can occur with GLATIRAMER ACETATE INJECTION. Call your healthcare provider right away if you have symptoms, such as nausea, loss of appetite, tiredness, dark colored urine and pale stools, yellowing of your skin or the white part of your eye, bleeding more easily than normal, confusion, or sleepiness.
Can you take glatiramer acetate if you are allergic to mannitol?
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION. Do not take GLATIRAMER ACETATE INJECTION if you are allergic to glatiramer acetate or mannitol. Serious side effects may happen right after or within minutes after you inject glatiramer acetate injection at any time during your course of treatment.
What immunosuppressants are used for relapsing multiple sclerosis?
Glatiramer acetate and fingolimod are the only immunosuppressants currently indicated for reduction of the frequency of relapses (exacerbations) in a type of multiple sclerosis known as relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis.
Is muromonab CD3 contraindicated?
Assess fluid volume status because muromonab-CD3 is contraindicated in the presence of fluid overload. The other options are incorrect.
What are some other side effects of Glatiramer Acetate?
All drugs may cause side effects. However, many people have no side effects or only have minor side effects. Call your doctor or get medical help if any of these side effects or any other side effects bother you or do not go away:
Where to give glatiramer acetate?
It is given as a shot into the fatty part of the skin of the stomach, thigh, upper arm, or outer hip. If you will be giving yourself the shot, your doctor or nurse will teach you how to give the shot. If stored in a refrigerator, let glatiramer acetate come to room temperature before using it.
How long can glatiramer be stored?
Do not use if it has been frozen. If needed, you may store at room temperature for up to 30 days. If stored at room temperature and not used within 30 days, throw glatiramer acetate away. Protect from heat and light. Keep all drugs in a safe place. Keep all drugs out of the reach of children and pets.
How long does it take for glatiramer to react?
This includes your doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists. Some people have had a reaction within seconds to minutes after getting glatiramer acetate. Tell your doctor if you have any bad effects after getting glatiramer acetate. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan ...
Can glatiramer acetate interact with other drugs?
This medicine may interact with other drugs or health problems. Tell your doctor and pharmacist about all of your drugs (prescription or OTC, natural products, vitamins) and health problems. You must check to make sure that it is safe for you to take glatiramer acetate with all of your drugs and health problems.
Can glatiramer cause death?
Shortness of breath. Swollen gland. Swelling. Damage to the fatty tissue under your skin can happen with glatiramer acetate. Rarely, death of skin tissue may happen. Call your doctor right away if you have pain, color, temperature change, or a dent where the injection was given.
Can glatiramer acetate be stored in the refrigerator?
If stored in a refrigerator, let glatiramer acetate come to room temperature before using it. Do not heat glatiramer acetate.
Overview
This medication is used to treat multiple sclerosis (MS).
May Treat: Relapsing form of multiple sclerosis · Secondary progressive multiple sclerosis
Brand Names: Copaxone · Glatopa
Drug Class: Multiple Sclerosis Agent - Others
Availability: Prescription Required
Pregnancy: Consult a doctor before using
Lactation: Does not adversely affect lactation
- If available, read the patient package insert
- Prepare carefully as you have been shown
- Rotate under-the-skin sites of injections.
- If available, read the patient package insert
- Prepare carefully as you have been shown
- Rotate under-the-skin sites of injections.
- Redness/pain/swelling may occur at injection site.
- Tell doctor if chest pain occurs
- Call MD if new abdominal pain/yellowing eyes/skin
- Use once and discard any extra medicine.
- Learn how to properly store your medicine.
History
Medical uses
Adverse effects
Mechanism of action
Glatiramer acetate (also known as Copolymer 1, Cop-1), sold under the brand name Copaxone among others, is an immunomodulator medication used to treat multiple sclerosis. Glatiramer acetate is approved in the United States to reduce the frequency of relapses, but not for reducing the progression of disability. Observational studies, but not randomized controlled trials, suggest that it ma…
Society and culture
Glatiramer acetate was originally discovered at the Weizmann Institute of Science. Three main clinical trials followed to demonstrate safety and efficacy: The first trial was performed in a single center, double-blind, placebo controlled trial and included 50 patients. The second trial was a two-year, multi-center, randomized, double-blind, placebo controlled trial and involved 251 patients. The third trial was a double-blind MRI study involving participation of 239 patients.
Further reading
Glatiramer acetate is indicated for the treatment of relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis (MS), to include clinically isolated syndrome, relapsing-remitting disease, and active secondary progressive disease, in adults.
A 2010 Cochrane review concluded that glatiramer acetate had partial efficacy in "relapse-related clinical outcomes" but no effect on progression of the disease. As a result, it is approved by the …