Copaxone Uses (Cont.)

How Does Copaxone Work?

At this time, it is not fully understood how Copaxone works to treat MS. Although the exact causes of MS are not known, it is often considered an autoimmune disease in which the immune system attacks and destroys the protective coating around nerve fibers. It is thought that Copaxone may work by limiting this immune system response, decreasing the damage to the nerves.
 
Because the drug is a delicate molecule, it would be broken down and destroyed by the digestive system if taken by mouth. For this reason, Copaxone must be injected to bypass the digestive tract.
 

Copaxone Uses in Children and Teens

Copaxone is not approved for individuals under 18 years old. Talk to your healthcare provider about the benefits and risks of using the drug in children or teens.
 

Off-Label Copaxone Uses

On occasion, your healthcare provider may recommend Copaxone for treating something other than relapsing-remitting MS. This is called an "off-label" use. At this time, using the drug to treat other types of MS is considered an off-label Copaxone use.
 

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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;