Copaxone Warnings and Precautions

You should talk to your healthcare provider about Copaxone warnings and precautions before starting treatment to help minimize risks and ensure a safe treatment process. For example, you should know that the drug may increase the risk of infections or cause dangerous allergic reactions. Copaxone warnings and precautions also apply to women who are pregnant or breastfeeding.

 

Copaxone: What Should I Tell My Healthcare Provider?

You should talk with your healthcare provider prior to taking Copaxone® (glatiramer acetate) if you:
 
  • Have any allergies, including allergies to food, dyes, or preservatives
  • Are pregnant or thinking of becoming pregnant
  • Are breastfeeding.
     
You should also be sure to tell your healthcare provider about all other medicines you are taking, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
 

Specific Copaxone Warnings and Precautions

Warnings and precautions to be aware of prior to taking Copaxone include the following:
 
 
  • The medication should be given only by subcutaneous injection (just under the skin). It should not be injected into a vein (by IV) or into a muscle.
     
  • Make sure your healthcare provider shows you exactly how to inject Copaxone. If you have any questions about how to inject it, do not hesitate to contact your healthcare provider.
     
  • Copaxone works by limiting immune system reactions. Theoretically, the drug could weaken the immune system in such a way as to make infections or cancers more likely. However, there is no evidence that Copaxone actually has these effects.
     
  • In rare cases, Copaxone can cause dangerous allergic reactions. Report any symptoms of an allergic reaction (such as difficulty breathing, wheezing, itching, hives, or swelling) immediately to your healthcare provider.
     
  • Copaxone is unlikely to interact with other medications (see Copaxone Drug Interactions).
     
  • Copaxone is considered a pregnancy Category B medication. This means that it is probably safe to take during pregnancy. Be sure to talk with your healthcare provider about the risks and benefits of using the drug when pregnant (see Copaxone and Pregnancy).
     
  • It is not known whether Copaxone passes through breast milk. Therefore, if you are breastfeeding or plan to start, discuss this with your healthcare provider prior to taking the drug (see Copaxone and Breastfeeding).
     
(Copaxone Warnings and Precautions Continued: Page 2)
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;