Copaxone
® (
glatiramer acetate) is a prescription medication approved for the treatment of certain
types of multiple sclerosis (
MS). Like many other MS medications, it must be taken by injection. Copaxone is injected just under the skin (subcutaneously) once a day.
It is made by Teva Neuroscience, Inc.
At this time, it is not fully understood how Copaxone works to treat
multiple sclerosis. 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 Copaxone is a delicate molecule, it would be broken down and destroyed by the
digestive system if taken by mouth. For this reason, the drug must be injected to bypass the digestive tract.
Several studies have evaluated Copaxone as an MS treatment.
In one study, people who took the drug had fewer MS exacerbations, compared to people taking a placebo injection with no active ingredient. MRI brain scans showed that people had significantly fewer lesions after two years of taking Copaxone, compared with those who took the placebo.
When and How to Take Copaxone
General considerations for when and how to take the medication include the following:
- Copaxone comes as an injection. It is injected subcutaneously (just under the skin) once a day.
- Take it at the same time each day.
- The drug should be injected into areas of the skin that have a layer of fat underneath. This includes the thighs, outer upper arms, stomach (away from the navel), or buttocks. Try to rotate the injection sites (do not inject in the same place twice in a row).
- If your Copaxone is stored in the refrigerator, let it come to room temperature (wait about 20 minutes) before injecting it.
- Make sure your healthcare provider teaches you exactly how to inject the drug. This includes how to prepare the skin, how to inject the medication, and what to do with your used needles (this may vary, depending on the local laws and regulations).
- For the medication to work properly, it must be taken as prescribed. It will not work if you stop taking it.
There is only one standard recommended dose of Copaxone, regardless of your age or weight. As always, do not adjust your dose unless your healthcare provider specifically instructs you to do so.
As with any medicine, side effects are possible with Copaxone. However, not everyone who takes the drug will experience side effects. In fact, most people tolerate it quite well. If side effects do occur, in most cases, they are minor and either require no treatment or can easily be treated by you or your healthcare provider. Serious side effects are less common.
Common side effects of Copaxone include, but are not limited to:
- Skin reaction at the injection site (such as redness, pain, or burning)
- Weakness
- Flushing or hot flashes
- Joint pain.
(Click Copaxone Side Effects to learn more, including potentially serious side effects that you should report immediately to your healthcare provider.)
Drug Interactions With Copaxone
What Should I Tell My Healthcare Provider?
You should talk with your healthcare provider prior to taking this medication if you:
Make sure to tell your healthcare provider about all other medicines you are taking, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
What If I Take an Overdose?
It is not known exactly what to expect from a Copaxone overdose. If you think you may have overdosed on the drug, seek immediate medical attention.
Copaxone should be stored in the refrigerator. If this is not possible, it is okay for the drug to be stored at room temperature for up to one month. In all cases, Copaxone should be protected against high temperatures or light exposure. Keep Copaxone and all other medications out of the reach of children.
If you forget to take a dose of Copaxone, take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule.
Copaxone comes in one strength -- Copaxone 20 mg prefilled syringes, with needles already attached. It comes in cartons of 30 Copaxone syringes, along with 33 alcohol pads to clean the skin prior to injection.
Is There a Generic Version of Copaxone?
Currently, there are no generic versions of the drug licensed for sale
(see Generic Copaxone).
