Copaxone
Generic Name: glatiramer (injection) (gla TIR a mer)
Brand Names: Copaxone
What is Copaxone?
Copaxone is a combination of four amino acids (proteins) that affect the immune system.
Copaxone is used to prevent relapse of multiple sclerosis (MS). This medication will not cure MS, but it can make relapses occur less often.
Copaxone may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.
Important information about Copaxone
Use Copaxone exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not use the medication in larger amounts, or use it for longer than recommended by your doctor. Follow the instructions on your prescription label.
Copaxone is given as an injection under your skin. You may be given instructions on how to inject your medicine at home. Do not use this medicine at home if you do not fully understand how to give the injection and properly dispose of needles and syringes used in giving the medicine.
Do not stop using Copaxone without first talking with your doctor.
Copaxone vials and prefilled syringes are for a single use only. Throw away the vial or syringe after each injection.
Store the prefilled syringes and vials (bottles) of Copaxone in the refrigerator. Do not allow the medicine to freeze. You may also store this medicine at room temperature, away from moisture, light, and high heat. Copaxone will keep for up to 30 days if stored at room temperature. Throw away any unused medicine that has been at room temperature for longer than 30 days. Some people receiving a Copaxone injection have had a severe reaction. Tell your caregiver right away if you feel anxious, warm, itchy, tingly, or have a pounding heartbeat, tightness in your throat, or trouble breathing during the injection. This type of reaction may occur even after you have been using Copaxone for several months.
Before using Copaxone
Do not use Copaxone if you are allergic to glatiramer or to mannitol.
Before using Copaxone, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have any other illness or if you take any other medicines. You may not be able to use Copaxone, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment.
FDA pregnancy category B. Copaxone is not expected to be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment. It is not known whether glatiramer passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use Copaxone without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
See also: Copaxone pregnancy and breastfeeding warnings (in more detail)
How should I use Copaxone?
Use Copaxone exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not use the medication in larger amounts, or use it for longer than recommended by your doctor. Follow the instructions on your prescription label.
Copaxone is given as a subcutaneous injection under the skin of your thigh, hip, upper arm, or stomach. Your doctor, nurse, or other healthcare provider will give you this injection. You may be shown how to inject your medicine at home. Do not self-inject this medicine if you do not fully understand how to give the injection and properly dispose of used needles and syringes.
Wash and dry your hands before preparing the syringe and giving the injection.
Do not use the medication if it has changed colors or has any particles in it. Call your doctor for a new prescription.
The powder form of Copaxone must be mixed in a syringe with the liquid (diluent) that comes with the medicine. Gently swirl this mixture and let it stand at room temperature until the powder is completely dissolved. Then use the injection right away. Do not save it for later use.
Use a different place on your body each time you give yourself an injection. Your doctor will show you the places on your body where you can safely inject the medication. Do not inject Copaxone into the same place two times within 1 week.
Do not stop using Copaxone without first talking with your doctor.
Use each disposable needle only one time. Throw away used needles in a puncture-proof container (ask your pharmacist where you can get one and how to dispose of it). Keep this container out of the reach of children and pets.
Copaxone vials and prefilled syringes are for a single use only. Throw away the vial or syringe after each injection.
Store the prefilled syringes and vials (bottles) of Copaxone in the refrigerator. Do not allow the medicine to freeze.
Before using the prefilled syringe, take it out of the refrigerator and let it warm at room temperature for 20 minutes. Do not warm the medication in a microwave or hot water. Do not remove air bubbles from the prefilled syringe or you may accidentally remove a small amount of the medicine.
You may also store Copaxone at room temperature, away from moisture, light, and high heat. This medicine will keep for up to 30 days if stored at room temperature. Throw away any unused Copaxone that has been at room temperature for longer than 30 days.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Use the medication as soon as you remember the missed dose. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and use the medicine at your next regularly scheduled time. Do not use extra medicine to make up the missed dose.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine.
Symptoms of a Copaxone overdose are not known.
What should I avoid while using Copaxone?
Follow your doctor's instructions about any restrictions on food, beverages, or activity while you are using Copaxone.
Copaxone side effects
Some people receiving a Copaxone injection have had a severe reaction. Tell your caregiver right away if you feel anxious, warm, itchy, tingly, or have a pounding heartbeat, tightness in your throat, or trouble breathing during the injection. This type of reaction may occur even after you have been using Copaxone for several months. Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:
chest pain;
fast heart rate;
fever, chills, body aches, flu symptoms; or
severe pain where the injection is given.
Less serious Copaxone side effects include:
redness, minor pain, swelling, irritation, or a hard lump where the injection was given;
warmth, redness, or tingly feeling under the skin;
weakness, dizziness;
white patches or sores inside your mouth or on your lips;
joint pain;
nausea, diarrhea;
muscle tension or stiffness;
runny nose;
changes in your menstrual periods; or
increased urge to urinate.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088
What other drugs will affect Copaxone?
There may be other drugs that can affect Copaxone. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor.
Where can I get more information?
Your pharmacist can provide more information about Copaxone.
What does my medication look like?
Glatiramer is available with a prescription under the brand name Copaxone. Other brand or generic formulations may also be available. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about this medication, especially if it is new to you.
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