Dosing & Uses
Dosage Forms & Strengths
solution for injection
- 20mg/mL (once daily dosing)
- 40mg/mL (3 times/week dosing)
Multiple Sclerosis
Indicated for the treatment of relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis
20 mg/mL syringe: 20 mg SC qDay, OR
40 mg/mL syringe: 40 mg SC 3 times/week (administer at least 48 hr apart)
Dosing Considerations
Monitor: Hgb, WBC, Platelet, LFTs
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (Orphan)
Orphan designation for treatment of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)
sponsor
- Teva Neurosciences, Inc; P. O. Box 1005; Horsham, PA 19044-8005
Multiple Sclerosis (Orphan)
Orphan designation for primary progressive multiple sclerosis
sponsor
- Teva Neurosciences, Inc; P. O. Box 1005; Horsham, PA 19044-8005
Safety and efficacy not established
Interactions
Interaction Checker
No Results
Contraindicated
Serious - Use Alternative
Significant - Monitor Closely
Minor
Contraindicated (0)
Serious - Use Alternative (65)
- adalimumab
adalimumab and glatiramer both increase immunosuppressive effects; risk of infection. Avoid or Use Alternate Drug.
- alefacept
alefacept and glatiramer both increase immunosuppressive effects; risk of infection. Avoid or Use Alternate Drug.
- anakinra
anakinra and glatiramer both increase immunosuppressive effects; risk of infection. Avoid or Use Alternate Drug.
- anthrax vaccine
glatiramer decreases effects of anthrax vaccine by pharmacodynamic antagonism. Contraindicated. Immunosuppressants also increase risk of infection with concomitant live vaccines.
- antithymocyte globulin equine
antithymocyte globulin equine and glatiramer both increase immunosuppressive effects; risk of infection. Avoid or Use Alternate Drug.
- antithymocyte globulin rabbit
antithymocyte globulin rabbit and glatiramer both increase immunosuppressive effects; risk of infection. Avoid or Use Alternate Drug.
- axicabtagene ciloleucel
glatiramer, axicabtagene ciloleucel. Either increases effects of the other by immunosuppressive effects; risk of infection. Avoid or Use Alternate Drug.
- azathioprine
azathioprine and glatiramer both increase immunosuppressive effects; risk of infection. Avoid or Use Alternate Drug.
- basiliximab
basiliximab and glatiramer both increase immunosuppressive effects; risk of infection. Avoid or Use Alternate Drug.
- BCG vaccine live
glatiramer decreases effects of BCG vaccine live by pharmacodynamic antagonism. Contraindicated. Immunosuppressants also increase risk of infection with concomitant live vaccines.
- brexucabtagene autoleucel
glatiramer, brexucabtagene autoleucel. Either increases effects of the other by immunosuppressive effects; risk of infection. Avoid or Use Alternate Drug.
- canakinumab
canakinumab and glatiramer both increase immunosuppressive effects; risk of infection. Avoid or Use Alternate Drug.
- ciltacabtagene autoleucel
glatiramer, ciltacabtagene autoleucel. Either increases effects of the other by immunosuppressive effects; risk of infection. Avoid or Use Alternate Drug.
- diphtheria & tetanus toxoids
glatiramer decreases effects of diphtheria & tetanus toxoids by pharmacodynamic antagonism. Contraindicated. Immunosuppressants also increase risk of infection with concomitant live vaccines.
- diphtheria & tetanus toxoids/ acellular pertussis vaccine
glatiramer decreases effects of diphtheria & tetanus toxoids/ acellular pertussis vaccine by pharmacodynamic antagonism. Contraindicated. Immunosuppressants also increase risk of infection with concomitant live vaccines.
- diphtheria & tetanus toxoids/acellular pertussis/poliovirus, inactivated vaccine
glatiramer decreases effects of diphtheria & tetanus toxoids/acellular pertussis/poliovirus, inactivated vaccine by pharmacodynamic antagonism. Contraindicated. Immunosuppressants also increase risk of infection with concomitant live vaccines.
- etanercept
etanercept and glatiramer both increase immunosuppressive effects; risk of infection. Avoid or Use Alternate Drug.
- everolimus
everolimus and glatiramer both increase immunosuppressive effects; risk of infection. Avoid or Use Alternate Drug.
- golimumab
glatiramer and golimumab both increase immunosuppressive effects; risk of infection. Avoid or Use Alternate Drug.
- hepatitis A vaccine inactivated
glatiramer decreases effects of hepatitis A vaccine inactivated by pharmacodynamic antagonism. Contraindicated. Immunosuppressants also increase risk of infection with concomitant live vaccines.
- hepatitis a/b vaccine
glatiramer decreases effects of hepatitis a/b vaccine by pharmacodynamic antagonism. Contraindicated. Immunosuppressants also increase risk of infection with concomitant live vaccines.
- hepatitis a/typhoid vaccine
glatiramer decreases effects of hepatitis a/typhoid vaccine by pharmacodynamic antagonism. Contraindicated. Immunosuppressants also increase risk of infection with concomitant live vaccines.
- hepatitis b vaccine
glatiramer decreases effects of hepatitis b vaccine by pharmacodynamic antagonism. Contraindicated. Immunosuppressants also increase risk of infection with concomitant live vaccines.
- human papillomavirus vaccine, nonavalent
glatiramer decreases effects of human papillomavirus vaccine, nonavalent by pharmacodynamic antagonism. Avoid or Use Alternate Drug. Immunosuppressive therapies, including irradiation, antimetabolites, alkylating agents, cytotoxic drugs, and corticosteroids (used in greater than physiologic doses), may reduce the immune responses to vaccines.
- human papillomavirus vaccine, quadrivalent
glatiramer decreases effects of human papillomavirus vaccine, quadrivalent by pharmacodynamic antagonism. Avoid or Use Alternate Drug. Immunosuppressive therapies, including irradiation, antimetabolites, alkylating agents, cytotoxic drugs, and corticosteroids (used in greater than physiologic doses), may reduce the immune responses to vaccines.
- hydroxychloroquine sulfate
glatiramer and hydroxychloroquine sulfate both increase immunosuppressive effects; risk of infection. Avoid or Use Alternate Drug.
- idecabtagene vicleucel
glatiramer, idecabtagene vicleucel. Either increases effects of the other by immunosuppressive effects; risk of infection. Avoid or Use Alternate Drug.
- infliximab
glatiramer and infliximab both increase immunosuppressive effects; risk of infection. Avoid or Use Alternate Drug.
- influenza virus vaccine quadrivalent
glatiramer decreases effects of influenza virus vaccine quadrivalent by pharmacodynamic antagonism. Contraindicated. Immunosuppressants also increase risk of infection with concomitant live vaccines.
- influenza virus vaccine quadrivalent, cell-cultured
glatiramer decreases effects of influenza virus vaccine quadrivalent, cell-cultured by pharmacodynamic antagonism. Contraindicated. Immunosuppressants also increase risk of infection with concomitant live vaccines.
- influenza virus vaccine quadrivalent, intranasal
glatiramer decreases effects of influenza virus vaccine quadrivalent, intranasal by pharmacodynamic antagonism. Contraindicated. Immunosuppressants also increase risk of infection with concomitant live vaccines.
- influenza virus vaccine trivalent
glatiramer decreases effects of influenza virus vaccine trivalent by pharmacodynamic antagonism. Contraindicated. Immunosuppressants also increase risk of infection with concomitant live vaccines.
- Japanese encephalitis virus vaccine
glatiramer decreases effects of Japanese encephalitis virus vaccine by pharmacodynamic antagonism. Contraindicated. Immunosuppressants also increase risk of infection with concomitant live vaccines.
- leflunomide
glatiramer and leflunomide both increase immunosuppressive effects; risk of infection. Avoid or Use Alternate Drug.
- lisocabtagene maraleucel
glatiramer, lisocabtagene maraleucel. Either increases effects of the other by immunosuppressive effects; risk of infection. Avoid or Use Alternate Drug.
- measles (rubeola) vaccine
glatiramer decreases effects of measles (rubeola) vaccine by pharmacodynamic antagonism. Contraindicated. Immunosuppressants also increase risk of infection with concomitant live vaccines.
- measles mumps and rubella vaccine, live
glatiramer decreases effects of measles mumps and rubella vaccine, live by pharmacodynamic antagonism. Contraindicated. Immunosuppressants also increase risk of infection with concomitant live vaccines.
- measles, mumps, rubella and varicella vaccine, live
glatiramer decreases effects of measles, mumps, rubella and varicella vaccine, live by pharmacodynamic antagonism. Contraindicated. Immunosuppressants also increase risk of infection with concomitant live vaccines.
- meningococcal A C Y and W-135 polysaccharide vaccine combined
glatiramer decreases effects of meningococcal A C Y and W-135 polysaccharide vaccine combined by pharmacodynamic antagonism. Contraindicated. Immunosuppressants also increase risk of infection with concomitant live vaccines.
- muromonab CD3
glatiramer and muromonab CD3 both increase immunosuppressive effects; risk of infection. Avoid or Use Alternate Drug.
- mycophenolate
glatiramer and mycophenolate both increase immunosuppressive effects; risk of infection. Avoid or Use Alternate Drug.
- pneumococcal vaccine 13-valent
glatiramer decreases effects of pneumococcal vaccine 13-valent by pharmacodynamic antagonism. Contraindicated. Immunosuppressants also increase risk of infection with concomitant live vaccines.
- pneumococcal vaccine heptavalent
glatiramer decreases effects of pneumococcal vaccine heptavalent by pharmacodynamic antagonism. Contraindicated. Immunosuppressants also increase risk of infection with concomitant live vaccines.
- pneumococcal vaccine polyvalent
glatiramer decreases effects of pneumococcal vaccine polyvalent by pharmacodynamic antagonism. Contraindicated. Immunosuppressants also increase risk of infection with concomitant live vaccines.
- rabies vaccine
glatiramer decreases effects of rabies vaccine by pharmacodynamic antagonism. Contraindicated. Immunosuppressants may interfere with development of active immunity.
- rabies vaccine chick embryo cell derived
glatiramer decreases effects of rabies vaccine chick embryo cell derived by pharmacodynamic antagonism. Contraindicated. Immunosuppressants also increase risk of infection with concomitant live vaccines.
- rilonacept
glatiramer and rilonacept both increase immunosuppressive effects; risk of infection. Avoid or Use Alternate Drug.
- rotavirus oral vaccine, live
glatiramer decreases effects of rotavirus oral vaccine, live by pharmacodynamic antagonism. Contraindicated. Immunosuppressants also increase risk of infection with concomitant live vaccines.
- rubella vaccine
glatiramer decreases effects of rubella vaccine by pharmacodynamic antagonism. Contraindicated. Immunosuppressants also increase risk of infection with concomitant live vaccines.
- sirolimus
glatiramer and sirolimus both increase immunosuppressive effects; risk of infection. Avoid or Use Alternate Drug.
- smallpox (vaccinia) vaccine, live
glatiramer decreases effects of smallpox (vaccinia) vaccine, live by pharmacodynamic antagonism. Contraindicated. Immunosuppressants also increase risk of infection with concomitant live vaccines.
- tacrolimus
glatiramer and tacrolimus both increase immunosuppressive effects; risk of infection. Avoid or Use Alternate Drug.
- temsirolimus
glatiramer and temsirolimus both increase immunosuppressive effects; risk of infection. Avoid or Use Alternate Drug.
- tetanus toxoid adsorbed or fluid
glatiramer decreases effects of tetanus toxoid adsorbed or fluid by pharmacodynamic antagonism. Contraindicated. Immunosuppressants also increase risk of infection with concomitant live vaccines.
- tick-borne encephalitis vaccine
glatiramer decreases effects of tick-borne encephalitis vaccine by pharmacodynamic antagonism. Contraindicated. Immunosuppressants also increase risk of infection with concomitant live vaccines.
- tisagenlecleucel
glatiramer, tisagenlecleucel. Either increases effects of the other by immunosuppressive effects; risk of infection. Avoid or Use Alternate Drug.
- tocilizumab
tocilizumab and glatiramer both increase immunosuppressive effects; risk of infection. Avoid or Use Alternate Drug.
- tongkat ali
glatiramer and tongkat ali both increase immunosuppressive effects; risk of infection. Avoid or Use Alternate Drug.
- travelers diarrhea and cholera vaccine inactivated
glatiramer decreases effects of travelers diarrhea and cholera vaccine inactivated by pharmacodynamic antagonism. Contraindicated. Immunosuppressants also increase risk of infection with concomitant live vaccines.
- typhoid polysaccharide vaccine
glatiramer decreases effects of typhoid polysaccharide vaccine by pharmacodynamic antagonism. Contraindicated. Immunosuppressants also increase risk of infection with concomitant live vaccines.
- typhoid vaccine live
glatiramer decreases effects of typhoid vaccine live by pharmacodynamic antagonism. Contraindicated. Immunosuppressants also increase risk of infection with concomitant live vaccines.
- ustekinumab
glatiramer and ustekinumab both increase immunosuppressive effects; risk of infection. Avoid or Use Alternate Drug.
- varicella virus vaccine live
glatiramer decreases effects of varicella virus vaccine live by pharmacodynamic antagonism. Contraindicated. Immunosuppressants also increase risk of infection with concomitant live vaccines.
- yellow fever vaccine
glatiramer decreases effects of yellow fever vaccine by pharmacodynamic antagonism. Contraindicated. Immunosuppressants also increase risk of infection with concomitant live vaccines.
- zoster vaccine live
glatiramer decreases effects of zoster vaccine live by pharmacodynamic antagonism. Contraindicated. Immunosuppressants also increase risk of infection with concomitant live vaccines.
Monitor Closely (20)
- astragalus
glatiramer increases and astragalus decreases immunosuppressive effects; risk of infection. Effect of interaction is not clear, use caution. Use Caution/Monitor.
- denosumab
glatiramer, denosumab. Other (see comment). Use Caution/Monitor. Comment: Caution should be taken in patients on concomitant immunosuppressants or with impaired immune systems because of increased risk for serious infections.
- echinacea
glatiramer increases and echinacea decreases immunosuppressive effects; risk of infection. Effect of interaction is not clear, use caution. Use Caution/Monitor.
- fingolimod
glatiramer increases effects of fingolimod by immunosuppressive effects; risk of infection. Modify Therapy/Monitor Closely. Concomitant therapy is expected to increase the risk of immunosuppression. Use caution when switching patients from long-acting therapies with immune effects. .
- haemophilus influenzae type b vaccine
glatiramer decreases effects of haemophilus influenzae type b vaccine by pharmacodynamic antagonism. Modify Therapy/Monitor Closely. Avoid vaccination during chemotherapy or radiation therapy if possible because antibody response might be suboptimal. Patients vaccinated within a 14-day period before starting or during immunosuppressive therapy should be revaccinated =3 months after therapy is discontinued if immune competence has been restored.
- influenza virus vaccine quadrivalent, recombinant
glatiramer decreases effects of influenza virus vaccine quadrivalent, recombinant by pharmacodynamic antagonism. Use Caution/Monitor. Immune response to vaccine may be decreased in immunocompromised individuals.
- influenza virus vaccine trivalent, recombinant
glatiramer decreases effects of influenza virus vaccine trivalent, recombinant by pharmacodynamic antagonism. Use Caution/Monitor. Immune response to vaccine may be decreased in immunocompromised individuals.
- isavuconazonium sulfate
glatiramer and isavuconazonium sulfate both decrease immunosuppressive effects; risk of infection. Use Caution/Monitor.
- maitake
glatiramer increases and maitake decreases immunosuppressive effects; risk of infection. Effect of interaction is not clear, use caution. Use Caution/Monitor.
- mercaptopurine
glatiramer and mercaptopurine both increase immunosuppressive effects; risk of infection. Use Caution/Monitor.
- ocrelizumab
glatiramer and ocrelizumab both increase immunosuppressive effects; risk of infection. Use Caution/Monitor. Coadministration of ocrelizumab with immunomodulators is expected to increase the risk of immunosuppression.
- ofatumumab SC
ofatumumab SC, glatiramer. Either increases effects of the other by immunosuppressive effects; risk of infection. Use Caution/Monitor. Consider the risk of additive immune system effects when coadministering immunosuppressive therapies with coadministration. When switching from therapies with immune effects, take into account the duration and mechanism of action of these therapies when initiating ofatumumab SC.
- ozanimod
ozanimod, glatiramer. Either increases effects of the other by immunosuppressive effects; risk of infection. Use Caution/Monitor. Coadministration with immunosuppressive therapies may increase the risk of additive immune effects during therapy and in the weeks following administration. When switching from drugs with prolonged immune effects, consider the half-life and mode of action of these drugs in order to avoid unintended additive immunosuppressive effects.
- poliovirus vaccine inactivated
glatiramer decreases effects of poliovirus vaccine inactivated by pharmacodynamic antagonism. Modify Therapy/Monitor Closely. Avoid vaccination during chemotherapy or radiation therapy if possible because antibody response might be suboptimal. Patients vaccinated within a 14-day period before starting or during immunosuppressive therapy should be revaccinated =3 months after therapy is discontinued if immune competence has been restored. .
- siponimod
siponimod and glatiramer both increase immunosuppressive effects; risk of infection. Use Caution/Monitor. Caution if coadministered because of additive immune effects during such therapy and in the weeks following administration. Siponimod can generally be started immediately after discontinuation of glatiramer.
- sipuleucel-T
glatiramer decreases effects of sipuleucel-T by pharmacodynamic antagonism. Modify Therapy/Monitor Closely.
- trastuzumab
trastuzumab, glatiramer. Either increases toxicity of the other by immunosuppressive effects; risk of infection. Use Caution/Monitor. Neutropenia or febrile neutropenia incidence were increased when trastuzumab was coadministered with myelosuppressive chemotherapy. .
- trastuzumab deruxtecan
trastuzumab deruxtecan, glatiramer. Either increases toxicity of the other by immunosuppressive effects; risk of infection. Use Caution/Monitor. Neutropenia or febrile neutropenia incidence were increased when trastuzumab was coadministered with myelosuppressive chemotherapy. .
- ublituximab
ublituximab and glatiramer both increase immunosuppressive effects; risk of infection. Modify Therapy/Monitor Closely. Owing to potential additive immunosuppressive effects, consider duration of effect and mechanism of action of these therapies if coadministered
- zoster vaccine recombinant
glatiramer decreases effects of zoster vaccine recombinant by pharmacodynamic antagonism. Use Caution/Monitor. Immunosuppressive therapies may reduce the effectiveness of zoster vaccine recombinant.
Minor (0)
Adverse Effects
>10%
Injection site pain (73%)
Injection site erythema (66%)
Injection site inflammation (49%)
Weakness (41%)
Injection site pruritus (40%)
Injection site mass (27%)
Vasodilation (27%)
Pain (28%)
Arthralgia (24%)
Anxiety (23%)
Hypertonia (22%)
Nausea (22%)
Flu syndrome (19%)
Dyspnea (19%)
Pruritus (18%)
Rash (18%)
Palpitations (17%)
Chest pain (13-16% 20 mg/day; 2-4% 40 mg 3x/wk)
Injection site induration (13%)
Diarrhea (12%)
Lymphadenopathy (12%)
Injection site welt (11%)
1-10%
Injection site pain/inflammation (10%)
Anorexia (8%)
Frequency Not Defined
Anxiety
Arthralgia
Asthenia
Hypertonia
Infection
Pain
Postmarketing Reports
Cardiovascular system: Thrombosis; peripheral vascular disease; pericardial effusion; myocardial infarct; deep thrombophlebitis; coronary occlusion; congestive heart failure; cardiomyopathy; cardiomegaly; arrhythmia; angina pectoris
Digestive system: tongue edema; stomach ulcer; hemorrhage; liver function abnormality; liver damage; hepatitis; eructation; cirrhosis of the liver; cholelithiasis
Hemic and lymphatic system: Thrombocytopenia; lymphoma-like reaction; acute leukemia
Metabolic and nutritional disorders: Hypercholesterolemia
Musculoskeletal system: Rheumatoid arthritis; generalized spasm
Nervous system: Myelitis; meningitis; CNS neoplasm; cerebrovascular accident; brain edema; abnormal dreams; aphasia; convulsion; neuralgia
Respiratory system: Pulmonary embolus; pleural effusion; carcinoma of lung
Special Senses: Glaucoma; blindness
Urogenital system: Urogenital neoplasm; urine abnormality; ovarian carcinoma; nephrosis; kidney failure; breast carcinoma; bladder carcinoma; urinary frequency
Warnings
Contraindications
Hypersensitivity to glatiramer, mannitol
Cautions
Risk of immediate post-injection reactions (in general, symptoms appear several months following treatment initiation), including transient chest pain (seek prompt medical attention if prolonged or unusually intense chest pain); other symptoms include flushing, palpitations, anxiety, dyspnea, constriction of the throat, and urticaria
Cases of hepatic injury, some severe, including liver failure and hepatitis with jaundice, reported; hepatic injury has occurred from days to years after initiating treatment; if signs or symptoms of liver dysfunction occur, consider discontinuation of therapy
Lipoatrophy and skin necrosis may occur at injection site at various times after treatment onset (sometimes after several months) and is thought to be permanent; there is no known therapy for lipoatrophy; to minimize these events, patient must follow injection technique and rotate sites daily
May impair body's ability to fight infection by interfering with immune function
Therapy may potentially undermine the body’s tumor surveillance and defense system against infection
Anaphylactoid reactions reported; because drug is an antigenic material, it is possible that its use may lead to the induction of host responses that are untoward, but systematic surveillance for these effects has not been undertaken; although the drug is intended to minimize the autoimmune response to myelin, there is the possibility that continued alteration of cellular immunity due to chronic treatment may result in untoward effects; anaphylaxis can be associated with the administration of most any foreign substance, and therefore, this risk cannot be excluded
Pregnancy & Lactation
Pregnancy
Available human data in pregnant women are not sufficient to support conclusions about drug-associated risk for major birth defects and miscarriage
Animal data
- Administration of glatiramer acetate by subcutaneous injection to pregnant rats and rabbits resulted in no adverse effects on embryofetal or offspring development
Lactation
There are no data on presence of drug in human milk, effects on breastfed infants, or on milk production
Based on low systemic exposure because of substantial local hydrolysis of glatiramer acetate following subcutaneous administration, breastfeeding not expected to result in clinically relevant exposure of infant to the drug
Developmental and health benefits of breastfeeding should be considered along with mother’s clinical need for drug and any potential adverse effects on infant from underlying maternal condition
Pregnancy Categories
A: Generally acceptable. Controlled studies in pregnant women show no evidence of fetal risk.
B: May be acceptable. Either animal studies show no risk but human studies not available or animal studies showed minor risks and human studies done and showed no risk. C: Use with caution if benefits outweigh risks. Animal studies show risk and human studies not available or neither animal nor human studies done. D: Use in LIFE-THREATENING emergencies when no safer drug available. Positive evidence of human fetal risk. X: Do not use in pregnancy. Risks involved outweigh potential benefits. Safer alternatives exist. NA: Information not available.Pharmacology
Mechanism of Action
Synthetic amino acid copolymer; precise mechanism unknown but possibly through immune modulation; may interfere with antigen presenting function of some immune cells opposing pathogenic T-cell function; may also activate T-lymphocyte suppressor cells specific for myelin antigen
Pharmacokinetics
Metabolism: Drug may be hydrolyzed locally
Distribution: Intact of partially hydrolyzed drug may enter lymphatic circulation and some may enter systemic circulation
Administration
SC Preparation
The dosing schedule depends on the product strength that is selected; 20 mg/mL and 40 mg/mL are not interchangeable
Let the prefilled syringe stand at room temperature for 20 minutes to allow the solution to warm to room temperature
Visually inspect for particulate matter and discoloration prior to administration; solution should appear clear, colorless to slightly yellow
If particulate matter or discoloration is observed, discard the syringe
SC Administration
For SC use only; do not administer IV
Areas for SC self-injection include arms, abdomen, hips, and thigh
The prefilled syringe is for single use only; discard unused portions
Areas for SC self-injection include arms, abdomen, hips, and thigh
Images
| BRAND | FORM. | UNIT PRICE | PILL IMAGE |
|---|---|---|---|
| Glatopa subcutaneous - | 20 mg/mL solution |  | |
| glatiramer subcutaneous - | 20 mg/mL solution |  | |
| glatiramer subcutaneous - | 40 mg/mL solution |  | |
| glatiramer subcutaneous - | 40 mg/mL solution |  | |
| glatiramer subcutaneous - | 20 mg/mL solution |  | |
| Copaxone subcutaneous - | 40 mg/mL solution |  | |
| Copaxone subcutaneous - | 20 mg/mL solution |  |
Copyright © 2010 First DataBank, Inc.
Patient Handout
glatiramer subcutaneous
GLATIRAMER - INJECTION
(glah-TEE-ruh-mer)
COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Copaxone
USES: This medication is used to treat multiple sclerosis (MS). It is a protein that is thought to work by preventing your immune system from attacking the nerves in your brain and spinal cord. This effect can decrease the number of periods of disease worsening (relapses) and prevent or delay disability. It is not a cure for MS.
HOW TO USE: Read the Patient Information Leaflet and Instructions for Use if available from your pharmacist before you start using glatiramer and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.This medication is given by injection under the skin as directed by your doctor. This medication is available in 2 different doses. Depending on your dose, it is usually given once daily or 3 times a week at least 48 hours apart. Follow your doctor's instructions carefully on how often you should use this medication. If you are using this medication at home, learn all preparation and usage instructions from your health care professional and the product package. Your doctor will usually have you give your first injection in the office.Wash and dry your hands before injecting glatiramer. Before using, warm the drug if it has been refrigerated by keeping the syringe at room temperature for 20 minutes. Do not inject cold glatiramer because this can be painful. This medication is normally clear and colorless to slightly yellow. Before using, check this product visually for particles or discoloration. If either is present, do not use the liquid.Before injecting each dose, clean the injection site with rubbing alcohol. It is important to change the injection site daily to prevent problem areas under the skin. Keep track of your injections and do not reuse the same injection site for at least 1 week. Inject the medication under the skin of the hip, thigh, abdomen, or back of the upper arm. Do not inject into a vein. After pulling out the needle, apply gentle pressure on the injection site. Do not rub the area. Discard any unused portion in the syringe after a single use. Do not save for later use.The dosage is based on your condition and response to treatment. Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. Do not change your dose or stop using this medication without talking with your doctor.Learn how to discard needles and medical supplies safely.Tell your doctor if your condition worsens.
SIDE EFFECTS: Injection site reactions (such as pain, redness, soreness, and swelling) may occur. Nausea, chills, joint aches, neck pain, and headache may also occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.Immediately after injection, you may experience flushing, chest pain, fast heartbeat, anxiety, shortness of breath, or itching. This injection reaction usually starts to occur after you have used the drug for a few months but can occur after any injection. These symptoms disappear fairly quickly and usually do not require treatment. If these symptoms do not go away in a few minutes, get medical help right away. Tell your doctor right away about this reaction before your next injection. Ask your doctor if you should continue using this medication.Remember that this medication has been prescribed because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including: dizziness/fainting, chest pain, signs of liver disease (such as nausea/vomiting that doesn't stop, loss of appetite, stomach/abdominal pain, yellowing eyes/skin, dark urine), signs of infection (such as sore throat that doesn't go away, fever), mental/mood changes (such as depression), severe pain at the injection site, shakiness (tremor), swelling of the legs/feet (water retention), vision problems.A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.In the US -Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch.In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.
PRECAUTIONS: Before using glatiramer, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients (such as mannitol), which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: heart disease (such as chest pain, heart attack), liver disease.Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.It is unknown if this medication passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.
OVERDOSE: If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center.
NOTES: Do not share this medication, needles, or syringes with others.
MISSED DOSE: If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose. Use your next dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch up.
STORAGE: Refrigerate the syringes in their carton. Do not freeze. Do not use syringes that have been frozen. If refrigeration is not possible, the drug may be stored at room temperature for up to 1 month. Do not expose medication to light or high temperatures. Keep all medications away from children and pets.Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.
Information last revised September 2022. Copyright(c) 2023 First Databank, Inc.
IMPORTANT: HOW TO USE THIS INFORMATION: This is a summary and does NOT have all possible information about this product. This information does not assure that this product is safe, effective, or appropriate for you. This information is not individual medical advice and does not substitute for the advice of your health care professional. Always ask your health care professional for complete information about this product and your specific health needs.
Formulary
Adding plans allows you to compare formulary status to other drugs in the same class.
To view formulary information first create a list of plans. Your list will be saved and can be edited at any time.
Adding plans allows you to:
- View the formulary and any restrictions for each plan.
- Manage and view all your plans together – even plans in different states.
- Compare formulary status to other drugs in the same class.
- Access your plan list on any device – mobile or desktop.
