Glatiramer Acetate, Injection

What are other names for this medicine?

Type of medicine: immunomodulator

Generic and brand names: glatiramer acetate, injection; Copaxone

What is this medicine used for?

This medicine is given by injection (shots) just under the skin to reduce the number of attacks of a form of multiple sclerosis called relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RR MS).

What should my healthcare provider know before I take this medicine?

Before taking this medicine, tell your healthcare provider if you have ever had an allergic reaction to any medicine

Females of childbearing age: Tell your healthcare provider if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. Do not breast-feed while taking this medicine without your healthcare provider's approval.

How do I use it?

These shots are given once each day. They can be given in the upper arms, abdomen, hips, or thighs. Sometimes you can give yourself these shots or have someone at home give them to you. Be sure you know how and when to have them and how much medicine to use. Use sterile, disposable syringes and needles. Use them only once and dispose of them safely. Follow your healthcare provider's instructions.

Carefully read and follow the directions that come in the package of medicine. The medicine may come as a prefilled syringe or as a powder to be mixed. Make sure that you understand how to mix and inject a dose. Do not use the medicine if it is cloudy or has particles in it.

Follow these steps to give yourself the shots:

1. Each day, choose a different spot for the shot to lessen irritation.
2. Use an alcohol swab to sterilize the skin where you will give yourself the shot.
3. Gently pinch up the skin and insert the needle into the skin at a 90° angle (straight up and down). After you insert the needle completely, release your grasp of the skin. Inject all of the solution by pushing down the plunger.
4. After you have given yourself the shot, withdraw the needle and syringe and press an alcohol swab or cotton ball on the spot where the shot was given.
5. Discard the syringe, needle, and drug vial. Use the syringes and needles only once. Throw them away after use. Put used needles in rigid puncture-resistant containers with lids or caps, such as heavy plastic bleach bottles with screw caps. Do not throw needles directly into garbage cans or dumpsters.

If you are not sure of how to give yourself the shots, ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for help.

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember unless it is almost time for the next scheduled dose. In that case, skip the missed dose and take the next one as directed. Do not take double doses. If you are not sure of what to do if you miss a dose, or if you miss more than one dose, contact your healthcare provider.

What should I watch out for?

Do not stop these shots unless your healthcare provider tells you to stop. Do not change the dose or dose schedule without talking with your healthcare provider.

This medicine may cause chest pain that lasts a few minutes, usually starting 1 month or longer after the start of treatment. You may have chest pain more than once during the treatment. Some side effects, including flushing of the face, rapid or pounding heartbeat, anxiety, shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, or hives may occur immediately after an injection. These side effects can happen early in your treatment, or they can start several months after the start of treatment. They may go away as you continue with the treatment. Talk with your healthcare provider about any side effects that continue or get worse.

What are the possible side effects?

Along with its needed effects, your medicine may cause some unwanted side effects. Some side effects may be very serious. Some side effects may go away as your body adjusts to the medicine. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effects that continue or get worse.

Life-threatening (Report these to your healthcare provider right away. If you cannot reach your healthcare provider right away, get emergency medical care or call 911 for help): Allergic reaction (hives; itching; skin rash with irritation, dizziness, sweating, or severe pain at injection site; trouble breathing; tightness in your chest; swelling of your lips, tongue, and throat).

Serious (Report these to your healthcare provider right away): Flushing, rapid or pounding heartbeat, anxiety, chest pain.

Other: Nausea; weakness; dizziness; muscle or joint pain; diarrhea; pain, swelling, or inflammation at the spot where the injection is given; headache.

What products might interact with this medicine?

No significant drug interactions have been reported.

Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, nonprescription, supplements, natural remedies, and vitamins) with you. Be sure that you tell all healthcare providers who treat you about all the products you are taking.

How should I store this medicine?

Store the clear vials of sterile water at room temperature.

The brown vials containing the powdered medicine and prefilled glass syringes must be stored in the refrigerator until you use them. Do not freeze them. You may keep the medicine at room temperature for 7 days if you cannot refrigerate. DO NOT store the medicine at room temperature for longer than 7 days. DO NOT expose the medicine to heat or to very bright light. This medicine contains no preservatives, so use it right away. Dispose of any unused medicine after you mix it.

This advisory includes selected information only and may not include all side effects of this medicine or interactions with other medicines. Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for more information or if you have any questions.

Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.

Do not share medicines with other people.