Brand Name
Copaxone
Common Name
glatiramer
In this drug factsheet:
DIN (Drug Identification Number)| 02233014 | COPAXONE 20MG/VIAL POWDER FOR SOLUTION |
| 02245619 | COPAXONE 20MG/ML PRE-FILLED SC SYRINGES |
How does this medication work? What will it do for me?
Glatiramer belongs to a group of medications known as immunomodulators. Immunomodulators modify the way our body's defense system works. Glatiramer is used to treat the relapsing-remitting form of multiple sclerosis (MS). It is thought to help treat MS by altering the immune system in such a way that its harmful effects on the myelin sheath are reduced. It does not cure MS, but it may increase the time between relapses of the disease.
MS is a disease that affects the way the nerves in our body work. It is an autoimmune disease (the immune system attacks the body) and cannot be spread from person to person. In MS, damage occurs to the myelin sheath, a protective layer that wraps around a nerve, like insulation around electrical wiring. Normally, this sheath allows electrical messages to be sent down the nerve quickly and efficiently. If this insulation is injured, electrical signals in the central nervous system will not be sent properly. For unknown reasons, in MS, the immune system sees the myelin as foreign and attacks it.
Your doctor may have suggested this medication for conditions other than those listed in these drug information articles. As well, some forms of this medication may not be used for all of the conditions discussed here. If you have not discussed this with your doctor or are not sure why you are being given this medication, speak to your doctor. Do not stop using this medication without consulting your doctor.
Do not give this medication to anyone else, even if they have the same symptoms as you do. It can be harmful for people to use this medication if their doctor has not prescribed it.
How should I use this medication?
The recommended dose of glatiramer is 20 mg injected subcutaneously (under the skin) once a day. Glatiramer is available as an injection only. It comes in vials and prefilled syringes.
There are special directions enclosed in the package with the injection. Read these directions carefully before using the medication. Follow the instructions closely to avoid accidentally contaminating the medication or needle and giving yourself an infection, or from damaging the equipment or losing the medication. Glatiramer is used with the guidance and supervision of a doctor. Your doctor or nurse will assist you in the preparation and injection of your first dose (or first few doses). Do not attempt to inject this medication on your own until you completely understand how to inject a dose.
Many things can affect the dose of a medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change the way that you are using the medication without consulting your doctor.
It is important that this medication be used exactly as prescribed by your doctor. If you miss a dose, inject it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not inject a double dose to make up for a missed one. If you are not sure what to do after missing a dose, contact your doctor or pharmacist for advice.
The vial form of this medication comes with 2 vials: one containing a powder form of the medication and one containing sterile water to mix with the powder to form the solution for injection. Store the vial with the powder in the refrigerator (may be stored at room temperature for up to 2 weeks) and store the vial of sterile water vial at room temperature. After preparing the medication for injection (i.e., once the powder of medication and sterile water have been mixed), it should be used right away.
Store the prefilled syringes in the refrigerator and protect them from light. The prefilled syringes may be stored at room temperature for up to one month. Each prefilled syringe is for single use only.
Keep this medication out of the reach of children.
Do not dispose of medications in wastewater (e.g. down the sink or in the toilet) or in household garbage. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medications that are no longer needed or have expired.
What form(s) does this medication come in?
Vials
Each vial contains a 20 mg dose of sterile lyophilized (freeze-dried) glatiramer. Nonmedicinal ingredients: mannitol. A separate vial, containing 1.1 mL of diluent (Sterile Water for Injection) plus 0.35 mL extra diluent, is included in the Self Injection Administration Package for each vial of medication.
Prefilled syringe
Each 1.0 mL prefilled syringe contains 20 mg of glatiramer. Nonmedicinal ingredients: mannitol and sterile water for injection.
Some medications may have other generic brands available. Always ask your doctor or pharmacist about the safety of switching between brands of the same medication.
Who should NOT take this medication?
Glatiramer should not be used by anyone who is allergic to glatiramer or to any of the ingredients of the medication.
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