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| Pronunciation |
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 (gla
TIR a mer AS e
tate) |
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| Brand Names |
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| Copaxone® |
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| Therapeutic
Categories |
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Biological, Miscellaneous |
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| Reasons not to take this
medicine |
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|
If you have an allergy to glatiramer acetate or any other part of
this medicine.
Tell healthcare provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Make
sure to tell about the allergy and how it affected you. This includes telling
about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of
face, lips, tongue, or throat; or any other symptoms
involved. |
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| What is this medicine used
for? |
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|
This medicine is used to decrease the number of relapses with
multiple sclerosis. |
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| How does it work? |
|
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Glatiramer may decrease the body's response to diseases affecting the
immune system. |
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|
| How is it best taken? |
|
|
This medicine is given as a shot into the fatty part of the skin.
Your healthcare provider may teach you how to give the shot.
Wash your hands before and after use.
Give at a similar time of day.
Throw away needles in needle/sharp disposal box and return box to
healthcare provider when full. |
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|
| What do I do if I miss a
dose? |
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Take a missed dose as soon as possible and return to your regular
schedule.
Do not take a double dose or extra doses.
Do not change dose or stop medicine. Talk with healthcare
provider. |
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| What are the precautions when
taking this
medicine? |
|
|
Check medicines with healthcare provider. This medicine may not mix
well with other medicines.
Tell healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan on getting
pregnant.
Tell healthcare provider if you are
breast-feeding. |
|
|
| What are the common side effects
of this
medicine? |
|
|
Irritation where the shot is given.
Risk of infection. Avoid crowds and people with infections, colds, or
flu.
Chest pain or pressure.
Nervous and excitable.
Flushing. May occur within a minute of the shot and lasts about 15
minutes.
Nausea or vomiting. Small frequent meals, frequent mouth care,
sucking hard candy, or chewing gum may help.
Joint pain.
Feeling tired or weak. |
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| What should I monitor? |
|
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Change in condition being treated. Is it better, worse, or about the
same?
Follow up with healthcare provider. |
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| Reasons to call healthcare
provider
immediately |
|
|
If you suspect an overdose, call your local poison control center
immediately or dial 911.
Signs of a life-threatening reaction. These include wheezing; chest
tightness; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; fits; or swelling of
face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Signs or symptoms of infection. These include a fever of 100.5
degrees or higher, chills, severe sore throat, ear or sinus pain, cough,
increased sputum or change in color, painful urination, mouth sores, wound that
will not heal, or anal itching or pain.
Hives.
Any rash.
No improvement in condition or feeling
worse. |
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| How should I store this
medicine? |
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Store brown vials in a refrigerator or at room temperature. Throw
away any unused portion after 1 week.
Protect from light.
Store vials of sterile water at room
temperature. |
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| General statements |
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Do not share your medicine with others and do not take anyone else's
medicine.
Keep all medicine out of the reach of children and pets.
Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, natural products,
supplements, vitamins, over-the-counter) with you. Give this list to healthcare
provider (doctor, nurse, nurse practitioner, pharmacist, physician assistant).
Talk with healthcare provider before starting any new medicine,
including over-the-counter, natural products, or
vitamins. |
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