Copaxone (Glatiramer Acetate) Drug Center: Guide to Drug Information for Professionals, Patients and Caregivers at RxList

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May 26, 2012

Copaxone

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What is multiple sclerosis?

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a disease in which the nerves of the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord) degenerate. Myelin, which provides a covering or insulation for nerves, improves the conduction of impulses along the nerves and also is important for maintaining the health of the nerves. In multiple sclerosis, inflammation causes the myelin to disappear. Consequently, the electrical impulses that travel along the nerves decelerate, that is, become slower. In addition, the nerves themselves are damaged. As more and more nerves are affected, a person experiences a progressive interference with functions that are controlled by the nervous system such as vision, speech, walking, writing, and memory.

About 350,000 people in the U.S. have multiple sclerosis. Usually, a person is diagnosed with multiple sclerosis between 20 and 50 years of age, but multiple sclerosis has been diagnosed in children and in the elderly. Multiple...

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Copaxone

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Copaxone Drug Center

Medical Editor: John P. Cunha, DO, FACOEP

Prescribing Information

For Patients

Copaxone (glatiramer acetate) is used to treat multiple sclerosis (MS) and to prevent relapse of MS. This medication will not cure MS, but it can make relapses occur less often. Copaxone is a combination of four amino acids (proteins). Common side effects include injection site reactions (e.g., pain, redness, soreness, and swelling). Nausea, chills, joint aches, neck pain, or headache may also occur. Immediately after injection, you may experience flushing, chest pain, fast heartbeat, anxiety, shortness of breath, or itching. These symptoms usually disappear quickly and usually do not require treatment.

Copaxone is injected subcutaneously (just beneath the skin) in a dose of 20 mg/day. There may be other drugs that can interact with 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. During pregnancy, Copaxone should be used only when prescribed. It is not known if this drug passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Our Copaxone (glatiramer acetate) Drug Center provides a comprehensive view of available drug information as well as related drugs, user reviews, supplements, and diseases and conditions articles.

What is Prescribing information?

The FDA package insert formatted in easy-to-find categories for health professionals and clinicians.

Copaxone Prescribing Information: Indications & Dosage

COPAXONE (glatiramer acetate) is indicated for reduction of the frequency of relapses in patients with Relapsing-Remitting Multiple Sclerosis (RRMS), including patients who have experienced a first clinical episode and have MRI features consistent with multiple sclerosis.

Read the complete drug monograph for Copaxone »

What is Copaxone Prescribing Information?

Drug Description - Indications & Dosage - Side Effects & Drug Interactions - Warnings & Precautions - Contraindications - Medication Guide and More

What is Patient information?

Easy-to-read and understand detailed drug information and pill images for the patient or caregiver from Cerner Multum.

Copaxone Patient Information: Side Effects

Some people receiving a glatiramer 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 glatiramer 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:

...

Read the complete patient information for Copaxone »

What is Copaxone Patient Information?

Possible Side Effects - Images - What Is - How Should I Take It - What If I Miss a Dose - What Should I Avoid and More

What is Consumer information?

A concise overview of the drug for the patient or caregiver from First DataBank.

Copaxone Consumer Information: Uses

This medication is used to treat a type of multiple sclerosis that occurs when symptoms appear in cycles of worsening and improvement (relapsing/remitting 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. This drug is known as an immunomodulator. It is not a cure for MS.

HOW TO USE: This medicine comes with a Patient Information Leaflet....

Read the complete consumer information for Copaxone »