SIDE EFFECTS: Injection site reactions (e.g., pain, redness, soreness, and swelling) may occur. Nausea, chills, joint aches, neck pain, or headache may also occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify 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, seek immediate medical attention. Tell your doctor immediately about this reaction before your next injection. Ask your doctor if you should continue using this medication.

Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she 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 immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: dizziness/fainting, infection (e.g., fever, persistent sore throat), mental/mood changes (e.g., 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 unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include: 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.

In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

Read the Copaxone (glatiramer acetate) Side Effects Center for a complete guide to possible side effects »

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 (e.g., chest pain, heart attack).

During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.

It is not known if this drug passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.