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Copaxone

Also called glatiramer acetate

Key points about Copaxone

Copaxone is used to treat multiple sclerosis.
Copaxone is also called glatiramer acetate.
Find out how it's given and the possible side effects.

Health professional and patient in consultation room looking at influenza vaccine in adults page on computer

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Copaxone is used to treat relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis (MS). Copaxone belongs to a group of medicines called disease-modifying therapies which help to slow or reduce the worsening of disability in people with relapsing remitting MS.

MS is caused by your immune system mistakenly attacking the myelin sheath in your brain and spinal cord.
It's thought that specific types of B cells and T cells in your body are involved in the attack.
It's not fully understood how Copaxone works – it's thought to act by altering immune processes that cause MS.

Read more about multiple sclerosis.

In Aotearoa New Zealand, Copaxone is available as a prefilled syringe for injection, which is ready for use. It's given by a subcutaneous injection into the fatty layer under the skin. Each syringe is 40 mg.

The usual dose is 20 mg injected once daily or 40 mg three times a week (at least 48 hours apart, eg, every Monday, Wednesday and Friday).
Always use Copaxone exactly as your doctor has told you. The pharmacy label will tell you how much to take, how often to take it, and any special instructions.

Copaxone is given as an injection under your skin (subcutaneous injection). Some people can give themselves the injection or it can be given by another person. This could be a family/whānau member or friend after proper training, or your healthcare provider.

Preparation

Copaxone is usually stored in the fridge. Take your syringe out of the fridge and leave it at room temperature for 20 minutes before injecting. Don't warm Copaxone in any other way, eg, in the microwave or in hot water. Syringes may be stored out of the fridge for up to 30 days. If you take them out of the fridge, write the date on the pack and use them within 30 days.

Injection sites

Each injection should be given at a different site. Choose an injection site, such as on the front of your thighs or your abdomen (belly) at least 5cm from your belly button. A caregiver may also give you an injection in your upper arm. The injection site should be different from your last injection site. Don't inject into skin that is sore, bruised, red, hard or scarred or that has stretch marks.

Image credit: Depositphotos

Here are some things to know when you're taking Copaxone. Other things may be important as well, so ask your healthcare provider what you should know about.

Increased risk of infections: Copaxone weakens your body’s defence (immune) system, so you're more likely to pick up infections. It's important to avoid anyone who has chickenpox or shingles.
Vaccines: Some vaccines shouldn't be given if you are taking Copaxone. Always check with your doctor or pharmacist first. It's safe for you to have the annual flu vaccine.
Other medicines: Copaxone may interact with a few medicines and herbal supplements, so check with your doctor or pharmacist before starting Copaxone or before starting any new medicines, including those you may buy over-the-counter.

Like all medicines, Copaxone can cause side effects, although not everyone gets them. Often side effects improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine.

Side effects	What should I do?
Red in the face (flushing) Feeling breathless Chest tightening Fast heart beat	These usually reduce after 15 to 30 minutes of having the injection. Tell your doctor if they last longer than 30 minutes.
Reaction at the injection site such as bruising, redness, tenderness	Change the site for each injection (see tips and image above). Tell your doctor if this doesn't settle.
Skin rash Headache Feeling sick (nausea) Flu-like symptoms Joint or back pain Constipation	Tell your doctor if these bother you.
Anxiety Depression Tremor	Contact your doctor
Signs of an infections, eg, fever, cough, sore throat, diarrhoea (runny poo) or generally feeling weak and unwell	Tell your doctor immediately or phone Healthline on 0800 611 116.

Multiple sclerosis
Multiple sclerosis support

The following links provide further information about Copaxone. Be aware that websites from other countries may contain information that differs from New Zealand recommendations.

Copaxone(external link) Medsafe consumer medicine information, NZ
Copaxone(external link) Multiple Sclerosis New Zealand
Glatiramer acetate (Copaxone and Brabio)(external link) MS Society, UK