Thought to work both outside and inside the damage to the nervous system.It is believed
to change the way the immune system reacts to Multiple Sclerosis by preventing harmful
cells from developing and by stimulating beneficial cells in your body. The activated
cells then enter the CNS (central nervous system) and help reduce damage at the site
of lesions.
Glatiramer combines the amino acids L-alanine, L-glutamic acid, L-lysine and L-tyrosine.
The mixture is similar to myelin basic protein, an important component of the myelin
sheath of nerves. It is used for relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS).
Usually prescribed to an MS person when they are ambulant (able to walk 10 metres
or more). Plus showing signs of MS symptoms that are either.
Evidence of additional lesions within the last year on their MRI scans. Or same evidence
in a MS person but with a poor prognosis for other reasons.
One disabling relapse in the past year.
Two significant relapses in the past two years.
In certain circumstances an MS person experiencing Secondary - Progressive MS and
are ambulant and that relapses are the cause of an increasing difficulty may be treated
- advice should be obtained from their health professional.
An acute worsening of MS symptoms that is sustained for a day or more followed by
an improvement of the symptoms over one to four weeks would indicate a relapse has
occurred.
A worsening of MS symptoms may also be caused by:
Flu or a cold.
Infection.
Fever.
Stress.
Johnson KP, et al.Copolymer 1 reduces relapse rate and improves difficulty in relapsing-remitting
multiple sclerosis: results of a phase III multicenter, double-blind placebo-controlled
trial. Neurology 1995;45(7):1268-1276. PubMed
Association of British Neurologists (ABN) Revised (2009) guidelines for prescribing
in multiple sclerosis.London; ABN: November 2009. Download pdf File
Any other uncomfortable changes in your general health.
There may be a short-term reaction immediately after injecting. The reaction may
involve:
Flushing (feeling of warmth and/or redness).
Chest tightness or pain with heart palpitations.
Anxiety.
Trouble breathing.
The reactions are usually mild and seldom require treatment, however in the event
that any symptoms do not disappear within a short time immediately consult a health
professional.
