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Disease Modifying Drugs & Therapies

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If you have experienced any adverse side effects from a medication or therapy - Report it

Glatiramer Acetate - Copaxone®

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 disability may be treated - advice should be obtained from their clinician.

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.

Side effects may occur                                                                                                                                                                                                                

• Anxiety
• Chest pain
• Flushing
• Infection
• Itching or a lump at the site of injection
• Joint pain
• Muscle stiffness
• Nausea
• Pain
• Swelling
• Weakness

The reactions are usually mild and seldom require professional treatment, however, be aware in the event that any symptoms do not disappear within a short time immediately consult your clinician.

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.

These symptoms generally appear within minutes of an injection, last about 15 minutes, and go away by themselves without further problems.

Adverse side effects                                                                                                                                                                                                                    

Contact your clinician immediately after you inject if you develop:

• Chest pain.
• Dizziness.
• Hives.
• Problems breathing.
• Skin rash with irritation.
• Sweating.
• Severe pain at the injection site.
• Any other uncomfortable changes in your general health.

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