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What is Copaxone
GlatiramerThe Generic name of this drug
Treatment SummaryGlatiramer acetate is a medication used to lower the frequency of relapses in people with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis. It is made up of four natural amino acids: L-glutamic acid, L-alanine, L-tyrosine, and L-lysine. Its average molecular weight is 5,000-9,000 daltons. Glatiramer acetate works by changing the way the immune system responds to certain conditions.
Copaxoneis the brand name
Copaxone Overview & Background
Brand Name
Generic Name
First FDA Approval
How many FDA approvals?
Copaxone
Glatiramer
2002
9
Approved as Treatment by the FDA
Glatiramer, otherwise known as Copaxone, is approved by the FDA for 1 uses such as Multiple Sclerosis .Multiple Sclerosis
Helps manage Multiple Sclerosis
Effectiveness
How Copaxone Affects PatientsGlatiramer acetate is a mix of four amino acids (L-glutamic acid, L-alanine, L-tyrosine, and L-lysine) used to treat relapsing multiple sclerosis. Studies have shown that it can lower the number of annualized relapse rates compared to placebo and IFNb-1a. Some patients (roughly 16%) may experience side effects such as chest pain, injection site issues, or hepatic injury. Since it modifies the immune system, it may also interfere with immune function.
How Copaxone works in the bodyThe exact way that glatiramer acetate works is unknown, but it likely helps to treat multiple sclerosis (MS) by altering how the immune system works. MS is caused by damage to the myelin layer that surrounds nerves. Glatiramer acetate may bind to molecules on antigen-presenting cells that would otherwise cause inflammation. It also shifts the immune system from pro-inflammatory to anti-inflammatory and may promote the production of T-regulatory cells that help suppress MS.
When to interrupt dosage
The advised dosage of Copaxone is dependent upon the identified sickness. The measure fluctuates depending on the method of delivery (e.g. Solution - Subcutaneous or Injection, solution - Subcutaneous) pointed out in the table beneath.Condition
Dosage
Administration
Carcinoma in Situ
20.0 mg, , 20.0 mg/mL, 40.0 mg/mL
, Subcutaneous, Powder, for solution, Powder, for solution - Subcutaneous, Solution, Solution - Subcutaneous, Injection, solution - Subcutaneous, Injection, solution, Injection, Injection - Subcutaneous
active Secondary Progressive Multiple Sclerosis (SPMS)
20.0 mg, , 20.0 mg/mL, 40.0 mg/mL
, Subcutaneous, Powder, for solution, Powder, for solution - Subcutaneous, Solution, Solution - Subcutaneous, Injection, solution - Subcutaneous, Injection, solution, Injection, Injection - Subcutaneous
Multiple Sclerosis
20.0 mg, , 20.0 mg/mL, 40.0 mg/mL
, Subcutaneous, Powder, for solution, Powder, for solution - Subcutaneous, Solution, Solution - Subcutaneous, Injection, solution - Subcutaneous, Injection, solution, Injection, Injection - Subcutaneous
Relapsing Remitting Multiple Sclerosis
20.0 mg, , 20.0 mg/mL, 40.0 mg/mL
, Subcutaneous, Powder, for solution, Powder, for solution - Subcutaneous, Solution, Solution - Subcutaneous, Injection, solution - Subcutaneous, Injection, solution, Injection, Injection - Subcutaneous
Warnings
Copaxone ContraindicationsCondition
Risk Level
Notes
Severe Hypersensitivity Reactions
Do Not Combine
Glatiramer may interact with Pulse Frequency
Severe Hypersensitivity Reactions
Do Not Combine
Glatiramer may interact with Pulse Frequency
Common Copaxone Drug Interactions
Drug Name
Risk Level
Description
9-(N-methyl-L-isoleucine)-cyclosporin A
Major
The risk or severity of adverse effects can be increased when Glatiramer is combined with 9-(N-methyl-L-isoleucine)-cyclosporin A.
Abetimus
Major
The risk or severity of adverse effects can be increased when Glatiramer is combined with Abetimus.
Acteoside
Major
The risk or severity of adverse effects can be increased when Glatiramer is combined with Acteoside.
Antilymphocyte immunoglobulin (horse)
Major
The risk or severity of adverse effects can be increased when Glatiramer is combined with Antilymphocyte immunoglobulin (horse).
Apremilast
Major
The risk or severity of adverse effects can be increased when Glatiramer is combined with Apremilast.
Copaxone Toxicity & Overdose RiskMice and rats given 15 times the recommended human dose of glatiramer acetate did not show an increase in cancer. Laboratory studies suggest that this drug does not cause mutations. Studies in animals have not revealed any negative effects on reproduction or development. If a person takes too much glatiramer acetate, they may experience severe side effects such as liver damage, loss of fatty tissues, or skin death near the injection site. If an overdose occurs, medical attention and supportive care are recommended.
Copaxone Novel Uses: Which Conditions Have a Clinical Trial Featuring Copaxone?
193 active clinical trials are presently assessing the therapeutic potential of Copaxone in treating Multiple Sclerosis.Condition
Clinical Trials
Trial Phases
Relapsing Remitting Multiple Sclerosis
13 Actively Recruiting
Not Applicable, Phase 3, Phase 1, Phase 2, Phase 4
Multiple Sclerosis
195 Actively Recruiting
Phase 3, Not Applicable, Phase 2, Phase 1, Phase 4, Early Phase 1
active Secondary Progressive Multiple Sclerosis (SPMS)
0 Actively Recruiting
Carcinoma in Situ
5 Actively Recruiting
Not Applicable, Phase 4
Copaxone Reviews: What are patients saying about Copaxone?
5Patient Review
8/15/2015 I was initially diagnosed in 1997 and have been on Avonex for 14 years. My new neurologist switched me to Copaxone, which I've found to be just as effective. I tolerate the injections well, with only minor pain at the injection site.
5Patient Review
4/11/2018 I've been taking this medication for a week now, and I'm hoping to see more effects soon. So far, the side effect of slurred speech has made me look drunk at work and my bosses are starting to question me.
5Patient Review
5/26/2014 I'm really liking this treatment so far.
5Patient Review
6/29/2016 I had to stop taking Copaxone for a pregnancy last year, and when my doctor recommended I start back up on the 40mg dose, I was really disappointed. The side effects were awful - bruising, lumps, stinging, etc. Shared Solutions is going to help with my copay, which is awesome because it's such an expensive drug.
4Patient Review
5/8/2014 I can only tell that this medication is working when I have my annual MRIs. From what I understand, Copaxone treats the disease but not the symptoms. However, I have seen an increase in my symptoms over the past two years while taking this drug.
3.7Patient Review
4/23/2014 The injection process is easy enough, but I experienced swelling and itching afterwards that felt like a bee sting. This would last up to two hours. Additionally, the swelling itself could last for 48 hours. After a few weeks of use, I developed mucous colitis which caused severe back and hip pain as well as flu-like symptoms.
3.7Patient Review
1/26/2016 Itching and uncomfortable knot in area of injection for 2 days afterwards. Worsening depression.
2Patient Review
1/17/20141Patient Review
1/31/2019 I used to take this medication for my MS, but after a few years of use I went into anaphylactic shock. Please be aware that chest pain and other reactions are not normal side effects, no matter what you're told.
Patient Q&A Section about copaxone
These questions and answers are submitted by anonymous patients, and have not been verified by our internal team.How long can you stay on Copaxone?
"Copaxone is a long-term treatment that should be taken for as long as it is effective in reducing relapses for people with MS. The percentage of people who are relapse-free after two years is 34 to 56%."
Answered by AI
What are the side effects of Copaxone?
"-Reactions at the injection site may include: pain, itching, swelling, redness, discoloration, or lumps in the place where you have the injection. You may also experience flushing (temporary warmth, redness, or deepening of skin color), rash, shortness of breath, or chest pain."
Answered by AI
What type of drug is Copaxone?
"This medication is used to treat the symptoms of Multiple sclerosis. It may be either used by itself or in conjunction with other medications. It belongs to a class of drugs referred to as Immunomodulators; Multiple Sclerosis Treatments."
Answered by AI
Is Copaxone a good MS drug?
"Copaxone has been shown to be a moderately effective treatment for Duchenne muscular dystrophy in clinical trials, reducing the number of relapses by 30% compared to those taking placebos. Additionally, MRI scans of those taking Copaxone showed fewer new areas of active MS, or none at all."
Answered by AI
What does Copaxone actually do?
"An injectable drug called Glatiramer acetate, or Copaxone, is used to treat relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis in adults. This man-made version of a protein is similar to one found in myelin, which is an insulating layer that protects many of the nerves in your body. Copaxone blocks T cells that could potentially damage the myelin."
Answered by AI
What kind of drug is Copaxone?
"Copaxone is a prescription medicine that is used to treat the symptoms of Multiple sclerosis. It may be used alone or with other medications. Copaxone belongs to a class of drugs called Immunomodulators. It is not known if it is safe and effective to use in children."
Answered by AI