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What is Glatiramer Acetate
GlatiramerThe Generic name of this drug
Treatment SummaryGlatiramer acetate is an immunomodulating drug made from a combination of four amino acids: L-glutamic acid, L-alanine, L-tyrosine, and L-lysine. It is commonly used to reduce the frequency of relapses in multiple sclerosis patients. The average molecular weight of glatiramer acetate is between 5,000 and 9,000 daltons.
Copaxoneis the brand name
Glatiramer Acetate 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 Glatiramer Acetate Affects PatientsGlatiramer acetate is a combination of four natural amino acids that is used to treat multiple sclerosis. Studies have shown that it can help reduce relapse rates. Some patients have experienced reactions after injection, such as chest pain, injection site side effects, and liver problems. Taking glatiramer acetate may also interfere with immune function.
How Glatiramer Acetate works in the bodyGlatiramer Acetate works to treat Multiple Sclerosis by altering the immune system. It stops certain cells from releasing inflammatory chemicals, and encourages other cells to produce anti-inflammatory chemicals. It also works to bind to molecules that stop the body from attacking its own nerve cells, and can create regulatory cells that help suppress MS.
When to interrupt dosage
The suggested measure of Glatiramer Acetate is contingent upon the recognized disorder. The degree of dosage deviates, as per the technique of delivery (e.g. Solution - Subcutaneous or Injection, solution - Subcutaneous) featured 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
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
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
Warnings
Glatiramer Acetate 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 Glatiramer Acetate 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.
Glatiramer Acetate Toxicity & Overdose RiskIn mice and rats given 15 times the typical dosage of glatiramer acetate, there was no increased risk of cancer or mutations. No negative effects on reproduction or development were seen. It is not known what effects an overdose could have, but potential side effects include liver damage, loss of fat under the skin, and skin death at the injection site. If an overdose occurs, it is recommended to provide supportive treatment.
Glatiramer Acetate Novel Uses: Which Conditions Have a Clinical Trial Featuring Glatiramer Acetate?
193 clinical trials are currently underway to assess the potential of Glatiramer Acetate to ameliorate 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
194 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
Glatiramer Acetate Reviews: What are patients saying about Glatiramer Acetate?
5Patient Review
3/5/2008 I was diagnosed with MS 15 years ago and have been on Copaxone for six. Recently, I had an MRI that showed no new lesions in my brain--in fact, the hospital couldn't even locate some of my previous ones. The best advice I can give is to stay committed to a treatment, exercise, maintain a positive internal attitude, and develop a close relationship with God. The only downside to this drug is the cost.
4.7Patient Review
11/30/2007 Used this until my insurance ran out. It was $1780 per month.
4.3Patient Review
3/28/2009 I initially began treatment with interferon, but found the side effects becoming unmanageable. My husband then noticed that I was displaying signs of depression, so my doctor took me off the medication and started me on copaxone instead. I haven't experienced any negative side effects from this drug, and actually find the injections easier to handle than before (even though I have to do them more often).
4Patient Review
3/31/2009 I don't love having to take a shot every day, but it's definitely preferable to the deep tissue shots. I was taking Avonex before, but the side effects were really bad (to the point of causing depression and mood swings). This medication is much better in that regard, even though it does give me some pretty intense headaches.
3Patient Review
11/21/2018 I haven't received the medication yet, so I can't really rate it. I'm just giving it a middle-of-the-road score for now. Fingers crossed that it helps.
Patient Q&A Section about glatiramer acetate
These questions and answers are submitted by anonymous patients, and have not been verified by our internal team.Is glatiramer acetate an immunosuppressant?
"GA is a man-made protein that is similar to myelin basic protein, a protein in the myelin sheath that surrounds and protects nerve cells in the central nervous system.
Glatiramer acetate is a drug that is used to treat multiple sclerosis. It is a man-made protein that is similar to myelin basic protein, which is a protein that is found in the myelin sheath."
Answered by AI
How long does glatiramer acetate take to work?
"If you are taking COPAXONE®, you may see some results within 12 months. Relapsing MS most commonly affects the central nervous system (CNS). The CNS is made up of the brain, spinal cord, and optic nerves. The immune system causes the CNS to respond abnormally."
Answered by AI
What class of drug is glatiramer acetate?
"Glatiramer is a type of immunomodulator that works by preventing the body from damaging its own nerve cells."
Answered by AI
What is glatiramer acetate used for?
"An immunomodulating drug called glatiramer acetate is used to treat multiple sclerosis. It is made of a copolymer of amino acid residues that are in the same proportions as in myelin basic protein."
Answered by AI