Copaxone

Copaxone
Generic Name: glatiramer (injection) (gla TIR a mer)
Brand Names: Copaxone, Glatopa
Company: Teva Pharmaceutical
FDA Approved: January 1997
Copaxone is rated 7.8/10

Copaxone (glatiramer) is a combination of four amino acids (proteins) that affect the immune system.

Copaxone dosing information
Usual Adult Dose for Multiple Sclerosis:

20 mg subcutaneously once a day or 40 mg subcutaneously 3 times a week

Comments:
-For the 3 times a week dosage regimen, each dose must be separated by at least 48 hours.
-Length of treatment should be individualized.

Approved indication: For the treatment of patients with relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis
Important Information
Use Copaxone exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not use the medication in larger amounts, or use it for longer than recommended by your doctor. Follow the instructions on your prescription label.

Tell each of your healthcare providers about all your medical conditions, allergies, and all medicines you use.

Copaxone is given as an injection under your skin. You may be given instructions on how to inject your medicine at home. Do not use this medicine at home if you do not fully understand how to give the injection and properly dispose of needles and syringes used in giving the medicine.

Some people receiving a Copaxone injection have had a severe reaction. Tell your caregiver right away if you feel anxious, warm, itchy, tingly, or have a pounding heartbeat, tightness in your throat, or trouble breathing during the injection. This type of reaction may occur even after you have been using this medicine for several month

Before taking this medicine
You should not use Copaxone if you are allergic to glatiramer or to mannitol.

Copaxone is not approved for use by anyone younger than 18 years old.