Glatiramer acetate
Common English name: Glatiramer acetate
Brand: Copaxone
Application: Multiple sclerosis
Dosage forms of glatiramer acetate
Glatiramer Acetate Drug Information
Amount and method of taking glatiramer acetate
Contraindications to the use of glatiramer acetate
Consumption of glatiramer acetate during pregnancy and lactation
The effect of glatiramer acetate on driving and working with machines
Drug Interactions Glatiramer Acetate
Special warnings and precautions while taking glatiramer acetate
Side effects of glatiramer acetate
Overdose of glatiramer acetate (drug poisoning)
Storage conditions of glatiramer acetate
Dosage forms of glatiramer acetate
Syringe ready for injection
Glatiramer Acetate Drug Information
Glatiramer acetate is prescribed to treat a specific type of multiple sclerosis (recurrent MS). It is a protein that prevents the immune system from attacking the nerves of the brain and spinal cord, thus preventing the recurrence of MS and reducing the chances of the patient becoming disabled. Note that glatiramer acetate is not a cure for MS.
Amount and method of taking glatiramer acetate
Read the package leaflet carefully before starting treatment with glatiramer acetate. This brochure will help you to get comprehensive information about the drug and its possible side effects.
The dose and amount of medicine varies from person to person; Use the medicine exactly as your doctor advised. This drug is available in 2 different doses. Depending on the right dose for you, your doctor may prescribe medication every day or 3 times a week.
It is injected subcutaneously (thigh, abdomen, back of arm).
If you have refrigerated a ready-to-use syringe for injecting glatiramer acetate, warm the medicine at room temperature for 20 minutes before using it.
Use the medicine regularly, so that the treatment process goes well. Do not change the dose of your medicine without consulting your doctor.
Contraindications to the use of glatiramer acetate
Pay attention to the expiration date of this medicine and do not take it if the medicine in your hand has expired.
Never give this medicine to another person, even if you have the same symptoms.
Check for drug interactions with glatiramer acetate, and if you are taking a drug that interacts with this drug, talk to your doctor about using your medications.
Consumption of glatiramer acetate during pregnancy and lactation
During pregnancy and lactation, you should not use the drug arbitrarily and without consulting your doctor. Medications can have devastating effects on the fetus or on yourself.
The effect of glatiramer acetate on driving and working with machines
Glatiramer acetate causes headaches, make sure you are healthy before driving or operating machinery.
Drug Interactions Glatiramer Acetate
Drug interactions may alter drug performance and increase the risk of serious side effects. Make a list of all the medicines (including prescription / over-the-counter and herbal medicines) you use and share them with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not change the dose of your medicine without consulting your doctor or stop taking the medicine.
Special warnings and precautions while taking glatiramer acetate
Some medications may not be prescribed under certain conditions, and some medications may be prescribed if additional treatment is needed; Therefore, it is best for your doctor to be aware of the following before taking glatiramer acetate:
- If you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
- If you have a history of heart problems (chest pain or heart attack).
- If you are taking certain medications. These medicines include all the medicines available, whether you are prescribed them or taking them without a doctor's prescription, such as herbal medicines and complementary medicines.
- If you have a history of an allergic reaction to another medicine.
Side effects of glatiramer acetate
All medications can cause side effects. But many consumers also do not experience any side effects. Some of the side effects go away shortly after taking the medicine. In case of persistent side effects, the physician should be informed:
Pain, redness and swelling at the injection site
Nausea
joint's pain
neck pain
Headache
Burning, chest pain, palpitations, anxiety, shortness of breath or itching: These symptoms may appear a few minutes after the injection, see your doctor if they persist.
Consult your doctor if you have any other symptoms that you feel are due to the use of glatiramer acetate.
Overdose of glatiramer acetate (drug poisoning)
Do not take glatiramer acetate more than the dose prescribed by your doctor.
If you feel that someone has been poisoned and you have symptoms such as shortness of breath, fainting and weakness (fainting), call the emergency room immediately.
Storage conditions of glatiramer acetate
Keep the medicine out of the reach of children.
Store the medicine in a cool, dry place away from heat and direct sunlight.