The brand name for the medication is Copaxone, and its active ingredient is glatiramer acetate in the form of acetate salts. Glatiramer acetate is classified based on its biological mechanism, used to block experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) in mice. The drug is a sterile solution for subcutaneous injection, available in 20 mg or 40 mg dosage strengths per 1 mL. The key inactive ingredient included in the formulation is mannitol.
How should I use this medication?
This medication is injected under the skin. You will be taught how to prepare and give it. Take it as directed on the prescription label. Keep taking it unless your care team tells you stop.
It is important that you put your used needles and syringes in a special sharps container. Do not put them in a trash can. If you do not have a sharps container, call your pharmacist or care team to get one.
This medication comes with INSTRUCTIONS FOR USE. Ask your pharmacist for directions on how to use this medication. Read the information carefully. Talk to your pharmacist or care team if you have questions.
Talk to your care team about the use of this medication in children. Special care may be needed.
Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.
NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.
What if I miss a dose?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.
Where should I keep my medication?
Keep out of the reach of children and pets.
Refrigeration (preferred): Store in the refrigerator. Do not freeze. Keep it in the original carton until you are ready to take it. Remove the dose from the refrigerator about 20 minutes before it is time for you to take it. Get rid any unused mediication after the expiration date.
Room Temperature: This medication may be stored at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F) for up to 1 month. Keep it in the original carton until you are ready to take it. Get rid of any unused medication after the expiration date.
To get rid of medications that are no longer needed or have expired:
NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.
What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?
Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):
This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
What may interact with this medication?
Interactions are not expected.
This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.
What should I watch for while using this medication?
Visit your care team for regular checks on your progress. Tell your care team if your symptoms do not start to get better or if they get worse.
What are the most serious risks of this medication?
This medication can cause serious and life-threatening allergic reactions. These reactions may occur with your first dose or at any time during treatment. Your care team will watch you closely. Tell your care team right away if you have a skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, tongue, arms, or legs, trouble breathing, fast or irregular heartbeat, or feel faint or lightheaded.
Source: This information is sourced from Elsevier Inc.
The reviews, ratings, comments, and opinions expressed on this platform are solely those of the individual medical professionals who posted them and do not reflect the views or positions of Sermo, Inc. Sermo does not endorse, verify, or validate the content of individual reviews. The information provided is user-generated and reflects personal clinical experiences, which may not be complete, accurate, or applicable to your specific health needs. It is not intended as medical advice.
Prescription medications affect individuals differently, and what works for one person may not work for another. Always consult your doctor, pharmacist, or other qualified healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed applies to your personal circumstances. Only a licensed healthcare provider can advise you on what is safe and effective for you.
Keep all medications out of the reach of children, never share your medicine with others, and use each medication only as prescribed. Your reliance on any information provided on this platform is at your own risk.
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