Copaxone 40mg/mL (Glatiramer Acetate)
Complete patient guide for uses, dosage, side effects, and safety information
Prescription RequiredQuick Facts
What Is Copaxone 40mg/mL Used For?
Copaxone contains glatiramer acetate and is specifically designed to help manage relapsing forms of Multiple Sclerosis (MS). It works by modifying the immune system processes that are believed to cause MS symptoms.
Primary Uses
Copaxone is used for managing relapsing forms of Multiple Sclerosis (MS). It may also be prescribed for patients experiencing their first MS symptoms who have MRI changes indicating high risk for developing MS. The medication has been proven effective in reducing the number of relapses in patients with relapsing remitting MS.
How It Works
While the exact mechanism is not fully understood, Copaxone is thought to work by changing the immune processes responsible for MS. In MS, the body’s immune system attacks myelin (the protective covering around nerve fibers in the brain and spinal cord), leading to symptoms like blurred vision, weakness, or loss of bowel/bladder control.
Good to know: Although Copaxone is not a cure for MS, patients generally experience fewer relapses when treated with this medication.
How to Take Copaxone 40mg/mL
Copaxone 40mg/mL comes as pre-filled syringes ready for injection. The medication must be injected into the fatty layer under your skin (subcutaneous injection). Many patients learn to self-inject or have a caregiver administer the injection.
Dosage Instructions
The recommended dose is one 40mg/mL pre-filled syringe (1mL) injected three times a week, with at least 48 hours between injections. Use the same three days each week (for example, Monday, Wednesday, and Friday). Remove the syringe from refrigeration 20 minutes before injection to reach room temperature. Rotate injection sites among seven body areas: arms, thighs, back of hips, and stomach. Never use the same injection site more than once per week.
What If You Miss a Dose?
If you miss your scheduled dose, take it as soon as you remember, then skip the following day. Try to return to your regular schedule the following week. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed dose.
Important: Never use more than the recommended dose unless your doctor tells you to. Each pre-filled syringe should only be used once.
Available Tablet Strengths
Side Effects
Like all medications, this medicine can cause side effects. Most are mild and temporary, but some require medical attention.
Common Side Effects
These side effects occur relatively frequently and usually don’t require emergency care:
- Pain, redness, itching, or hardening at injection site
- Immediate Post Injection Reaction (face/neck reddening, chest pain, heart palpitations, anxiety, breathing difficulty)
- Nausea
- Constipation
- Joint pain
- Muscle soreness
- Weakness
- Dizziness
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:
- Severe allergic reaction (face, lip, mouth, throat swelling causing swallowing/breathing difficulty)
- Hives
- Chest pain
- Trouble breathing
- Severe pain, redness, or swelling at injection site that doesn’t go away
- Liver injury symptoms (yellowing of skin/eyes, dark urine, abdominal pain, vomiting, loss of appetite, weight loss, unusual tiredness)
Important Warnings
Copaxone can cause severe allergic reactions that may be life-threatening. These reactions can occur shortly after injection or even months or years after starting treatment, even if previous injections caused no problems.
Who Should Not Take Copaxone 40mg/mL
Do not use Copaxone if you are allergic to glatiramer acetate or any other ingredients in the medication. Always check the ingredient list to ensure you can safely use this medicine.
Medical Conditions to Discuss
Tell your doctor if you have asthma, liver disease, history of severe allergic reactions, previous liver injury, or if you plan to have surgery. Also inform your doctor about all other medications, vitamins, or supplements you are taking.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Check with your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. Limited data shows no negative effects on breastfed infants, but discuss with your doctor if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed.
Children: Do not give Copaxone to children under 12 years of age as there is no experience with its use in this age group.
Drug Interactions
Some medications may interfere with how Copaxone works or affect its absorption. Always inform your healthcare providers about all medications you are taking.
- Some medicines may interfere with Copaxone absorption
- Tell your doctor about all prescription medications
- Inform about vitamins and supplements from pharmacy or health food shops
- Check with doctor or pharmacist if unsure about medication interactions
Alcohol & Driving
The source material does not provide specific information about alcohol consumption or driving restrictions while using Copaxone.
Storage
Store Copaxone 40mg/mL pre-filled syringes in the refrigerator at 2°C to 8°C. Keep in original packaging until ready to use and protect from direct light. If refrigeration is unavailable, the medication may be stored below 25°C for up to one month on one occasion. Never freeze the medication. Keep out of reach of children. Dispose of used syringes in a hard-walled container according to your doctor’s instructions and local laws.
Overdose Information
If you think you have used too much Copaxone, seek urgent medical attention immediately. Call the Poisons Information Centre (13 11 26 in Australia or 0800 764 766 in New Zealand), contact your doctor, or go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department, even if you feel fine.
Frequently Asked Questions
Copaxone has been shown to be effective in reducing the number of relapses in patients with relapsing remitting MS, though the exact timeline for seeing results may vary by individual. Discuss your specific situation with your doctor.
Since Copaxone is given by injection rather than taken orally, food does not affect its administration. However, always follow your doctor’s specific instructions.
Some patients may experience an Immediate Post Injection Reaction including face/neck reddening, chest pain, heart palpitations, anxiety, and breathing difficulty. Speak to your doctor if these symptoms worry you.
There are seven injection areas: arms, thighs, back of hips, and stomach. Within each area are multiple injection sites. Rotate sites within an area and never use the same site more than once per week. Marking a calendar helps track which sites you’ve used.
If you miss your scheduled dose, take it as soon as you remember, then skip the following day. Try to return to your regular three-times-per-week schedule the following week. Never take a double dose.
Yes, many people with MS learn to self-inject or have a caregiver give the injection. Self-injection must be taught and practiced under supervision of a qualified healthcare professional. Your doctor may teach you or arrange for an MS education nurse to provide training.
Severe allergic reactions can be life-threatening. If you experience swelling of face, lips, mouth or throat, hives, chest pain, trouble breathing, or severe injection site reactions that don’t go away, call your doctor immediately or go to the nearest Emergency Department.
Important Disclaimer
This information is intended for general educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or emergency services immediately.