Glatiramer Acetate-Teva 40mg/mL (Glatiramer Acetate)
Complete patient guide for uses, dosage, side effects, and safety information
Prescription RequiredQuick Facts
What Is Glatiramer Acetate-Teva 40mg/mL Used For?
Glatiramer Acetate-Teva contains the active ingredient glatiramer acetate and is specifically designed to help manage multiple sclerosis symptoms and reduce the frequency of relapses.
Primary Uses
This medication is used for managing relapsing forms of Multiple Sclerosis (MS). It may also be prescribed for patients who have experienced their first MS symptoms and have MRI changes indicating a high risk of developing MS. Your doctor will rule out other possible causes before starting treatment.
How It Works
While the exact mechanism is not fully understood, Glatiramer Acetate-Teva is thought to work by modifying the immune processes believed to be responsible for MS. It has been shown to effectively reduce the number of relapses in patients with relapsing remitting MS, helping patients experience fewer episodes of symptoms like blurred vision, weakness, or loss of bowel/bladder control.
Good to know: Although not a cure, patients treated with Glatiramer Acetate-Teva 40mg/mL generally experience fewer MS relapses
How to Take Glatiramer Acetate-Teva 40mg/mL
This medication is given as a subcutaneous injection (into the fatty layer under the skin) using pre-filled syringes. Proper injection technique is essential and should be learned from a healthcare professional.
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) at the same time if possible. Rotate injection sites among seven body areas (arms, thighs, back of hips, and stomach) to prevent irritation. Remove the syringe from refrigeration 20 minutes before injection to reach room temperature.
What If You Miss a Dose?
If you miss your scheduled dose, take your next dose as soon as you remember, then skip the following day. Return to your regular schedule the following week if possible. Maintain at least 48 hours between injections.
Important: Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed dose. 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, hardening of skin or infection at injection site
- Immediate Post Injection Reaction (face/neck reddening, chest pain or tightness, rapid heartbeat, anxiety, difficulty breathing)
- Nausea
- Constipation
- Joint pain
- Muscle soreness
- Feeling of weakness
- Dizziness
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:
- Swelling of face, lips, mouth or throat causing difficulty swallowing or breathing
- Hives
- Chest pain
- Trouble breathing
- Severe pain, redness or swelling at injection site that doesn’t go away
- Yellowing of skin or eyes
- Dark urine
- Abdominal pain
- Vomiting
- Loss of appetite
- Weight loss
- Unusual tiredness
Important Warnings
Glatiramer Acetate-Teva can cause severe allergic reactions that may be life-threatening. These reactions can occur shortly after administration or even months or years after starting treatment.
Who Should Not Take Glatiramer Acetate-Teva 40mg/mL
Do not use this medication if you are allergic to glatiramer acetate or any of the ingredients listed in the product information. Do not give to children under 12 years of age as there is no experience with its use in this age group.
Medical Conditions to Discuss
Tell your doctor if you have any medical conditions including asthma, liver disease, history of severe allergic reactions, or previous liver injury. Also inform your doctor if you plan to have surgery or take any other medications, vitamins, or supplements.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Check with your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. Limited data in humans showed no negative effects on breastfed infants, but discuss with your doctor if you are breastfeeding or intend to breastfeed.
Severe Allergic Reactions: This medication can cause severe, potentially life-threatening allergic reactions that may occur even after months or years of treatment
Drug Interactions
Some medicines may interfere with Glatiramer Acetate-Teva and affect how it works or how it is absorbed by your body.
- Tell your doctor about all medicines, vitamins, and supplements you are taking
- Some medicines may interfere with absorption of Glatiramer Acetate-Teva
- Check with your doctor or pharmacist if unsure about potential interactions
Alcohol & Driving
The source material does not provide specific information about alcohol consumption or driving restrictions while using Glatiramer Acetate-Teva 40mg/mL.
Storage
Keep Glatiramer Acetate-Teva 40mg/mL pre-filled syringes in the refrigerator at 2°C to 8°C. Keep in the original pack until ready to use and protect from direct light. If refrigeration is unavailable, may be stored below 25°C for up to one month on one occasion. Do not freeze or place in freezer compartment. Store away from moisture, heat, and sunlight, and keep out of reach of children. Dispose of used syringes in a hard-walled container according to your doctor’s instructions.
Overdose Information
If you think you have used too much Glatiramer Acetate-Teva, seek urgent medical attention immediately. Phone the Poisons Information Centre (13 11 26), contact your doctor, or go to the Emergency Department at your nearest hospital, even if there are no signs of discomfort or poisoning.
Frequently Asked Questions
The medication 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 between patients. Continue treatment as prescribed by your doctor.
No, you should rotate injection sites within the seven injection areas (arms, thighs, back of hips, and stomach) and not use any site more than once a week. This reduces the likelihood of irritation, pain, or loss of fatty tissue at the injection site.
Some patients may experience reddening of the face/neck, chest pain or tightness, rapid heartbeat, anxiety, and difficulty breathing. This is a known side effect. Speak to your doctor if these symptoms worry you.
Yes, many people with MS learn to give themselves the injection or have it given by a carer. Self-injection needs to 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.
Do not change the dose, dosing schedule, or stop using Glatiramer Acetate-Teva without talking to your doctor. Follow the instructions and use until your doctor tells you to stop.
No, always inspect the solution in the pre-filled syringe before use. Do not inject the solution if it is cloudy or has particles in it. The solution should be clear and colourless.
The medication must be kept refrigerated at 2°C to 8°C. If refrigeration is unavailable, it may be stored below 25°C for up to one month on one occasion. Keep it in the original pack and protect from direct light.
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.