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A to Z of MS Glatiramer acetate

Product name

Copaxone. When it was first developed, the drug was known as copolymer-1.

Glatiramer acetate is one of the disease modifying drugs licensed for relapsing/remitting MS. These four drugs are often referred to collectively as the beta interferons. However, unlike the other three, glatiramer acetate is not an interferon.

Studies have shown that on average, glatiramer acetate reduces the relapse rate in people with relapsing/remitting MS by about a third.

How glatiramer acetate works

Glatiramer acetate is a synthetic combination of four amino acids, resembling the myelin protein surrounding nerve fibres. It is thought to lessen the immune reaction that attacks myelin.

How is glatiramer acetate given?

Glatiramer acetate is injected under the skin daily.

Side effects and contraindications

Injection site reactions such as redness, swelling, and occasionally itching or some pain at the site. These reduce over time. Rarely, glatiramer acetate may cause chest tightness and shortness of breath. Although alarming at the time, this usually passes quickly, only occurs sporadically, and causes no long-term problems.

Reference

Johnson KP, et al.
Copolymer 1 reduces relapse rate and improves disability in relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis: results of a phase III multicenter, double-blind placebo-controlled trial.
Neurology 1995;45(7):1268-1276.

Note

MS Decisions is an independent website to help people considering starting treatment with one of the disease modifying drugs.

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