A to Z of MS
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A to Z of MS Glatiramer acetate (Copaxone)
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 multiple sclerosis. Studies have shown that on average, glatiramer acetate reduces the MS relapse rate by about a third.
Glatiramer acetate is also licensed for clinically isolated syndrome, an individual's first neurologic episode. The 2009 ABN prescribing guidelines state that neurologists may consider the use of beta interferon for people within 12 months of a clinically isolated syndrome when MRI evidence predicts a high likelihood of recurrent episodes.
Glatiramer acetate is prescribed under the Department of Health's Risk-sharing Scheme.
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
Side effects include injection site reactions such as atrophy (leading to permanent indentations in the skin), redness, swelling, itching or some pain at the site. 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.
References
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.
abstract
Association of British Neurologists (ABN)
Revised (2009) guidelines for prescribing in multiple sclerosis.
London; ABN: November 2009.
download (pdf 124kb)
Patient Information Leaflet
- Copaxone (EMC website)
- Webcast on drug therapy
- Neurologist Prof David Bates addresses some of the questions people ask about disease modifying drugs
- Watch the webcast