Copaxone (Glatiramer Acetate)
To comply with Canadian International Pharmacy Association regulations you are permitted to order a 3-month supply or the closest package size available based on your personal prescription. read more
Glatiramer Acetate Information
(gla tir' a mer)
- Remove one blister pack from the carton of glatiramer syringes and place it on a clean flat surface. Wait 20 minutes to allow the medication to warm to room temperature.
- Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water and dry them with a clean towel.
- Peel back the paper label and remove the syringe from the blister pack. Check your prefilled syringe to be sure it is safe to use. It should be labeled with the correct name of the medication and should contain a clear colorless solution. Do not use the syringe if it is expired, is cloudy, or contains any particles. Small air bubbles in the syringe will not cause any problems and you should not try to remove them.
- Wipe the place on your skin where you will inject glatiramer with a fresh alcohol pad and wait several seconds to allow it to dry.
- Pick up the syringe like a pencil and remove the needle cover.
- Use your other hand to pinch a 2-inch (5-centimeter) fold of skin between your thumb and index finger.
- Hold the syringe at a 90-degree angle to your body and push the needle straight into your skin. When the needle is all the way in, let go of the pinched fold of skin.
- Hold the syringe steady while slowly pushing down the plunger until the syringe is empty.
- Pull the needle straight out.
- Press a dry cotton ball on the injection site for a few minutes, but do not rub it.
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Before taking glatiramer,
- tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to glatiramer, mannitol, or any other medications.
- tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking. Your doctor may need to change the doses of your medications or monitor you carefully for side effects.
- tell your doctor if you have or have ever had kidney disease.
- tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding. If you become pregnant while using glatiramer, call your doctor.
- you should know that you may have a reaction immediately after you inject glatiramer. You may experience the following symptoms: flushing, chest pain, pounding heartbeat, anxiety, trouble breathing, closing of the throat, and hives. This reaction is most likely to occur several months into your treatment, but may happen at any time. These symptoms will usually go away without treatment in a short time. Get emergency medical care if these symptoms become severe or last longer than a few minutes. It is important to tell your doctor if this happens.
- pain, redness, swelling, itching, or lump in the place where you injected glatiramer
- weakness
- flushing
- depression
- abnormal dreams
- pain in the back, neck, or any other part of the body
- severe headache
- loss of appetite
- diarrhea
- nausea
- vomiting
- weight gain
- swelling of the hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs
- purple patches on skin
- joint pain
- confusion
- nervousness
- crossed eyes
- difficulty speaking
- shaking hands that you cannot control
- sweating
- ear pain
- painful or changed menstrual periods
- vaginal itching and discharge
- urgent need to urinate or defecate
- tightness in muscles
- white patches in the mouth
- dizziness
- excessive sweating
- chest pain
- sore throat, fever, chills, and other signs of infection
- runny nose
- coughing
- fast heartbeat
- fainting
- skin rash
- hives
- itching
- difficulty breathing or swallowing
- very severe pain at the injection site
The content on this page is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute professional medical advice. Patients should not use the information presented on this page for diagnosing a health-related issue or disease. Before taking any medication or supplements, patients should always consult a physician or qualified healthcare professional for medical advice or information about whether a drug is safe, appropriate or effective.