Copaxone for Multiple Sclerosis

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Copaxone is a synthetic, injectable medication for relapsing-remitting MS. On the market since 1996, glatiramer acetate (its generic name) has been proven to reduce the rate of relapses in some multiple sclerosis patients by about 30 to 40%. It has also been proven to reduce the amount of new MS lesions a patient may develop, thereby slowing the amount of accumulated disability. Copaxone’s chemical composition is supposed to mimic actual proteins in the body, and it is thought to lure an immune system attack away from real protein-based myelin, or nerve coverings. Like any other MS medication, *Copaxone is not a cure for multiple sclerosis, and it is not always effective in every patient.

Copaxone Advantages

  • this medication is not an interferon, so it does not create the flu-like side-effects that are common with interferon drugs (Avonex, Betaseron, and Rebif)
  • injections come conveniently premade
  • Copaxone has over 10 years’ worth of proven effectiveness
  • this medication does not cause depression or liver/thyroid dysfunctions like interferon medications can

Copaxone Drawbacks

  • Copaxone is a daily injectable– it has the most amount of administrations out of all the disease-modifying injectable meds
  • Copaxone needs to be kept refrigerated during certain circumstances
  • this medication can pose several (rare but brief) side-effects: chest tightening, anxiety, shortness of breath, and flushing just after administration. It can also cause injection site reactions: redness, swelling, itching, and pain

*any decision to take medication should be thoroughly discussed with your doctor

References: All About MS- Copaxone, The U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Nat’l MS Society (U.S.)

4 comments

  • Hey, cool photo!!

    A new development with Copaxone is that it can be kept unrefrigerated for 30 days. I personally choose to only have 5 syringes out at a time, but it’s good to know that frig requirements have been eased. And, Copaxone has introduced a new 29 gauge needle. It’s the race to the thinnest needle. LOL.

    Just thought you’d like to know.

  • Jen

    Thanks, Lisa. Yes, the reference articles were a bit vague about refrigeration. They almost made it sound optional! I like to err on the side of caution, because I don’t know what the required temp parameters are (what’s a too high “room temp” for traveling with the Copaxone? Does it need to be kept in a cool bag while traveling?) If you come back, could you shed some light on this? Thanks!

    Yeah– I’m looking forward to Betaseron’s new needle. They just sent me TWO autoinjectors, so am I gonna start doubling up on shots? Bang-bang!!

  • Hey Jen, your ‘choose joy’ pic is gone. 🙁 I liked that very much and was planning to swipe it one of these days. hehe

    I’d have to dig around to see if I’ve still got the information on the temp requirements. But I can tell you this.

    Never freeze Copaxone and if it’s going to be exposed to lots of heat (ie like in a hot car while traveling) I’ll put it in a lunch cooler with some ice packs to keep it chilled.

    Other than that, I don’t worry about the ‘room temp’ aspect of traveling with it. I do carry it with me on a plane, so if I’m comfortable, it’s safe. I do avoid keeping it cool, then coming to room temp, and cooling it again, cycling through temps. I can’t imagine that that would be good.

    If I find better details, I’ll let you know.

    And watch out with that double-gun plan, sounds dangerous.

  • Jen

    Thanks! Everyone READ the above info provided by Lisa, a Copaxone user.

    BIG cackle!

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