Brand name: Copaxone or Brabio
Generic name: Glatiramer Acetate
Who takes it?:
This is for adults with Active Relapsing Remitting MS, who have had 2 relapses in 2 years.
It is considered to be a first line treatment.
Copaxone is also considered safe to use in pregnancy and breast feeding, however this should be discussed with your MS team.
Copaxone is given either Three Times a Week or Daily,
How is it given?:
This is a self-administered, sub-cutaneous (just under the skin) injection.
The injection can be given with the help of an autoject device or just a needle and syringe.
You will be taught how to inject by your MS Nurse: either Del or Elaine, and you will complete the first injection at the training.
Where is it given?
The injection is given either in the legs, stomach, arms or buttocks (love handle area).
It is important to rotate you injections around all these areas to keep your skin healthy.
Who Monitors it?:
No blood monitoring needs to be done, however we do tend to do annual blood tests. You will be informed when they are due.
At each MS Nurse appointment you will be asked about your Copaxone:
- If you have missed any injections
- Have any side effects
- If you have any skin site reactions (you will be asked to show the areas that you inject into)
Side effects:
Skin site reactions can be common, such as redness, itching or pain. Some people experience lipoatrophy: which are dips in the skin, this often occurs if you repeatedly inject in the same area.
Some people experience an “immediate post-injection reaction”, which causes tightness in the chest, shortness of breath and a raised heartbeat, it’s a little like the feeling of panic. This happens usually 1-2 times a year and can last fleetingly or last for approx. 20 mins.
Travel:
This medication needs to be kept in your hand luggage when travelling abroad, as the hold of the plane becomes too cold for the Copaxone and may degrade its effectiveness
We can provide a letter for you to show to custom officers, as you will be traveling with sharps.
Vaccine:
Whilst on Copaxone it is safe to have Live and Non Live Vaccines
https://www.mssociety.org.uk/care-and-support/health-and-social-care/health-care/flu-jabs
Support:
Further information can be sought at:
https://mstrust.org.uk/a-z/copaxone-glatiramer-acetate
Google Play/Apple App store: MS Connections App