What is Glatiramer?
The treatment of relapsing forms Multiple Sclerosis is Glatiramer in adults. This includes clinically isolated syndromes, relapsing-remitting diseases, and active secondary-progressing diseases.Glatiramer is not a cure for MS but can help reduce the frequency of relapses.Glatiramer can be used in other ways not mentioned in this guide.
Side effects of Glatiramer
If you experience any of the following symptoms of an allergic reaction , seek immediate medical attention difficulty breathing, hives, swelling of the face, lips, or throat.Side effects can occur minutes after the injection. Inform your doctor if any of these symptoms are present itching, skin rash, swelling, warmth, redness on your skin, tingling, or anxiety.Even after using glatiramer regularly for several months, you may still experience this type of reaction.
Glatiramer can cause serious side-effects. If you experience:
- Chest pain (which may occur by itself or in conjunction with other side effects soon after an injection);
- Pain, burning, irritation, or changes in the skin where the injection is given
- The following symptoms are common in liver failure: diarrhoea; loss of appetite; pain or swelling of your stomach or legs; easy bleeding drowsiness or confusion. Jaundice.
Side effects that are common include:
- Feeling short of breath
- Flushing (sudden heat, redness, or tingly sensation);
- Rash;
- Redness, pain, or swelling where the injection has been given
There may be other side effects. For medical advice on side effects, call your doctor. The FDA can be contacted at 1-800-FDA-1088 to report side effects.
Similar/related drugs
Kesimpta , Betaseron , Copaxone , Aubagio , Tecfidera , Gilenya, and Tysabri
Warnings
Do not use it other than as directed. Inform your doctor of any other medications you are taking or if you have allergies or other medical conditions.
Before you take this drug
If you have an allergy to mannitol, then do not use glatiramer.Inform your doctor if you are pregnant or nursing.
How to take Glatiramer?
Read all the instructions and medication guides on the prescription label. Glatiramer is administered using either a prefilled needle or an optional autoinjector. Follow the instructions on the label.Glatiramer can be injected into the skin. You may be taught how to use the medication properly by a healthcare provider. Do not repeat the same injection in the same area. The dose of Glatiramer will determine whether you receive the injections daily or three times a week.Please read and follow all instructions for use that come with your medication. If you do not understand the instructions, don't use glatiramer. Should you have any inquiries or require advice, speak to your pharmacist or physician.Make sure you use the correct autoinjector. If you use an incorrect autoinjector, you can receive the wrong dosage. For any concerns or queries regarding medications or care plans, reach out to either your pharmacist or physician for advice.Storing the prefilled syringes is best done in the fridge. Do not freeze. Do not freeze.Let the medicine reach room temperature by 20 minutes after removing it from the fridge.A prefilled syringe can be stored for up to 30 days at room temperature. Keep away from moisture, heat, and light.After one use, throw away the prefilled syringe, even if it still contains medicine.If the medication is cloudy, has changed colour, or contains particles, call your pharmacist.Never reuse a syringe or needle. Put them in a "sharps container" that is puncture proof and dispose of the sharps according to local or state laws. Keep away from children and pets.
Details on dosage
Adult dose for multiple sclerosis:
Subcutaneously, 20 mg once daily or 40 mg three times per week
Comments:
For the three-times-a week regimen, each dosage must be separated by a minimum of 48 hours.
The length of treatment should be individualized.
Approved Indication: To treat patients with relapsing multiple sclerosis
What happens if I miss the dose?
If you are almost due for your next dose, skip the missed dose. Never take two doses of the same medicine at once.
What happens if you overdose?
Call 1-800-222-1222 for poison help or seek immediate medical attention.
What should be avoided?
If your doctor prescribes any restrictions regarding food, beverage, or activity, follow their instructions.
Interaction with other drug
Other medications, such as vitamins and herbal remedies, may also affect glatiramer. Inform your doctor of all the other medications you take.
