Copaxone (Glatiramer Acetate)
From MS Info Wiki
Copaxone is the brand name for glatiramer acetate, which consists of four naturally-occurring amino acids. It simulates myelin basic protein, which is a component of myelin and therefore chemically resembles myelin. The drug seems to act as a decoy by blocking myelin-damaging T cells, but the mechanism(s) by which glatiramer acetate exerts its effects in patients with MS is (are) unknown. It is used for those with relapsing-remitting MS. In two studies, Copaxone exhibited a clear beneficial effect on exacerbation rate.
Contents |
[edit] How Copaxone is Administered
Copaxone is injected once per day under the skin. It is recommended that patients alternate injection sites to prevent soreness. Since it contains no preservative, it should be administered directly after mixing and should be refrigerated.
[edit] Precautions
- This drug has not been studied in pregnant women and therefore should not be used during pregnancy or if trying to get pregnant. It is not known if it passes into the breast milk.
- The safety and efficiency of this drug has not been established for those under 18 years of age.
[edit] Side Effects
- Injection-site reactions, runny nose, tremor, unusual tiredness or weakness, weight gain, chest pain, nausea, and anxiety.
- 13% of individuals using Copaxone may experience these temporary symptoms immediately after injection—heart palpitations, chest tightness, flushing, and anxiety. These symptoms tended to last only around fifteen minutes and then were resolved.
[edit] Pharmaceutical Company
[edit] Studies
- “Pilot study test combination of n-acetylcysteine and Copaxone as potential MS treatment.” MS Research. 25 Feb. 2005. 25 Aug. 2006.
<http://www.mssociety.ca/en/research/meddmmo-combinstudy-feb05.html>
- “Glatiramer Acetate for the Treatment of Multiple Sclerosis.”
Expert Opin Pharmacother. 2004 Apr;5(4):875-91.
- “Therapy with Glatiramer Acetate for Multiple Sclerosis.”
Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2004;(1):CD004678.
- February 22, 2005: Teva announces a small study combining Copaxone with an anti-oxidant supplement called N-acetylcysteine (NAC). This is a very small pilot study involving 18 people with relapsing-remitting MS. The study is to test efficacy and safety of the combination. NAC may have some potential to act as a neuroprotector and thus boost Copaxone’s ability in this area. The study takes place in Quebec.
- December 3, 2007: Copaxone significantly reduced the risk of developing MS and delayed the development of MS in individuals with CIS (clinically isolated syndrome), a first event suggestive of MS, enrolled in the PreCISe study, according to a company press release dated December 3, 2007.
[edit] MS Society Resource
MS Disease Modifying Therapies in Canada
[edit] ASK MS Articles
- The Diagnosis and Treatment in Relapsing-Remitting Multiple Sclerosis 1.4.1.60.4.s
- Interferon Beta Therapy for Multiple Sclerosis 1.4.1.60.4.p
- Lipoatrophy in Patients with Multiple Sclerosis on Glatiramer Acetate 1.4.1.28.a
- Medical Update Memo: Long-Term Benefits of Interferons in MS Subject of Journal Article Review 1.4.1.60.x
- Research/ Clinical Update: Copaxone Reduces Disease Activity Detected by MRI 1.4.1.28.v
- Results of First Head-To-Head Study of Avonex, Betaseron and Copaxone 1.4.1.60.4.x
[edit] Sources
“Copaxone.” Multiple Sclerosis Encyclopedia. 31 Mar. 2003. 14 May 2004 <http://www.mult-sclerosis.org/Copaxone.html>.
“Glatiramer Acetate.” Multiple Sclerosis in 2002: Pharmacologic Management. National Multiple Sclerosis Society. 5th Annual National Professional Education Program, Sept. 26, 2002. Page 88.
“Glatiramer Acetate.” Rxlist.com. 31 Dec. 2003. 14 May 2004 <http://www.rxlist.com/cgi/generic3/glatiramer.htm>.
