Copaxone®

This section does not contain all the available information regarding drug therapy. It does not take the place of talking to your neurologist, general practitioner or pharmacist. Further information is also available from the MS Society in your state and from the pharmaceutical companies.

What is copaxone®?

Copaxone®, or glatiramer acetate, represents a different class of therapy for the treatment of people with relapsing - remitting multiple sclerosis. Copaxone® is an immunomodulator that appears to block myelin-specific autoimmune responses. The active ingredient of copaxone® consists of the acetate salts of synthetic polypeptides with a defined molecular weight range. Its structure resembles myelin basic protein.

What does copaxone® do?

Clinical trials found that copaxone® has a significant beneficial effect in people with relapsing - remitting multiple sclerosis by reducing the frequency and severity of MS exacerbations (attacks).

Who can get a script for copaxone®?

An authority script for copaxone® may be available to people with multiple sclerosis following consultation with a neurologist or GP if they fulfil the following criteria:

• Have relapsing - remitting MS.
• Be able to walk without assistance or support.
• MS diagnosis confirmed by MRI.
• Have had 2 exacerbations (attacks) in the last 2 years.

Before you have a copaxone® injection you should tell your doctor if you:

• Are pregnant or planning to become pregnant.
• Are breastfeeding.
• Have any heart disease.
• Have asthma.

General Information

Copaxone® is generally not stored at the chemist. It will take 1-2 working days for the chemist to receive it from the pharmaceutical company distributing the medication, Aventis Pharma Pty. Ltd. On arrival at home the copaxone® is to be stored in the fridge between 2 and 8 degrees Celsius. The vial of diluent may be stored at room temperature.

Who should not have copaxone® injections?

This medication is contraindicated for people who are allergic to glatiramer acetate or mannitol.

Can copaxone® be taken while pregnant?

Discuss this with your doctor. There are no adequate studies on the effect of this medication in pregnant women. It is important for a woman to inform her doctor if she becomes pregnant or plans to become pregnant while on copaxone®.

Side effects

The written material accompanying copaxone® details the side effects. Symptoms reported more frequently were injection site reactions, dizziness and shortness of breath.

In clinical trials, about 10% of people receiving copaxone® reported, at least once, an immediate post injection reaction that could include chest tightness, flushing, palpitations, anxiety, dyspnea, constriction of the throat and urticaria, (skin rash). These symptoms generally appeared within minutes of injection, lasted 15 -30 minutes and did not require treatment.

Injection site reaction

Correct injection technique can minimise injection site reaction. However, no matter how carefully you inject the copaxone® you may still get injection site reactions.

The following may be helpful in managing this common effect:

• Rotate the injection sites. Use at least three different areas for injections. Some areas may be more sensitive than others. Try all the areas and use the sites that don't react as much.
• The use of an Autoject, a device used to inject the medication at the correct rate and depth is available free of charge from the Aventis "My Support Team" Freecall 1800 502 802.
• If the area around the injection site becomes red within one hour, you may be having a reaction to the alcohol swab. You need to wait for the alcohol to dry before you inject the copaxone®. If you are already doing this, try without using the swab. Don't use the alcohol swab on the injection site after the injection.
• The 4 injection sites/areas are the abdomen, thighs, buttocks and arms. Further details are available from the literature provided to you with the Copaxone®, or from the Aventis "My Support Team" on Freecall 1800 502 802.

Frequently Asked Questions Concerning Copaxone®

How is Copaxone® taken?

Copaxone® is a daily subcutaneous injection (into the fatty area under the skin), which you or a chosen person is taught to give. Copaxone® cannot be taken by mouth, as it is a protein and therefore digested (broken down) by gastric juices in the stomach.

What should I do if I get a post injection reaction?

Remain calm and lie down until the symptoms resolve. If at any stage the symptoms become particularly bothersome the safest thing to do is to call a doctor or nurse who can answer your questions and suggest guidelines for future management.

Can I continue having a yearly flu vaccination while on this medication?

Yes. It is suggested you take paracetamol before the flu vaccination then every 4 hours as needed.

Can alcohol be consumed while on this medication?

There have been no problems reported.

Does Copaxone® cause drowsiness?

No significant drowsiness has been reported, the effect of the disease or initial side effects may influence your ability to drive and operate heavy machinery. If you are concerned you should discuss this with your doctor.

What does the medication not do?

Copaxone® does not reverse MS. It will not make you physically better than you are now.

My neurologist told me to contact the MS Society to get information on treatments for MS, what medication do you recommend?

This is a clinical question and treatment choice is made by the doctor in conjunction with the patient. We can offer information on ALL treatments. When you have read all the information, you then should contact your neurologist to discuss the treatment choice.

My copaxone® mixture is bubbly. What should I do?

Do not discard it. Place the vial in the fridge until bubbles settle (approx 1 to 2 hours). Before use, warm up the vial in your hands.

Why did the bubbles occur?

The bubbles can be caused by one of the following:

• Pushing the water into the copaxone® too quickly.
• Injecting air into the copaxone® liquid.
• Withdrawing the copaxone® solution from the vial into the syringe with too much force.

My autoject is broken. Where can I get a replacement?

You can get a replacement by calling the "My Support Team" on 1800 502 802

I am going overseas for 6 months. Is it possible to have all the scripts for copaxone® made up at once?

Yes

I am travelling overseas. What can I do to ensure I have no problems with customs?

A letter from your prescribing doctor explaining why you need the treatment. Photocopies of the letter and the copaxone® prescription for the customs authorities for departure and entry to every country you visit.

Where can I get further information?

You can get information from your neurologist or GP. Also, telephone information and support is available via the Aventis "My Support Team" during business hours on Freecall 1800 502 802

They provide instant easy access to a qualified nurse who will provide information via the phone, print information and support. You can also contact the MS Society in your state.

Sanofi Aventis
Level 1
31 Market St,
South Melbourne 3205
"My Support Team" Freecall 1800 502 802.

Copaxone® is manufactured by:

Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd.
44102 Kfar-Saba, Israel.

Source - The questions and answers included on the sheets are authentic and questions asked by people with MS in NSW, who are on treatment or are considering starting immunotherapy treatment. The questions were compiled through the NSW MS Society Information Service and Immunotherapy Support Program.

Immunotherapy Program Coordinator
MS Society of NSW - 2001