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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®?
The active ingredient in Copaxone® is glatiramer acetate. Glatiramer acetate is a mix of four amino acids which form a protein very similar to the basic protein which makes up myelin. Glatiramer acetate appears to block myelin-specific autoimmune responses. Researchers are still investigating exactly how this process works. Glatiramer acetate is a different class of medication to the interferons.
How well does Copaxone® work?
Clinical trials found that Copaxone® (glatiramer acetate) has a significant beneficial effect in people with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis by reducing the accumulation of permanent physical disability, exacerbation frequency and disease activity measured by gadolinium-enhanced lesions on brain magnetic resonance images (MRI). If you would like information about the results of the trials please contact your local MS organisation.
How is Copaxone® available?
Copaxone® is taken every day. You will receive a month’s supply which will consist of twenty-eight injections.
Copaxone® is available through the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS). As it is a very expensive medication, your doctor will need to obtain an authority to prescribe the medication for you, and only a neurologist can write your first prescription. There are a number of criteria you must meet before your doctor can receive authority to write this prescription.
Details of the criteria you need to meet to get Avonex®? through the PBS can be accessed from the official PBS website at:
How much does Copaxone® cost?
If you are eligible for medications through the PBS, you will need to pay a contribution fee for each month’s supply. The Federal Government pays for the remaining cost. The amount of the contribution fee depends upon whether or not you have a pension or concession card and the number of prescriptions you have had dispensed in a year. The amount of this fee is set each year by the government . In 2009 the fee for people with a Medicare card is $32.90.
The fee is $5.30 for people with a Medicare card and a pension or concession card.
Further information about the PBS and your entitlements can be viewed on the Medicare Australia website at:
If you are not eligible for Copaxone® through the PBS, for example if you are a visitor from overseas, your neurologist may write a private prescription. You will have to pay the full cost to the pharmacy that dispenses your medication. The cost is likely to be over $1000 per month. You will need to request a quote from your pharmacist for the price of any medication which is not subsidised by the PBS.
General information
Most pharmacies do not keep Avonex®? in stock. Instead they will place an order with the manufacturer to have
stock delivered especially for you. It is therefore important to let your pharmacist know a few days before you need
the medication.
Copaxone® prefilled syringes need to be kept between 2-8°C. If the outside temperature is warm it is a good idea to take your medication home in an ice cooler. Your pharmacist may be able to assist with this. Medication should NOT be left in the boot or glove box of the car, or left for 30 minutes in a parked car.
Where can I get more information?
- You can obtain information from your neurologist, GP or pharmacist.
- Your local MS organisation on their toll free number 1800 042 138
- Sanofi Aventis runs a toll free helpline called My Support Team ®? 1800 502 802
Copaxone® is manufactured by:
Sanofi Aventis
Talavera Corporate Centre Building D
12-24 Talavera Rd
Macquarie Park
NSW - 2113
© 2009 MS Australia
