glatiramer acetate at a glance
Medicine class
Disease-modifying immunomodulator
Usual role
Reducing relapse activity in relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis
Administration
Self-injection under the skin after training from a healthcare professional
Important safety point
Serious allergic reactions can occur even after months or years of previously tolerated treatment
What is glatiramer acetate used for?
Licensed uses represented by the selected UK product include:
Relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis.
A well-defined first neurological event when clinical and MRI findings indicate a high risk of developing clinically definite multiple sclerosis, after other explanations have been excluded.
It is not indicated for primary or secondary progressive multiple sclerosis.
How does glatiramer acetate work?
Its exact mechanism is not fully understood. It alters signalling between innate and adaptive immune cells, promoting regulatory and anti-inflammatory activity that can reduce inflammatory attacks on the brain and spinal cord.
glatiramer acetate preparations and strengths
Injection
Route: Parenteral
Strengths: 20 mg/mL, 40 mg/mL
How to take glatiramer acetate
Use only as a subcutaneous injection after appropriate training. The first self-injection should be supervised by a healthcare professional.
Rotate between suitable areas of the abdomen, thighs, hips and upper arms; avoid painful, discoloured, hardened or lumpy skin.
Allow a refrigerated syringe to reach room temperature before use.
Check that the solution is clear and free from particles.
Each syringe is for single use. Do not mix its contents with another product.
Place used syringes directly into the recommended sharps container.
Use only a compatible injection device specified for the selected product.
glatiramer acetate side effects
Common or expected effects
- Pain, redness, itching, swelling, inflammation or a lump at the injection site
- Headache
- Nausea
- Rash
- Joint or back pain
- Weakness
- Anxiety or depression
- Flushing, chest discomfort, breathlessness or palpitations shortly after an injection
Get urgent medical advice
- Anaphylaxis, including swelling, wheezing, widespread hives, fainting or collapse
- Persistent or severe chest pain, breathlessness or abnormal heartbeat after injection
- Possible severe liver injury: jaundice, dark urine, pale stools, loss of appetite or unusual bleeding
- Injection-site tissue loss or skin necrosis
glatiramer acetate in pregnancy
Glatiramer acetate can be used during pregnancy when clinically needed. Substantial pregnancy-exposure data show no malformative or fetal toxicity signal. Discuss pregnancy plans or a confirmed pregnancy with the MS specialist rather than stopping treatment without advice.
glatiramer acetate while breastfeeding
Glatiramer acetate can be used while breastfeeding. Infant exposure is expected to be negligible, and available follow-up data have not identified adverse effects in breastfed infants. Discuss treatment decisions with the MS team.
glatiramer acetate interactions
Formal interaction studies are limited, so the prescriber should review all medicines and supplements.
Phenytoin and carbamazepine
A theoretical protein-binding interaction means concurrent use should be monitored carefully, although displacement has not been demonstrated in laboratory studies.
Treatments commonly used in multiple sclerosis, including corticosteroids
Clinical and post-marketing experience has not identified a significant interaction, but evidence from formal interaction studies is limited.
Common questions about glatiramer acetate
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
Does glatiramer acetate cure multiple sclerosis?
No. It is intended to reduce relapse activity; it does not cure MS.
Can it treat an MS relapse that is already happening?
It is not an acute-relapse treatment and has not been shown to shorten or reduce the severity of an established relapse.
Is it used for progressive multiple sclerosis?
The selected product is not indicated for primary or secondary progressive MS.
Why must injection sites be rotated?
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.