What does Copaxone do to your body?

What does Copaxone do to your body?

Glatiramer acetate (Copaxone) is an injectable drug that treats relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis in adults. It’s a man-made version of a protein similar to one found in myelin, an insulating layer that protects many of the nerves in your body. Copaxone blocks T cells that can damage the myelin.

What is Copaxone used for?

This medication is used to treat multiple sclerosis (MS). It is a protein that is thought to work by preventing your immune system from attacking the nerves in your brain and spinal cord. This effect can decrease the number of periods of disease worsening (relapses) and prevent or delay disability.

How often is Copaxone taken?

HOW OFTEN IS COPAXONE® TAKEN? FDA-approved since 2014, 3-times-a-week COPAXONE® 40 mg doses are injected at least 48 hours apart and can be administered manually or with the autoject®2 for glass syringe.

How long can you stay on Copaxone?

Official Answer. Copaxone is considered a long-term (life-long) treatment and should be administered for as long as it is effective or tolerated. Copaxone has shown to significantly reduce the number of relapses in people with MS. 34 to 56% were relapse-free after two years.

How do you know if Copaxone is working?

Copaxone starts working soon after your first injection; however, it may take six to nine months to quantify its effects at reducing the number of relapses of MS. Your doctor will monitor the effectiveness of Copaxone by using MRI scans and recording the number of relapses you have each year.

Does Copaxone really work?

In several clinical studies, Copaxone was effective in treating relapsing-remitting forms of MS. Specifically, Copaxone reduced the number of MS relapses people had. And the drug decreased the number of brain lesions (areas of nerve damage) the people had from the disease.

Can Copaxone cause weight gain?

Some people taking Copaxone have had weight gain. In clinical studies, 3% of people who took the drug gained weight. In comparison, 1% of people who took a placebo (treatment with no active drug) gained weight. However, weight gain can also be related to multiple sclerosis (MS), which Copaxone is used to treat.

How much is Copaxone a month?

Current Cash Prices for a One-Month Supply of MS Medication

How much does Copaxone cost a month?

Can Copaxone cause fatigue?

In comparison, 1% of people who took a placebo (treatment with no active drug) gained weight. However, weight gain can also be related to multiple sclerosis (MS), which Copaxone is used to treat. For example, two of the most common MS symptoms are fatigue (lack of energy) and trouble walking.