COPAXONE

Drug Name: COPAXONE

COPAXONE DESCRIPTION:
GLATIRAMER - INJECTION (glah-TEE-ruh-mer)

COMMON COPAXONE BRAND NAME(S):
Copaxone

COPAXONE SIDE EFFECTS:
Immediately after injection, you may experience flushing, chest pain, fast heartbeat, anxiety, shortness of breath or itching. These symptoms disappear fairly quickly and do not require treatment. They usually start after you use the drug for a few months. Unusual weakness, pain, nausea, joint aches or headache may occur. If any side effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor immediately. Report immediately hives (itchy, blotchy swelling of the skin) or severe pain at the injection site, chills, flu-like symptoms or rash. Unlikely but report promptly any mental/mood changes, dizziness or fainting and any swelling or vision problems. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

HOW TO USE COPAXONE:
COPAXONE: COPAXONE is administered by injection under the skin. Follow all instructions exactly and review the glatiramer patient information booklet with your doctor or pharmacist to learn how to prepare and inject the drug, as well as proper disposal of used needles and syringes. The recommended dose for treatment of MS is 20 mg daily, given at the same time each day when you feel strongest. Areas for self-injection include arms, abdomen (lower belly), hips and thighs. Rotate injection sites as directed. Discard any unused portion of a vial after a single use. If the solution contains particles, do not inject. Instead, discard or return the drug to your pharmacist.

COPAXONE USES:
COPAXONE is used to treat multiple sclerosis (MS) and decrease the number of flare-ups of the disease. COPAXONE is not a cure for MS.

COPAXONE PRECAUTIONS:
Before using COPAXONE, tell your doctor your medical history, including any allergies (especially drug allergies). Tell your doctor if you are pregnant before using this medication. It is not known if COPAXONE is excreted into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

COPAXONE DRUG INTERACTIONS:
Tell your doctor of all nonprescription and prescription medication you may use. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.

COPAXONE OVERDOSE:
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately.

COPAXONE NOTES:
Do not share COPAXONE with others.

MISSED COPAXONE DOSE:
If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not "double-up" the dose to catch up.

COPAXONE STORAGE:
Refrigerate the powder between 36 to 46 degrees F (2 to 8 degrees C). If refrigeration is not possible, the powder may be stored at room temperature at 59 to 86 degrees F (15-30C) for up to one week. Do not expose powder to strong light or high temperatures. The mixing liquid (diluent) can be stored at room temperature. Once the solution is prepared, use it immediately. Do not save it for later use.