Copaxone (glatiramer) is a medication used to manage multiple sclerosis, a debilitating central nervous system disease of the brain and spinal cord. According to MedlinePlus, Copaxone belongs to a category of drugs called immunomodulators. It works to prevent your body from attacking your nerve cells. Copaxone is available as an injection, given in 20mg doses daily.
Common Side Effects
According to Drugs.com, Copaxone's most common side effects include redness, swelling, irritation and a lump at the injection site. Copaxone can also cause dizziness, weakness, joint pain, a runny nose, diarrhea, menstrual irregularities, mouth or lip sores and warmth or redness underneath your skin. Fortunately, these effects are not fatal, but it's important to inform your doctor when these symptoms continue for more than four days. Your doctor may decrease the dosage of your Copaxone injection.
Serious Side Effects
Copaxone can cause a wide array of serious side effects. It may cause such potentially fatal side effects as chest pain and trouble breathing, says MedlinePlus. Copaxone may cause such bothersome side effects as intense pain at the injection site, tachycardia (a fast heartbeat), diaphoresis (sweating), fever, chills, coughing, fainting and itchiness. Copaxone can affect your mental state and cause anxiety, confusion, agitation and nervousness, says the National Library of Medicine. It can cause ear pain and eye problems, and subsequently affect your ability to hear and see. Copaxone's other side effects include myalgia (muscle pain), breast pain, alopecia (hair loss), drowsiness and dry mouth.
Additional Concerns
Avoid Copaxone if you're allergic to glatiramer or mannitol. Potential fatal side effects can ensue. These side effects include trouble breathing, hives and swelling (edema) of your face, lip, throat or tongue.
Drugs.com indicates that it's unknown whether Copaxone can cause harm to your unborn child or breastfeeding baby. Inform your doctor if you intend to breastfeed or hope to become pregnant.
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