Before you begin using a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or Allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should use Copaxone (Glatiramer).
Breathing problems: Copaxone (Glatiramer) can cause shortness of breath and difficulty breathing, causing symptoms of lung disease to worsen. If you have COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease), Asthma, or a history of severe allergic reactions, discuss with your doctor how Copaxone (Glatiramer) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Copaxone (Glatiramer), and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Cardiovascular effects: Copaxone (Glatiramer) may have effects on the heart and circulatory (blood vessels) system. If you have heart disease, high blood pressure, and other diseases of the heart and blood system, discuss with your doctor how Copaxone (Glatiramer) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Copaxone (Glatiramer), and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Chronic progressive multiple sclerosis (MS): The safety and effectiveness of using Copaxone (Glatiramer) by people with chronic progressive MS have not been established. Currently, Copaxone (Glatiramer) is only recommended for people with the relapsing-remitting form of MS.
Immunosuppression (weak immune system): Copaxone (Glatiramer) can modify the immune response and could interfere with useful immune function. If you have a suppressed or reduced immune system, discuss with your doctor how Copaxone (Glatiramer) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Copaxone (Glatiramer), and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Infections: Copaxone (Glatiramer) may increase the risk of infections. If you notice any signs of an infection such as fever or chills, severe diarrhea, shortness of breath, prolonged dizziness, headache, stiff neck, weight loss, or listlessness, contact your doctor immediately.
Kidney Disease: Copaxone (Glatiramer) has not been studied for use by people with reduced kidney function. If you have kidney problems, discuss with your doctor how Copaxone (Glatiramer) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Copaxone (Glatiramer), and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Post-injection reaction: Some people have a rare reaction that starts immediately after the injection and consists of flushing, chest tightness with racing or pounding heartbeat, anxiety, and difficulty breathing. The symptoms of this reaction usually last about 15 minutes and go away without further problems. Nevertheless, if you experience any dizziness, hives and itching, sweating, chest pain, or difficulty breathing, you should contact a doctor right away.
Vaccination: Copaxone (Glatiramer) can modify the immune response and could interfere with useful immune function. People receiving a vaccination should let their doctor know they are taking Copaxone (Glatiramer).
Pregnancy: Copaxone (Glatiramer) has not been adequately studied for use by pregnant women. Copaxone (Glatiramer) should not be used during pregnancy unless the benefits outweigh the risks. If you become pregnant while taking Copaxone (Glatiramer), contact your doctor immediately.
Breast-feeding: It is not known if Copaxone (Glatiramer) passes into breast milk. If you are a breast-feeding mother and are taking Copaxone (Glatiramer), it may affect your baby. Talk to your doctor about whether you should continue breast-feeding.
Children: The safety and effectiveness of using Copaxone (Glatiramer) have not been established for children and adolescents under 18 years old.
Seniors: The safety and effectiveness of using Copaxone (Glatiramer) have not been established for people over 65 years of age.
