Side Effects of Glatiramer (Cont.)

Common Side Effects of Glatiramer

Glatiramer has been studied thoroughly in clinical trials. In these studies, the side effects that occur in a group of people taking the drug are documented and compared to side effects that occur in another group of people not taking the medicine. This way, it is possible to see what side effects occur, how often they appear, and how they compare to the group not taking the medicine.
 
In these studies, some of the most common side effects of glatiramer were injection site reactions (skin problems at the injection site). These reactions included:
 
  • Pain -- in up to 73 percent of people
  • Redness -- up to 66 percent
  • Infection -- up to 50 percent
  • Inflammation -- up to 49 percent
  • Itching -- up to 40 percent
  • A lump -- up to 27 percent
  • A hard or firm area -- up to 13 percent
  • A welt -- up to 11 percent
  • Bleeding -- up to 5 percent.
     
Other common side effects (occurring in 5 to 41 percent of people) included:
 
  • Weakness
  • General pain, neck pain, or back pain
  • Flushing or hot flashes
  • Joint pain
  • Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or loss of appetite
  • Muscle tightness
  • Flu-like symptoms (such as fever or chills)
  • Sweating
  • Runny or stuffy nose
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • An urgent need to urinate
  • Bronchitis
  • Bruising
  • Vaginal yeast infection
  • Swelling or water weight gain
  • Shakiness (tremor)
  • Ear pain
  • A spinning sensation (vertigo)
  • Painful menstrual cramps
  • Migraine headaches.
     
(Side Effects of Glatiramer Continued: Page 3)

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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;