What Is Glatiramer Used For?

What Is Glatiramer Used For? -- An Overview

Glatiramer acetate (Copaxone^®) is a prescription medication approved for the treatment of multiple sclerosis (also known as MS). The medication must be given by subcutaneous injection, with a small needle, just under the skin, once a day.

 

Multiple sclerosis is a disease of the central nervous system, affecting the brain and spinal cord, and is the leading cause of disability among young adults. Early symptoms of multiple sclerosis include:

 

As the disease worsens, other possible symptoms may appear, such as:

 

There are four basic patterns or types of multiple sclerosis. The most common pattern is relapsing-remitting MS, which consists of episodes of symptoms that last for days or weeks, followed by a period of no symptoms for weeks or months. A less common pattern is progressive MS, a steady worsening of symptoms from the first sign of illness. The two other main forms of multiple sclerosis include secondary-progressive and progressive-relapsing. Glatiramer is approved for the treatment of relapsing-remitting MS.

 

It is important to understand that the multiple sclerosis prognosis can vary widely and that a multiple sclerosis diagnosis does not necessarily lead to a shorter life or a life of disability. Not only are there treatments to help manage the symptoms, but there are several new multiple sclerosis medications that actually alter the course of the disease. Glatiramer is one of these medications.