Glatiramer is a prescription medication for multiple sclerosis that comes in injectable form. This eMedTV article explains when and how to give the injections, describes the effects of the drug, and lists potential side effects that may occur.
Potential side effects of glatiramer include injection site reactions, muscle tightness, and vomiting. This eMedTV segment also lists rare but possible glatiramer side effects, as well as serious side effects that require immediate medical attention.
Glatiramer is used for treating relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis in people over the age of 18. This eMedTV Web page covers glatiramer uses in more detail and explains whether the medicine is ever used off-label for other purposes.
The standard glatiramer dosage for treating multiple sclerosis is 20 mg, injected subcutaneously once daily. This eMedTV resource provides more detailed glatiramer dosing guidelines, including information on how to safely inject the medication.
It is not known if other medicines will cause drug interactions with glatiramer. As this eMedTV Web page explains, while there are no known drug interactions, it is important to understand that glatiramer has not been tested with most other drugs.
Before taking glatiramer, be sure to tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. This eMedTV page lists other precautions and warnings with glatiramer and further explains what you should tell your doctor about before starting treatment.
