Copaxone MS Treatment Side Effects

Copaxone is the brand name of an injectable prescription medication glatiramer acetate, which is commonly prescribed as a treatment for multiple sclerosis (MS). Despite its effectiveness at reducing the frequency of symptoms caused by the relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis type of MS, Copaxone poses a risk for side effects in some patients.

Significance

• The most significant or common side effects of Copaxone occur at the injection site and include redness, pain, swelling and the formation of a hard lump under the skin. These side effects occur in between 26 and 43 percent of users, according to FDA trials published on RxList.

Types of Side Effects

• Possible side effects of Copaxone include nausea, chest pains, increased incidences of bacterial and viral infections, influenza, back pain, anxiety, shortness of breath and skin hives.

Drug Interactions

• Many of the side effects of Copaxone diminish over the course of treatment for MS as your body becomes acclimated to the affects of the drug, reports the Mayo Clinic.

Risks

• Infrequently, reactions at the site of the Copaxone injection are very severe and cause death of the skin, cautions RxList.

Considerations

• Because the drug is known to cause fetal harm in laboratory animals, doctors restrict the use of Copaxone in pregnant women to situations where there is no safe alternative to treatment. If you have a history of recurring infections, it may not be safe for you to take Copaxone since the drug lowers your immune system and may make you more susceptible to illnesses, warns the Mayo Clinic.