Copaxone is a medication that contains glatiramer acetate and is used for the treatment of a neurological disorder called multiple sclerosis (MS). It helps reduce these attacks by regulating immune system responses. This can help reduce the severity of MS symptoms and slow down the progression of the disease. Copaxone is typically a medication that patients need to inject subcutaneously. However, specific instructions regarding the use of the medication should be provided by a healthcare professional. Therefore, it is important to consult a doctor before using this medication.
What is Copaxone Used For?
Copaxone is a medication used for the treatment of multiple sclerosis. It helps alleviate MS symptoms and slow down the progression of the disease by regulating these immune system responses. This medication is commonly used in the treatment of a type of MS called relapsing-remitting MS. The use and dosage of Copaxone may vary depending on the patient’s condition, so it is important to consult a healthcare professional before using this medication.
How to Use Copaxone?
Prior to using Copaxone, it is essential to strictly follow the specific instructions provided by your doctor or healthcare professional:
Cleanliness: Thoroughly wash your hands and clean the injection site before administering the medication.
Injection Site: Copaxone injections can be administered in various parts of the body, such as the abdomen, hip, upper arm, or thigh.
Needle Selection: Your doctor will recommend the appropriate type of needle or injection device for you.
Dosage: The dosage of Copaxone may vary depending on the patient’s condition.
Medication Preparation: Preparing Copaxone for injection typically does not require any special procedures, such as removing it from the packaging or mixing it.
Injection: Inject the medication subcutaneously using the needle or injection device.
Recovery: Apply gentle pressure to the injection site after removing the needle and cover it with a cotton pad to prevent bleeding.
Injection Site Rotation: Avoid administering each injection in the same area.
Disposal of Used Needles: Safely dispose of used needles.
Follow-up: If you experience any problems or side effects during the use of Copaxone, contact your doctor immediately.
What are the Side Effects of Copaxone?
The use of Copaxone can cause some side effects:
- Pain and bruising at the injection site
- Redness of the skin
- Chest pain
- Headache
- Muscle pain
- Stomach problems
- General weakness
- Skin reactions
Does Copaxone Interact with Other Medications?
Copaxone can interact with certain medications that may interact with other medications:
- Immunosuppressive Drugs
- Other MS Treatments
- Immunomodulators
When Should Copaxone Not Be Used?
Prior to using Copaxone, a comprehensive evaluation conducted by a healthcare professional or doctor should determine which treatment options are suitable for you:
Allergy to Glatiramer Acetate: If you have an allergy to glatiramer acetate or other components of the medication, you may need to avoid using Copaxone.
Medication Intolerance: If you experience severe side effects or medication intolerance during the use of Copaxone, your doctor may deem this medication unsuitable for you.
Advanced MS: Copaxone is typically used in the treatment of a type of MS called relapsing-remitting MS.
Other Health Conditions: If you have other concurrent serious health conditions, the use of Copaxone should be reviewed by your doctor.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: The risks and benefits of using Copaxone during pregnancy or breastfeeding should be considered.
Hypersensitivity: If you are hypersensitive to glatiramer acetate and experience severe skin reactions or other reactions during its use, the use of Copaxone should be reviewed.
What Precautions Should Be Taken When Using Copaxone?
There are several important points to consider when using Copaxone:
Follow Your Doctor’s Instructions: Strictly follow your doctor’s instructions when using Copaxone or any other medication.
Injection Technique: It is important to administer injections correctly.
Injection Sites: Copaxone injections are typically administered in areas such as the abdomen, hip, upper arm, or thigh.
Post-Injection Care: Apply gentle pressure to the injection site after the injection and cover it with a cotton pad to prevent bleeding.
Disposal of Used Needles: Safely dispose of used needles.
Medication Changes: If you make any changes to your medication or start a new treatment while using Copaxone, contact your doctor.
Side Effects: Share any side effects you experience during the use of Copaxone with your doctor.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: If you are using Copaxone during pregnancy or breastfeeding, discuss this with your doctor.
Medication Adherence: It is important to take regular doses of Copaxone.
Other Health Conditions: If you have other concurrent health conditions while using Copaxone, stay in communication with your doctor and discuss these issues.
Availability of Copaxone in Turkey
Copaxone is available in Turkey and is covered by the Social Security Institution (SGK). The retail price for Copaxone Ready-to-Use Prefilled Syringe 20 mg/ml 28*1 ml is 9526.73 TL, and the retail price for Copaxone Pen Injection Solution-containing Ready-to-Use Pen 40 mg/ml 12*1 ml syringe is 13,086.73 TL.
