glatiramer

Absorption: Some absorption follows SUBQ administration.

Distribution: Some enters the lymphatic system.

Metabolism/Excretion: Unknown.

Half-Life: Unknown.

Time/Action Profile ⬆ ⬇

ROUTE	ONSET	PEAK	DURATION
SUBQ	unknown	unknown	unknown

Contraind./Precautions ⬆ ⬇

Contraindicated in:

Hypersensitivity to glatiramer or mannitol.

Use Cautiously in:

OB: Safety not established in pregnancy;
Lactation: Use while breastfeeding only if potential maternal benefit justifies potential risk to infant;
Pedi: Safety and effectiveness not established in children.

Adv. Reactions/Side Effects ⬆ ⬇

CV: chest pain, palpitations, edema, syncope, tachycardia, vasodilation

Derm: flushing, pruritus, rash, sweating, erythema

EENT: rhinitis, throat constriction, nystagmus

GI: diarrhea, nausea, anorexia, HEPATOTOXICITY, vomiting

GU: urgency

Local: injection site reactions, lipoatrophy

Metab: weight gain

MS: arthralgia, back pain, hypertonia, pain

Neuro: anxiety, weakness, confusion, migraine, tremor, vertigo

Resp: dyspnea

Misc: flu-like symptoms, immediate postinjection reaction, lymphadenopathy, fever, HYPERSENSITIVITY REACTIONS (INCLUDING ANAPHYLAXIS), infection

Interactions ⬆ ⬇

Drug-drug:

None reported.

Route/Dosage ⬆ ⬇

SC (Adults ): Copaxone: 20 mg once daily or 40 mg 3 times weekly; Glatopa: 20 mg once daily.

Availability ⬆ ⬇

(Generic available)

Solution for injection (prefilled syringes): 20 mg/mL; 40 mg/mL

Assessment ⬆ ⬇

Monitor for anaphylaxis during and for ≥1 hr after dose. If symptoms of anaphylaxis occur, permanently discontinue glatiramer.
Assess for postinjection reaction (flushing, chest pain, palpitations, tachycardia, anxiety, dyspnea, constriction of throat, urticaria). Symptoms are usually transient and self-limited, not requiring treatment. May occur at the beginning of or following several mo of therapy; one or several episodes may occur.
Assess for signs and symptoms of liver dysfunction periodically during therapy. If signs and symptoms occur, consider discontinuation of glatiramer.

Implementation ⬆ ⬇

SC: Bring prefilled syringe to room temperature for 20 min before injection. Solution is clear, colorless to slightly yellow; do not administer if discolored or contains particulates. Sites for injection include back of upper arm, abdomen, hip, or thigh. Pinch skin and inject at 90° angle. Unused syringes should be stored in refrigerator. Rotate injection sites to minimize risk of lipoatrophy. If using an autoinjector, ensure device is compatible for use with brand of glatiramer. Use autoinjector labeling for information regarding instructions for use.
- 1st injection should be performed under the supervision of a health care professional.

Patient/Family Teaching ⬆ ⬇

Explain purpose and side effects of medication. Advise patient to read Patient Information before starting therapy.
Instruct patient to administer medication as directed and in the correct technique for self-injection, storage, and disposal of equipment. Take missed doses as soon as remembered; omit if not remembered until next day; do not double doses.
Advise patient to notify health care professional if postinjection reaction or anaphylaxis occurs. Advise patient that chest pain usually begins after at ≥1 mo of therapy and to notify health care professional if chest pain is unusually severe or persistent.
Advise patient to notify health care professional if signs and symptoms of liver dysfunction (jaundice, nausea, loss of appetite, tiredness, dark urine, pale stools, yellowing of skin or conjunctiva, easy bleeding, confusion) occur.
Instruct patient to notify health care professional of all Rx or OTC medications, vitamins, or herbal products being taken and to consult with health care professional before taking other medications.
Rep: Advise women of reproductive potential to notify health care professional if pregnancy is planned or suspected or if breastfeeding.

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Pronunciation ⬇

Classifications ⬆ ⬇

Indications ⬆ ⬇

Action ⬆ ⬇

Pharmacokinetics ⬆ ⬇