Glatiramer
About Glatiramer
Glatiramer belongs to the class of medicines called immunomodulators indicated in the treatment of relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis. It helps reduce the number of times you suffer attacks of multiple sclerosis (relapses).
Glatiramer contains Glatiramer that modifies the way in which the body's immune system works and stops the body from damaging its own nerve cells (myelin). Thereby, glatiramer helps treat multiple sclerosis.
In some cases, Glatiramer may cause side effects such as headache, nausea, weakness, and injection site reactions like swelling, inflammation, redness, and itching. You are advised to consult the doctor if the side effects persist or worsen.
Consult your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Glatiramer is not recommended for children below 18 years. Inform your doctor about all the medicines you are taking and your health condition to rule out any unpleasant side effects/interactions.
Uses of Glatiramer
Medicinal Benefits
Glatiramer belongs to the class of medicines called immunomodulators indicated in the treatment of various forms of multiple sclerosis, including clinically isolated syndrome (nerve symptom episodes that last at least 24 hours), relapsing-remitting forms (symptoms flare up from time to time), or secondary progressive forms (relapses occur more often). Glatiramer contains Glatiramer that modifies the way in which the body's immune system works and stops the body from damaging its own nerve cells (myelin). Thereby, glatiramer helps treat multiple sclerosis.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Glatiramer
- Headache
- Nausea
- Feeling weak
- Injection site reactions (redness, inflammation, swelling)
Drug Warnings
Do not take Glatiramer if you are allergic to any of its components. Inform the doctor if you have kidney, heart, or liver problems, including those due to alcohol consumption. Consult the doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Glatiramer is not recommended for children below 18 years. Let the doctor know if you are taking prescription/non-prescription medicines, including nutritional supplements or herbal products.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interactions: Inform your doctor if you are taking a monoclonal antibody (natalizumab).
Drug-Food Interactions: No interactions found/established.
Drug-Disease Interactions: No interactions found/established.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
consult your doctorLimited information is available. Please consult your doctor for more information.
Pregnancy
cautionIt should be used during pregnancy only if clearly needed. Please inform the doctor if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant or think you may be pregnant.
Breast Feeding
cautionIf you are breastfeeding, inform your doctor before receiving Glatiramer. Your doctor will weigh the benefits and risks before prescribing Glatiramer.
Driving
cautionGlatiramer is not known to influence the ability to drive or operate machinery.
Liver
cautionIf you have a history of liver disease, inform your doctor before receiving Glatiramer.
Kidney
consult your doctorIf you have a history of kidney disease, inform your doctor before receiving Glatiramer.
Children
unsafeGlatiramer is not recommended for children below 18 years as the safety and effectiveness have not been established.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Include fruits, vegetables, grains, nuts, seeds, and probiotic-rich foods in the diet.
- Avoid heavily processed foods, fried food, trans fat, refined carbs, alcohol, and sugar-sweetened beverages.
- Try to stay active. Choose moderate exercises.
- Prevent stress by doing meditation or yoga.
Special Advise
- You may need regular tests and check-ups if you have kidney or heart problems.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Multiple sclerosis: It is an autoimmune disease (the body attacks itself by mistake) that affects the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord). The immune system damages the myelin sheath (protective covering surrounding the nerve cells), leading to disrupted communication between the brain and the body. People suffering from multiple sclerosis may experience loss of muscle coordination, numbness, weakness, and problems with bladder control, vision, and speech.
FAQs
Glatiramer is used to treat Multiple sclerosis.
Glatiramer stops the body from damaging its own nerve cells (myelin). Thereby, glatiramer helps treat multiple sclerosis.
Glatiramer may rarely cause liver problems or worsen liver problems, including liver failure. Consult the doctor immediately if you experience symptoms such as yellowing of the skin and eyes, loss of appetite, dark-coloured urine, nausea or bleeding more easily than normal.
Some people may experience post-injection reactions such as reddening of the chest and face, shortness of breath, chest pain, rapid heartbeat, and pounding within minutes after injecting Glatiramer. They usually disappear within 30 minutes and do not cause any problems. However, if the symptoms last for more than 30 minutes, consult the doctor immediately.
