Many medications can cause side effects. A side effect is an unwanted response to a medication when it is taken in normal doses. Side effects can be mild or severe, temporary or permanent.

The side effects listed below are not experienced by everyone who takes Copaxone (Glatiramer). If you are concerned about side effects, discuss the risks and benefits of Copaxone (Glatiramer) with your doctor.

The following side effects have been reported by at least 1% of people taking Copaxone (Glatiramer). Many of these side effects can be managed, and some may go away on their own over time.

Contact your doctor if you experience these side effects and they are severe or bothersome. Your pharmacist may be able to advise you on managing side effects.

• back pain
• Constipation
• flushing
• headache
• injection site reactions (e.g., bleeding, hard lump, Hives or welts, itching, pain, redness, or swelling)
• joint pain
• nausea
• neck pain
• a "dent" in the skin at injection site

Although most of the side effects listed below don't happen very often, they could lead to serious problems if you do not seek medical attention.

Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:

• anxiety
• breathing problems
• fast or racing heartbeat
• high blood pressure (e.g., headache, dizziness, blurred vision or shortness of breath)
• Low Blood Pressure (e.g., dizziness, fatigue, nausea)
• signs of Depression (e.g., poor concentration, changes in weight, changes in sleep, decreased interest in activities, thoughts of suicide)
• signs of infection, symptoms may include:
• Fever or chills
• headache
• listlessness
• prolonged dizziness
• severe Diarrhea
• shortness of breath
• stiff neck
• weight loss
• skin rash
• swelling of fingers, arms, feet, or legs
• vision changes

Stop taking the medication and seek immediate medical attention if any of the following occur:

• chest pain
• chest tightness or wheezing
• irregular or pounding heartbeat
• swelling or puffiness of face
• signs of a serious allergic reaction, i.e.:
• abdominal cramps
• difficulty breathing
• nausea and vomiting
• swelling of the face and throat

Some people may experience side effects other than those listed. Check with your doctor if you notice any symptom that worries you while you are taking Copaxone (Glatiramer).

20 mg/mL
Each 1.0 mL prefilled syringe contains 20 mg of Copaxone (Glatiramer). Nonmedicinal ingredients: mannitol and sterile water for injection.

40 mg/mL
Each 1.0 mL prefilled syringe contains 40 mg of Copaxone (Glatiramer). Nonmedicinal ingredients: mannitol and sterile water for injection.

Do not use Copaxone (Glatiramer) if you are allergic to Copaxone (Glatiramer) or any ingredients of the medication.

There may be an interaction between Copaxone (Glatiramer) and any of the following:

• bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG)
• Denosumab
• echinacea
• Fingolimod
• Leflunomide
• Natalizumab
• Pimecrolimus
• Roflumilast
• Tacrolimus
• Tofacitinib
• Trastuzumab
• vaccines

If you are taking any of these medications, speak with your doctor or pharmacist. Depending on your specific circumstances, your doctor may want you to:

• stop taking one of the medications,
• change one of the medications to another,
• change how you are taking one or both of the medications, or
• leave everything as is.

An interaction between two medications does not always mean that you must stop taking one of them. Speak to your doctor about how any drug interactions are being managed or should be managed.

Medications other than those listed above may interact with Copaxone (Glatiramer). Tell your doctor or prescriber about all prescription, over-the-counter (non-prescription), and herbal medications you are taking. Also tell them about any supplements you take. Since caffeine, alcohol, the Nicotine from cigarettes, or street drugs can affect the action of many medications, you should let your prescriber know if you use them.

Before you begin using a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or Allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should use Copaxone (Glatiramer).

Breathing problems: Copaxone (Glatiramer) can cause shortness of breath and difficulty breathing, causing symptoms of lung disease to worsen. If you have COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease), Asthma, or a history of severe allergic reactions, discuss with your doctor how Copaxone (Glatiramer) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Copaxone (Glatiramer), and whether any special monitoring is needed.

Cardiovascular effects: Copaxone (Glatiramer) may have effects on the heart and circulatory (blood vessels) system. If you have heart disease, high blood pressure, and other diseases of the heart and blood system, discuss with your doctor how Copaxone (Glatiramer) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Copaxone (Glatiramer), and whether any special monitoring is needed.

Chronic progressive multiple sclerosis (MS): The safety and effectiveness of using Copaxone (Glatiramer) by people with chronic progressive MS have not been established. Currently, Copaxone (Glatiramer) is only recommended for people with the relapsing-remitting form of MS.

Immunosuppression (weak immune system): Copaxone (Glatiramer) can modify the immune response and could interfere with useful immune function. If you have a suppressed or reduced immune system, discuss with your doctor how Copaxone (Glatiramer) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Copaxone (Glatiramer), and whether any special monitoring is needed.

Infections: Copaxone (Glatiramer) may increase the risk of infections. If you notice any signs of an infection such as fever or chills, severe diarrhea, shortness of breath, prolonged dizziness, headache, stiff neck, weight loss, or listlessness, contact your doctor immediately.

Kidney Disease: Copaxone (Glatiramer) has not been studied for use by people with reduced kidney function. If you have kidney problems, discuss with your doctor how Copaxone (Glatiramer) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Copaxone (Glatiramer), and whether any special monitoring is needed.

Post-injection reaction: Some people have a rare reaction that starts immediately after the injection and consists of flushing, chest tightness with racing or pounding heartbeat, anxiety, and difficulty breathing. The symptoms of this reaction usually last about 15 minutes and go away without further problems. Nevertheless, if you experience any dizziness, hives and itching, sweating, chest pain, or difficulty breathing, you should contact a doctor right away.

Vaccination: Copaxone (Glatiramer) can modify the immune response and could interfere with useful immune function. People receiving a vaccination should let their doctor know they are taking Copaxone (Glatiramer).

Pregnancy: Copaxone (Glatiramer) has not been adequately studied for use by pregnant women. Copaxone (Glatiramer) should not be used during pregnancy unless the benefits outweigh the risks. If you become pregnant while taking Copaxone (Glatiramer), contact your doctor immediately.

Breast-feeding: It is not known if Copaxone (Glatiramer) passes into breast milk. If you are a breast-feeding mother and are taking Copaxone (Glatiramer), it may affect your baby. Talk to your doctor about whether you should continue breast-feeding.

Children: The safety and effectiveness of using Copaxone (Glatiramer) have not been established for children and adolescents under 18 years old.

Seniors: The safety and effectiveness of using Copaxone (Glatiramer) have not been established for people over 65 years of age.