Glatiramer acetate adverse effects

Most common adverse effects in controlled trials include injection site reactions, vasodilatation, chest pain, asthenia, infection, pain, nausea, arthralgia, anxiety, and hypertonia. About 10% of patients experience an immediate post-injection reaction (flushing, chest pain, palpitations, anxiety, dyspnea, throat constriction, and urticaria). The symptoms are hansient and self-limited, and usually do not require specific heatment. Transient chest pain was noted in 21% of Copaxone patients versus 11% in the placebo group with no long-term sequelae. Unlike therapy with the IFNps, glatiramer acetate is not associated with flu-like symptoms. 

Multiple sclerosis Beta interferons, glatiramer acetate, glucocorticoids, antispasmodics, amantadine, stimulants, immunosuppressants Number of exacerbations, self-injection technique, injection site reactions, amount of spasticity, amount of fatigue, CBC and infections (immunosuppressants), medication-specific adverse effects... 

Intriguingly, in vitro data suggest a potential synergism between glatiramer acetate and interferon-/ . Given the cost of these therapies, as well as the potential for additive adverse effects, this therapeutic combination cannot be recommended until clinical evidence demonstrating benefit is available. A study that will compare glatiramer acetate alone with interferon-/ - a (Avonex) alone versus a combination of the two has just been funded by NIH and is underway, with results expected in several years. 

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