Has your doctor told you or someone in your family that you have Multiple Sclerosis (MS), a disease of the nervous system? If so, you may have been prescribed an injection called Glatiramer as a treatment. This is a bit of an unfamiliar name, so you may have a lot of questions about this medication, how it works, and its side effects. Don't be afraid. Today, we'll answer all your questions about this medication, simply and clearly.
What really happens with this Glatiramer drug?
Simply put, Glatiramer is a drug that helps reduce the frequency of MS symptoms. It is often prescribed to people with the 'relapsing-remitting' form of MS. 'Relapsing-remitting' refers to a condition in which symptoms suddenly increase and then decrease again after a short period of time.
The important thing is that this medication cannot completely cure MS. However, it can greatly help reduce the impact of the disease on your life and control the worsening of symptoms.
In Sri Lanka and abroad, this medicine may come under brand names such as `(Copaxone)` or `(Glatopa)`. However, they all contain the same drug called Glatiramer.
Things you need to tell your doctor before starting medication
Before you start taking Glatiramer, it's important to give your doctor a complete picture of your health. Only then can you decide whether it's right for you. Be sure to tell them these things:
- Immune system problems: If you have any weaknesses or other medical conditions in your immune system.
- Current infections: If you currently have an infection, such as a fever or cold.
- Allergies: Be sure to tell your doctor if you have had an allergic reaction to Glatiramer, its ingredient mannitol, any other medicine, food, dyes, or preservatives.
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding: It is essential to tell your doctor if you are pregnant, trying to become pregnant, or breastfeeding .
How to use the injection correctly?
This is a subcutaneous injection. You may find this a little scary at first. But don't worry. Your doctor or a trained nurse will show you clearly, step by step, how to give yourself this injection.
Disposal of needles and syringes
This is very important. Never throw used needles and syringes in the trash. Doing so can be dangerous to others. There is a special, thick plastic container (sharps container) that you should dispose of them in. If you don't have one, you can get one from your doctor or hospital.
What if I miss a dose of medicine?
If you forget to take your injection one day, take that dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the next dose at the scheduled time. Never take a double dose.
What if I take too much medicine?
If you think you have taken too much of this medicine, do not panic and immediately call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital . Alternatively, go to the nearest hospital Emergency Unit (ETU) as soon as possible.
Side effects and things to be aware of
Like any medicine, Glatiramer can cause some side effects. Although most of these are not serious, there are some things we should be especially careful about. Let's look at this in a table to make it easier to understand.
| Side effect | Description and what to do |
|---|---|
| Side effects that require immediate medical attention | |
| Allergic Reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat. Go to the ETU immediately. |
| Chest pain or difficulty breathing | Chest tightness, pain, and difficulty breathing after the injection. |
| Rapid or irregular heartbeat | If your chest is pounding even though you're not worried, tell your doctor . |
| Lipodystrophy (changes in fat under the skin) | Tightness, scarring, or sagging skin at the injection site. To avoid this, change the injection site frequently. |
| Symptoms of Liver Injury | Pain in the upper right side of the abdomen, loss of appetite, nausea, yellowing of the skin or eyes, dark yellow/brown urine. |
| Side effects that are usually not serious, but should be reported to the doctor if they persist | |
| Changes in the injection site | Pain, redness, swelling, or itching at the site. These usually subside within a day or two. |
| Redness of the face, discomfort in the mind | Some people may experience redness, anxiety, and chest tightness for a few minutes after the injection. This usually goes away quickly. |
| Nausea or vomiting | If these persist, inform your doctor. |
How to store medicine properly?
Storing this medicine correctly is very important to maintain its quality.
- Best way: It's best to keep it in the refrigerator door or in the vegetable drawer. But never in the freezer. If it does, the medicine will freeze and become unusable. Take it out of the fridge about 20 minutes before giving the injection and let it come to room temperature.
- Alternative method: If you don't have access to a refrigerator, you can store this medicine at room temperature (between 15-30 degrees Celsius) for up to a month . However, it should still be kept in the original box, away from direct sunlight and excessive heat.
- Keep away from children and pets.
- Never use expired medications . Ask your doctor for advice on how to safely dispose of them.
MS is a long-term disease that needs to be managed. Medications like Glatiramer can help you along the way. If you have any questions or concerns about this medication, be sure to discuss them with your doctor. That way, you can feel confident about your treatment.
Take-Home Message
- Glatiramer is not a cure for MS, but it is an important treatment that helps control the progression of symptoms.
- Before starting the medication, tell your doctor about all your medical conditions, allergies, and other medications you are taking.
- Learn how to give the injection properly. Always dispose of used needles safely in a sharps container.
- If you experience symptoms such as chest pain, difficulty breathing, or severe allergic reactions, go to the Emergency Department (ETU) immediately.
- Always store the medicine in the refrigerator (not the freezer). Do not stop taking the medicine without your doctor's advice.
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