Drug information of Glatiramer acetate

Mechanism of effect

Unknown. May modify the immune processes that are thought to be responsible for multiple sclerosis (MS). Glatiramer acetate (GA) exhibits strong and promiscuous binding to MHC molecules and consequent competition with various myelin antigens for their presentation to T cells

Pharmacodynamic

Glatiramer acetate was originally designed to mimic a protein in myelin, called myelin basic protein, with the intention of inducing EAE (an animal model of MS). Quite to the contrary, it was found to suppress the disease and as a result came to be trialed in human MS.

Pharmacokinetics

Pharmacokinetics have not been determined.metabolism: Hydrolyzed by proteases.

Drug indications

(multiple sclerosis (MS

Dosage

Adults Subcutaneous 20 mg every day

Drug contraindications

hypersensitivity to drug or its components. , Hypersensitivity to mannitol

Side effects

Migraine , nausea , Tachycardia , Hematuria , vomiting , allergic reaction , rash , Dyspnea , asthenia , Chills , pruritus , Hypertension , thrombocytopenia , chronic heart failure , cardiac arrhythmias , palpitations , Rhinitis , edema , Peripheral edema , Cough , fever , pulmonary embolism , impotence , anxiety , Injection-site reaction , Infections , vasodilatation , bronchitis , Pain , Tremor , syncope , Hypersensitivity , pericardial effusion , Angina pectoris , eczema

Interactions

Trastuzumab , Thymoglubin , pimecrolimus , denosumab , Natalizumab , Golimumab , Hib vaccine , Canakinumab , Basiliximab , Alefacept , Rilonacept , Hepatitis B Vaccine , Typhoid vaccine (live), oral , Rabies Vaccine

Alerts

1-Instruct patient to rotate injection sites as described in the patient information leaflet to reduce likelihood of severe injection-site reactions developing. 2-Instruct patient to notify health care provider immediately if any of the following occur: hives, skin rash with irritation, dizziness, sweating, chest pain, trouble breathing, or severe pain at injection site. Caution patient not to administer any more injections unless advised by health care provider. 3-Caution patient that drug may cause dizziness, and to use caution while driving or performing other tasks requiring mental alertness or coordination until tolerance is determined

Points of recommendation

• For subcutaneous administration only. Not for intradermal, IM, IV, or intra-arterial administration. • Allow syringe to warm to room temperature before administering. This may take up to 20 min. • Rotate injection sites (hips, thighs, abdomen, back of arms). Use a different area than where the last injection was administered. Do not inject into areas that are tender, bruised, red, or hard. • Store prefilled syringes in refrigerator (36° to 46°F).

Pregnancy level

B