Common, sometimes mild, and potentially severe Copaxone effects
Copaxone, a brand-name prescription medication, is approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat certain forms of multiple sclerosis (MS) in adults. However, like many medications, Copaxone can cause side effects.
Common side effects of Copaxone may include skin rash, injection site reactions, flushing, shortness of breath, chest pain, difficulty swallowing, changes in menstrual cycle, infections, mood changes, unusual dreams, weight gain, dental cavities, and mild postinjection reactions. These side effects are usually temporary and may last a few days to weeks.
To help prevent or minimize injection site reactions from Copaxone, it's important to inject the drug properly. Your doctor or pharmacist can show you the correct technique. To lessen injection site reactions, be sure to take the drug out of the refrigerator at least 20 minutes before you inject it, apply a warm compress for 5 minutes to relax the injection site before you clean it, rotate injection sites to help reduce the risk of injection site reactions, and after each injection, you can use a cold pack on the injection site for up to 1 minute.
Less common side effects of Copaxone may involve dermatological reactions (blistering, peeling, sun sensitivity), hair thinning, and hypersensitivity reactions. These are less frequently reported but possible side effects related to Copaxone or similar immunomodulatory treatments for multiple sclerosis.
If you have a toothache or tooth sensitivity while using Copaxone, talk with your dentist. An over-the-counter numbing gel, such as Anbesol, may help ease discomfort until they can see you. It's important to maintain good dental hygiene during Copaxone treatment (and in general). This includes regular brushing, flossing, and seeing your dentist for cleanings and checkups.
Copaxone has a boxed warning for a severe allergic reaction called anaphylaxis. Symptoms can include skin rash or hives, swelling and itchiness of the skin, swelling of the mouth, tongue, or throat, wheezing, low pulse and blood pressure, chest pain, digestive system problems, and fainting. If you experience any symptoms of anaphylaxis, immediately call 911 or your local emergency number.
Depression is also a common symptom of MS. If you have had symptoms of depression or mood changes since you began to use Copaxone, talk with your doctor. They may recommend possible treatments. Depression is a possible but rare side effect of Copaxone. In clinical trials, depression and mood changes occurred in some people who took the drug. However, it isn't known for sure if Copaxone caused these changes.
If your symptoms don't go away or become severe, talk with your doctor. They may recommend a different treatment option for you. If you develop a side effect during treatment with Copaxone and want to tell the FDA about it, visit MedWatch or call 800-FDA-1088. Sharing your experience helps make medications safer for everyone by giving doctors and researchers more information about how the drug works in real life.
Remember, it's crucial to discuss any concerns or unusual symptoms with your healthcare provider promptly. Copaxone can cause certain side effects, some of which are more common than others. During Copaxone treatment, dental cavities may occur. These problems were reported in clinical trials, but they weren't common. If you have a toothache or tooth sensitivity, it's essential to seek dental care.
In summary, while Copaxone is an effective treatment for MS, it's important to be aware of its potential side effects and take necessary precautions to minimize them. Consulting official Copaxone prescribing information or a healthcare professional is recommended for more precise details.
- Copaxone, a drug used to treat multiple sclerosis, has multiple side effects, some of which are common and temporary, such as skin rash, injection site reactions, and weight gain.
- Unusual dreams, mood changes, depression, and dermatological reactions like blistering and sun sensitivity are less common but possible side effects related to Copaxone or similar immunomodulatory treatments for multiple sclerosis.
- Anaphylaxis, a severe allergic reaction, is a rare but serious side effect of Copaxone, with symptoms including skin rash or hives, swelling, wheezing, and digestive system problems, and requires immediate medical attention.
- Mental-health conditions such as depression are common symptoms of multiple sclerosis and can also be a side effect of Copaxone; if you have had symptoms of depression or mood changes, talk with your doctor.
- Anthrax, a medical-condition, is not a known side effect of Copaxone; however, science and medical-research are constantly evolving, and interactions between drugs and other conditions can occur.
- Nutrition plays a crucial role in health-and-wellness, and during Copaxone treatment, dental cavities may occur; it's essential to maintain good dental hygiene and seek dental care if you have a toothache or tooth sensitivity.
- In addition to common side effects, Copaxone can have less common, more severe effects, such as neurological-disorders or hypersensitivity reactions; if your symptoms become severe or don't go away, talk with your doctor for advice on possible treatment options.
