Introduction

This information is for people who have multiple sclerosis. It tells you about glatiramer acetate, a treatment used to reduce relapses and disability in multiple sclerosis. It is based on the best and most up-to-date research.

Does it work?

Yes. Glatiramer acetate may help people with the relapsing-remitting type of multiple sclerosis (MS). If you have this type, you get bouts of symptoms that last for at least 24 hours, and usually for a few weeks. (For details, see Types of multiple sclerosis.)

Glatiramer acetate injections don't work for everyone, so doctors follow guidelines about who should have them on the NHS. (For more, see When to start treatment.)

What is it?

Glatiramer acetate (brand name Copaxone) used to be called copolymer-1. It's a mix of substances called amino acids. You have injections of it under your skin once a day.

How can it help?

If you have relapsing-remitting MS:^[24][25]

• Daily injections of glatiramer acetate may reduce how many relapses you have. In one study, people taking glatiramer acetate had an average of 1.2 relapses in two years. This compared with 1.7 relapses over two years for people taking a dummy treatment (a placebo).

• But these injections may not affect how disabled you are by your MS.

If you have progressive MS, then glatiramer acetate probably won't slow down how fast your symptoms get worse.^[25][26] (With relapsing-remitting MS, your symptoms come and go. With progressive MS, your symptoms gradually get worse.)

Glatiramer acetate seems to work for relapsing-remitting MS about as well as another drug called interferon beta.^[27]

How does it work?

No one knows exactly how these injections work for people with MS. But the treatment seems to calm the cells from the immune system that attack the coating around your nerves.^[28] Preventing some of the inflammation of MS helps your nerves to work more normally. (To learn more about what happens in MS, see What is multiple sclerosis?)

Can it be harmful?

About 15 in 100 people get an allergic reaction after at least one of their glatiramer acetate injections.^[29] Their skin turns red, their chest feels tight, and they feel anxious. The reaction can last up to 30 minutes.

Some people get swelling, itching, and pain at the point where the drug is injected.^[25]