Glatiramer Acetate Drug Information

Glatiramer acetate, known by its brand name Copaxone and Glatopa, is a drug used to treat multiple sclerosis (MS) and its other relapsing forms. It is an immunomodulator and works by suppressing the body’s immune system. 

The drug is a synthetic polypeptide made up of four amino acids. These amino acids are also present in myelin, the insulating material covering our nerve cells. It is given as a once-daily injection. 

Glatiramer is a well-tolerated medication. It is used to reduce the frequency of MS relapses and slow the progression of the disability. The drug doesn’t completely treat MS, but it decreases its development.

Ang mga pasyenteng allergic sa glatiramer o mga bahagi nito ay hindi dapat uminom ng gamot. Ang gamot ay dapat gamitin nang may pag-iingat sa pagbubuntis at pagpapasuso. Dapat lamang itong gamitin pagkatapos kumonsulta sa doktor.

Katulad nito, ang mga pasyente na may aktibong impeksiyon ay dapat humingi ng ekspertong medikal na tulong bago kumuha ng glatiramer. 

Ano ang Ginagamit ng Glatiramer?

Ang Glatiramer ay isang gamot na inaprubahan ng FDA na ginagamit para sa paggamot sa relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS), clinically isolated syndrome, at pangalawang MS.

Binabawasan ng gamot ang dalas at kalubhaan ng pagbabalik ng multiple sclerosis at pinapabagal ang paglala ng sakit. Sa ilang mga kaso, maaari itong mapabuti ang pisikal na paggana at kalidad ng buhay.

How Does Glatiramer Work?

Glatiramer is an immunomodulator drug used to treat multiple sclerosis (MS). It works by depressing the immune system, which reduces inflammation and preserves the brain and spinal cord nerve fibers.

The drug performs its function by binding to a specific type of T-cell receptor. This receptor is called MHC class II, which recognizes and destroys myelin. Glatiramer prevents the T-cells from recognizing and attacking myelin. This mechanism helps to reduce inflammation and preserve nerve fibers.

In addition, glatiramer increases the production of regulatory T-cells. These cells are essential for maintaining immune balance. Regulatory T-cells suppress the auto-reactive T-cell activity responsible for attacking myelin. 

An increase in the number of regulatory T-cells will decrease the auto-reactive T-cells’ activity. This process depresses inflammation.

Glatiramer also enhances the production of other immunomodulatory molecules. These include interleukin-10 and transforming growth factor-beta. 

These molecules lower inflammation and promote tissue repair. This, in turn, helps to preserve nerve fibers in the brain and spinal cord.

Paano Ginagamit ang Glatiramer?

Ang Glatiramer ay karaniwang ibinibigay bilang isang iniksyon, karaniwang isang beses sa isang araw o isang beses bawat ibang araw. Ang iniksyon ay karaniwang ibinibigay sa mataba na tisyu sa ibaba ng balat. Ang lugar ng pangangasiwa ay dapat na lumipat sa pagitan ng iba't ibang bahagi ng katawan, tulad ng itaas na braso, hita, o tiyan. 

Ang dosis ng glatiramer ay tinutukoy ng doktor, depende sa edad ng pasyente, timbang, kasaysayan ng medikal, at tugon sa gamot. 

Dapat sundin ng mga pasyente ang mga tagubilin ng doktor para sa pagkuha ng glatiramer.

Side Effects of Glatiramer

Like any medication, there are side effects associated with the use of glatiramer. These side effects can be classified into mild, moderate, and severe. 

There are also some common side effects of the drug. They generally go away with time as your body gets used to the drug. These include: 

• Namumula
• Sakit ng kasukasuan
• Sakit ng ulo
• Skin rash
• Mild pain
• Pagkapagod
• Ubo
• Pagduduwal
• Pagkahilo
• Pagkabalisa 

Banayad na Side Effects

The mild side effects of glatiramer may include:

• Namumula
• Injection site reactions
• Sakit ng ulo
• Mild pain 
• Pagkapagod

Moderate Side Effects

These side effects may occur more often and can be more severe. They include:

• Pananakit ng dibdib
• Pagduduwal
• Pagkahilo
• Pagkabalisa
• Depresyon

Severe Side Effects

The severe side effects are the most serious and should be reported immediately to a healthcare provider. They include:

• Hirap sa paghinga
• Mga pantal
• Swelling of the face and throat
• Severe chest pain
• Palpitations
• Irregular heart rate 

Rare side effects are:

• Hirap magsalita
• Difficulty moving
• Pagtatae
• Pagkawala ng gana
• Burning of the skin 

It is important to note that only some people who take glatiramer experience side effects. However, if any unusual, persistent, or intolerable side effects occur, you should report them to your healthcare provider immediately. They can help determine the best course of action and relieve the symptoms.

Contraindications of Glatiramer

First, glatiramer should not be given to people hypersensitive to its components. These components include mannitol and lactose. Additionally, it should not be used in patients who have a history of myasthenia gravis, an autoimmune disorder that causes muscle weakness.

Individuals with an active infection, such as HIV or hepatitis B should not take this drug. Use glatiramer acetate cautiously in patients with preexisting immunosuppression or those who are receiving a vaccination.

Pregnant or breastfeeding women should avoid glatiramer or only use it in extreme need. It is unknown whether this drug is excreted in breast milk, so it is best not to take the medication during breastfeeding.

Lakas ng Glatiramer

Available ang Glatiramer sa dalawang uri ng lakas ng dosing:

• 20 mg/ml
• 40 mg/ml

Both of these doses are given subcutaneously. Glatiramer 20 mg/ml and 40 mg/ml formulations are not interchangeable. Glatiramer 20 mg/ml is administered daily and glatiramer 40 mg/ml is administered three times per week.

Dosis ng Glatiramer

Karaniwan, ang dosis ng glatiramer ay tinutukoy ng timbang, edad, at iba pang mga kadahilanan ng pasyente. Gayunpaman, nasa ibaba ang inirerekomendang karaniwang dosis ng glatiramer.

Dosis ng Pang-adulto Para sa Maramihang Sclerosis

Sa mga pasyenteng may sapat na gulang na may MS, ang 20 mg na dosis ng glatiramer ay ibinibigay isang beses sa isang araw. Sa kaibahan, ang isang 40 mg na dosis ay ibinibigay ng tatlong beses sa isang linggo. 

The drug is available in vials and prefilled syringes and should be given only via a subcutaneous route. The FDA has not approved this drug for patients under the age of 18 years. 

Cost of Glatiramer

The price of glatiramer depends on the manufacturing company and the region where you are purchasing it. The cost can also vary depending on the regimen plan and type of insurance.

However, the average cost of glatiramer is about $3,485 for 30 ml.

Konklusyon

Glatiramer is an immunomodulator drug used to treat multiple sclerosis. The drug suppresses the immune system, thus decreasing inflammation and preserving the nerve fibers. 

Glatiramer comes under two dosing regimens: 20 mg/ml and 40 mg/ml. It is administered as an injection, typically once a day or once every other day. 

Side effects can include flushing, joint pain, headache, nausea, dizziness, and anxiety. The average cost of glatiramer is around $3,485 for 30 ml.