Glatiramer醋酸盐药物信息

Glatiramer acetate, known by its brand name Copaxone and Glatopa, is a drug used to treat 多发性硬化症 (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.

对格拉替雷或其成分过敏的患者禁用本药。孕妇和哺乳期妇女应慎用本药。本药应在咨询医生后使用。

同样，患有活动性感染的患者在服用格拉替雷之前也应寻求专业的医疗帮助。 

Glatiramer 的用途是什么？

Glatiramer 是 FDA 批准的药物，用于治疗复发缓解型多发性硬化症 (RRMS)、临床孤立综合征和继发性 MS。

该药物可降低多发性硬化症复发的频率和严重程度，并减缓病情进展。在某些情况下，它还可以改善身体机能和生活质量。

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.

Glatiramer 如何使用？

Glatiramer通常以注射方式给药，通常每日一次或隔日一次。注射部位通常为皮下脂肪组织。给药部位应根据身体不同部位进行调整，例如上臂、大腿或腹部。 

格拉替雷的剂量由医生根据患者的年龄、体重、病史和对药物的反应决定。 

患者应遵照医生的指示服用格拉替雷。

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: 

• 冲洗
• 关节疼痛
• 头痛
• 皮疹
• Mild pain
• 疲劳
• 咳嗽
• 恶心
• 头晕
• 焦虑 

轻微副作用

The mild side effects of glatiramer may include:

• 冲洗
• 注射部位反应
• 头痛
• Mild pain 
• 疲劳

中度副作用

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

• 胸痛
• 恶心
• 头晕
• 焦虑
• 沮丧

严重的副作用

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

• 呼吸困难
• 麻疹
• Swelling of the face and throat
• Severe chest pain
• 心悸
• Irregular heart rate 

Rare side effects are:

• 说话困难
• Difficulty moving
• 腹泻
• 食欲不振
• 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 甘露醇 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.

Glatiramer的强度

Glatiramer 有两种剂量强度：

• 20毫克/毫升
• 40毫克/毫升

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.

Glatiramer剂量

格拉替雷的剂量通常取决于患者的体重、年龄和其他因素。以下是格拉替雷的推荐常用剂量。

多发性硬化症成人剂量

对于患有多发性硬化症的成年患者，格拉替雷的剂量为20毫克，每日一次。相比之下，格拉替雷的剂量为40毫克，每周三次。 

The drug is available in vials and prefilled syringes and should be given only via a 皮下 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.

结论

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.