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Copaxone SubQ

Precautions and Side Effects


Generic Name: GLATIRAMER - INJECTION
Pronounced: (glah-TEE-ruh-mer)

Copaxone SubQ Side Effects

Table of Contents

Injection site reactions (e.g., pain, redness, soreness, and swelling) may occur. Nausea, chills, joint aches, neck pain, or headache may also occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

Immediately after injection, you may experience flushing, chest pain, fast heartbeat, anxiety, shortness of breath, or itching. This injection reaction usually starts to occur after you have used the drug for a few months but can occur after any injection. These symptoms disappear fairly quickly and usually do not require treatment. If these symptoms do not go away in a few minutes, seek immediate medical attention. Tell your doctor immediately about this reaction before your next injection. Ask your doctor if you should continue using this medication.

Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.

Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur:

  • dizziness/fainting
  • infection (e.g., fever, persistent sore throat)
  • mental/mood changes (e.g., depression)
  • severe pain at the injection site
  • shakiness (tremor)
  • swelling of the legs/feet (water retention)
  • vision problems


A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include:

  • rash
  • itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat)
  • severe dizziness
  • trouble breathing


This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. In the US, you may report side effects to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) at 1-800-FDA-1088.

In Canada, you may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

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