Dosage form:

Prefilled syringes 20, 40 mg

What is Actiramer (glatiramer acetate) used for?

• It is used to treat relapsing forms of MS (multiple sclerosis). Glatiramer acetate will not cure MS, it will only decrease the frequency of relapse symptoms.

Important notes before taking Actiramer (glatiramer acetate):

• Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have an allergy to glatiramer acetate or any other part of this drug or you are allergic to any drugs like this one, any other drugs, foods, or other substances. Tell your doctor about the allergy and what signs you had, like rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat; or any other signs. 

Important notes while taking Actiramer (glatiramer acetate):

• Tell all of your health care providers that you take this drug. This includes your doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists.
• You may have more chance of getting an infection. Wash hands often. Stay away from people with infections, colds, or flu.
• Some people have had reactions within minutes after getting Actiramer (glatiramer acetate). Tell your doctor if you have any bad effects after getting this drug.
• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan on getting pregnant. You will need to talk about the benefits and risks of using this drug while you are pregnant.
• Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding. You will need to talk about any risks to your baby.

Actiramer (glatiramer acetate) side effects:

Even though it may be rare, some people may have very bad and sometimes deadly side effects when taking a drug. Tell your doctor or get medical help right away if you have any of the following signs or symptoms that may be related to a very bad side effect:

• Signs of an allergic reaction, like rash; hives; itching; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever; wheezing; tightness in the chest or throat; trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking; unusual hoarseness; or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat;
• Signs of infection like fever, chills, very bad sore throat, ear or sinus pain, cough, more sputum or change in color of sputum, pain with passing urine, mouth sores, or wound that will not heal;
• Chest pain or pressure, a fast heartbeat, or passing out;
• A heartbeat that does not feel normal;
• Flushing;
• Anxiety;
• Sweating a lot;
• Dizziness;
• Shortness of breath;
• Swollen gland;
• Swelling;
• Very bad irritation where the shot was given;
• Damage to the fatty tissue under your skin can happen with this drug. Rarely, death of skin tissue may happen. Call your doctor right away if you have pain, color, temperature change, or a dent where the injection was given.

All drugs may cause side effects. However, many people have no side effects or only have minor side effects. Call your doctor or get medical help if any of these side effects or any other side effects bother you or do not go away:

• Irritation where the shot is given;
• Upset stomach or throwing up;
• Feeling tired or weak;
• Back pain.

These are not all of the side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, call your doctor.

What do I do if I miss a dose?

Use it as soon as you remember or are able to use it, then skip the following day. Do not use a double dose to make up for forgotten individual doses. If possible you should return to your regular administration schedule the following week.

How do I store and/or throw out this drug?

• Keep it out of the sight and reach of children.
• Store in a refrigerator (2°C – 8°C). Do not freeze. 
• Keep the prefilled syringes in the outer carton in order to protect from light.
• Do not flush down a toilet or pour down a drain unless you are told to do so. Check with your pharmacist if you have questions about the best way to throw out unused or expired drugs. Throw out used syringes in a safety box.
• Do not use Actiramer (glatiramer acetate) after the expiry date which is stated on the label and carton after the expiry date.