Copaxone – Hope for RRMS

Copaxone, a medication produced by Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd., offers hope for sufferers of relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS).

MS is an autoimmune disorder where the body attacks its own tissues – in this case the central nervous system. The symptoms of MS can vary widely, but some of the most common include fatigue, bladder control problems, numbness in the extremities, balance problems, and even blurred vision.

Although there are four types of MS, the National Multiple Sclerosis Society states that relapsing-remitting is the most common type. Approximately 85 percent of people with MS are initially diagnosed with RRMS, while 10–15 percent are diagnosed with progressive forms. Basically this means that many people who learn they have MS cope with episodes of worsening symptoms (relapsing), followed by periods of improvement (remitting).

For these people, preventing “episodes” from returning is an important goal. Copaxone, then, offers hope in keeping these individuals healthier longer.

Much like the shots that diabetics use, copaxone comes in pre-filled syringes. The needle is placed just under the skin then the drug is injected. From start to finish, the process takes about one minute. Although the process sounds simple, there are key things to remember about copaxone shots:

1. Correct storage is mandatory – the medication (shots) must be kept in the refrigerator.
2. Timing is important – shots must be given at the same time each day.
3. Rotation of injection sites is essential – each day a different section of the body is injected (according to directions from the company).
4. Continuation is crucial – shots must not be skipped, and the medication will be continued for the long haul.

Teva’s Shared Solutions website states that the drug works “…with the immune system to change the way it reacts to MS by both preventing harmful immune cells from developing and simultaneously stimulating the production of beneficial immune cells in your body. These “good” COPAXONE®-activated cells then enter the CNS and help reduce inflammation and damage at the site of lesions.”

Common side effects of the drug include redness, pain, swelling, itching, or a lump at the site of injection, flushing, rash, shortness of breath, and chest pain; however, as with all drugs approved by the Food and Drug Administration, copaxone has been the subject of rigorous studies to make sure it is both safe and effective. Teva boasts that the “Effectiveness of COPAXONE® has also been proven in the longest continuous, open-label, prospective study ever conducted of people with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS)—15 years and counting.”

One of the best aspects of copaxone is that once a patient is prescribed the medication, Shared Solutions helps every step of the way, from teaching the patient and loved ones how to give injections, to on-going support. The company also offers a comprehensive web site, an informative newsletter, and even local educational events.

RRMS may be scary, yet the medication copaxone offers hope to many sufferers. Not only does the drug have a record of success, the side effects are fairly mild. Although most people don’t like shots, the minor discomfort shots cause is nothing compared to what MS episodes can do to your body.

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