An injection that calms the immune system in multiple sclerosis
Glatiramer
An immune-calming injection used to reduce relapses in relapsing multiple sclerosis.
What is Glatiramer?
Glatiramer is a specialist injection used to reduce relapses in people with relapsing multiple sclerosis, a condition where the immune system attacks the protective covering of nerves. It is given as an injection under the skin and is generally well tolerated. The most common issues are reactions where the injection is given, such as redness or lumps, and a harmless but startling reaction that can happen straight after an injection, with flushing, chest tightness, breathlessness or a racing heart that passes on its own within minutes. It is used as a long-term treatment under specialist care.
Education and reference only. This is a plain-language guide to Glatiramer — it deliberately contains no doses. Doses depend on the person, the brand and the reason for treatment, and belong with your prescriber. Always check the BNF, the product labelling (SmPC) and follow medical advice.
What it is
Glatiramer is a medicine used to treat relapsing multiple sclerosis, a long-term condition in which the immune system damages the protective coating around nerves, causing relapses with new or worsening symptoms. It is an immunomodulator, meaning it adjusts the way the immune system behaves rather than broadly suppressing it. It is given as an injection under the skin, often by the person themselves after training, and is taken over the long term to reduce how often relapses happen. It is prescribed and supervised by a specialist multiple sclerosis service.
How it works
Glatiramer is thought to shift the immune response away from the harmful pattern that damages the protective covering of nerves in multiple sclerosis, encouraging a less damaging type of immune activity instead. By doing this steadily over time, it helps reduce how often relapses occur and may ease their severity. Because it works gradually in the background, it is given regularly rather than only when symptoms flare, and it is one of the longer-established disease-modifying treatments for relapsing multiple sclerosis.
Company & origin
Originated / developed by: Specialist manufacturers.
A specialist injection used in the UK to reduce relapses in people with relapsing multiple sclerosis.
Practical use
How to take Glatiramer
General, dose-free guidance — always follow your prescriber's and the leaflet's specific instructions.
- Inject it under the skin on the schedule your specialist team sets, using the technique you have been trained in.
- Rotate where you inject each time to reduce skin reactions and dents in the fat under the skin.
- Do not be alarmed if you get sudden flushing, chest tightness or a racing heart just after an injection; it is harmless and usually passes within minutes.
- Keep using it regularly, as it works by preventing relapses over time rather than treating symptoms as they happen.
- Tell your specialist team about troublesome skin reactions or any reaction that does not settle quickly.
Weighing it up
Advantages & disadvantages of Glatiramer
Advantages
- Reduces how often relapses happen in relapsing multiple sclerosis.
- Generally well tolerated, with a long track record of use.
- Can be given as a self-injection at home after training.
Disadvantages
- Commonly causes reactions where the injection is given, including lumps and dents in the skin over time.
- Can cause a harmless but startling flushing and chest-tightness reaction just after injecting.
- Reduces relapses rather than curing the condition, and needs regular injections long term.
Practical use
Good to know
The most useful thing to know about glatiramer is that it is generally well tolerated and has a long track record. Two effects are worth understanding. First, reactions where the injection is given are common, such as redness, itching, lumps or, over time, small dents in the fat under the skin; rotating injection sites helps. Second, some people get a harmless but alarming reaction straight after an injection, with sudden flushing, chest tightness, breathlessness, a racing heart or anxiety that comes on within minutes and settles by itself shortly after, with no lasting harm; knowing about it in advance makes it far less frightening. It is a preventer that reduces relapses rather than a cure, and it is taken long term. Your specialist team trains you to inject it, helps you rotate sites and reviews how well it is working.
Who should not take it / use with caution
- People who have had a serious allergic reaction to glatiramer should not use it.
- It is used with care, and under specialist guidance, in pregnancy and breastfeeding.
- It should only be used under a specialist multiple sclerosis service that provides training and follow-up.
Monitoring
- Reviewing how often relapses happen to judge how well it is working.
- Checking injection sites for skin reactions and dents over time.
- Confirming you are confident and comfortable with the injection technique.
Side effects
- Redness, itching, pain, lumps or, over time, dents in the fat under the skin where injections are given.
- A sudden, harmless reaction soon after injecting, with flushing, chest tightness, breathlessness or a racing heart that settles by itself.
- Less commonly, joint aches, anxiety or, rarely, more troublesome allergic reactions that should be reported.
Key interactions
- There are few well-established routine medicine interactions, but tell your team about all your medicines.
- It does not broadly suppress the immune system, but always tell your team about other treatments you take.
- It is used alongside the wider care plan for your multiple sclerosis.
Available as: A solution for injection under the skin, often given by the patient.
Answers
Glatiramer: frequently asked questions
What is glatiramer used for?
It is used to reduce relapses in people with relapsing multiple sclerosis by adjusting the way the immune system behaves; it is a long-term preventer, not a cure.
Why do I get flushing or chest tightness after injecting?
Some people get a harmless reaction straight after an injection with flushing, chest tightness, breathlessness or a racing heart; it usually settles by itself within minutes and causes no lasting harm.
Why do I get lumps where I inject?
Reactions where the injection is given are common, including redness, lumps and small dents in the fat under the skin; rotating injection sites helps reduce these.
Can I inject it myself?
Yes, many people inject it themselves under the skin after their specialist team has trained them.
Does it cure multiple sclerosis?
No. It reduces how often relapses happen and is taken long term, but it does not cure the condition.
Authoritative sources
- BNF
- NICE CKS
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