Side Effects of Glatiramer Acetate (Glatopa) Injection
The most common side effects of glatiramer acetate injection include injection site reactions (redness, pain, swelling, lumps, itching), immediate post-injection reactions (flushing, chest pain, anxiety, breathing problems, palpitations), and potential liver problems. 1
Common Side Effects
Injection Site Reactions
- Occur in approximately 20-60% of patients 2
- Include:
- Redness (erythema)
- Pain
- Swelling
- Lumps
- Itching
- Inflammation
- Induration (hardening of tissue)
Immediate Post-Injection Reactions
These reactions can happen right after or within minutes of injection at any time during treatment:
- Flushing (redness to cheeks or other parts of body)
- Chest pain/tightness
- Fast heartbeat/palpitations
- Anxiety
- Breathing problems or throat tightness
- Swelling, rash, hives, or itching
These reactions are typically transient and self-limiting, characterized by flushing, chest tightness, sweating, palpitations, and anxiety 3. They occur more frequently than with placebo (relative risk = 3.40) 3.
Serious Side Effects
Skin/Tissue Damage
- Lipoatrophy (damage to fatty tissue under the skin causing "dents") 1
- Necrosis (death of skin tissue) - rare 1
- Localized panniculitis (inflammation of subcutaneous fat) which may precede lipoatrophy 4
Liver Problems
- Can include liver failure in rare cases 1
- Warning signs include:
- Nausea
- Loss of appetite
- Tiredness
- Dark colored urine and pale stools
- Yellowing of skin or eyes (jaundice)
- Increased bleeding tendency
- Confusion
- Sleepiness
Cases of drug-induced liver injury with both cholestatic and hepatocellular damage have been reported 5.
Allergic Reactions
- IgE-mediated allergic reactions can occur, even after the first administration 6
- Can manifest as severe anaphylactic reactions or localized symptoms like eyelid edema
- Patients with allergic reactions show positive skin prick tests and specific IgE to glatiramer acetate 6
Other Reported Side Effects
- Shortness of breath
- Vasodilation (flushing)
- Transient chest pain
- Lymphadenopathy (swollen lymph nodes) 2
Managing Side Effects
To Reduce Injection Site Reactions:
- Rotate injection sites systematically
- Follow proper injection technique
- Use cold compresses before injection to reduce pain
- Apply warm compresses after injection to help with absorption
For Immediate Post-Injection Reactions:
- If symptoms occur, do not give more injections until consulting with healthcare provider
- These reactions typically resolve on their own without specific treatment
- Rest and reassurance are usually sufficient
To Prevent Tissue Damage:
- Choose a different injection area each time
- Follow healthcare provider's instructions for proper injection technique
- Monitor injection sites regularly for changes
Important Considerations
- Antibodies to glatiramer acetate may develop during treatment but do not appear to interfere with clinical efficacy 2
- The safety profile and risk-benefit ratio are generally considered excellent for patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis 2
- Glatiramer acetate should be stored in the refrigerator (36° to 46°F) but can be kept at room temperature for up to 1 month if refrigeration is not available 1
If you experience severe or persistent side effects, especially signs of liver problems or allergic reactions, contact your healthcare provider immediately.