title: Safety profile of copolymer 1: analysis of cumulative experience in the United States and Israel.
abstract: This paper summarizes the worldwide cumulative experience with copolymer 1 (Copaxone) in 857 patients who were enrolled in open-label (n = 586), double-blind (n = 201), and compassioniate-use studies (n = 70). The results of a phase III study, including previously unpublished information, are employed to delineate adverse events that occur more frequently among patients treated with copolymer 1 than in placebo-treated controls, and to provide qualitative information. In the cumulative database, patients usually had relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis and typically received a dose of 20 mg by daily subcutaneous injection for at least 1 year, and occasionally for more than 10 years. Withdrawal rates were 8% for copolymer 1 and 2% for placebo. The most common adverse event was mild injection-site reaction, manifested by erythema, inflammation, and induration. The most remarkable adverse event was a systemic post-injection reaction that occurred in 10% of patients. It was manifested by flushing, chest tightness, palpitations, dyspnea, and anxiety, and was acute and transient. The incidence of adverse events associated with interferon beta, such as flu-like syndrome, depression, hematologic abnormalities, cardiotoxicity, and elevated hepatic enzymes, was not increased among patients treated with copolymer 1. Evaluation of the extensive experience with copolymer 1 confirms that it is well tolerated and suitable for self-administration by patients with multiple sclerosis.
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurology, Tel Aviv University Medical School, Israel.
authors.forename: A D
authors.initials: AD
authors.lastname: Korczyn
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Nisipeanu
mesh_terms: D000068717:Glatiramer Acetate; D006801:Humans; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents / Q000009:adverse effects*; D007557:Israel; D010455:Peptides / Q000009:adverse effects*; D013997:Time Factors; D014481:United States
chemical_list: D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents; D010455:Peptides; D000068717:Glatiramer Acetate