title: Copolymer-1 in the treatment of multiple sclerosis.
abstract: Recent research in the treatment of multiple sclerosis (MS) has yielded new therapies. Specifically, copolymer-1, a mixture of synthetic polypeptides composed of four amino acids has been effective in reducing relapse rates and disability in patients with relapsing-remitting MS. In a two-year multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of 251 patients, copolymer-1 was shown to reduce relapses by an average of 29% when compared with placebo. Sustained disability was also slightly reduced in the copolymer-1-treated group. The results of the clinical trial indicate that copolymer-1 positively alters the course of relapsing-remitting MS. With the present availability of copolymer-1, nurses are challenged to maintain current knowledge of nursing implications, interventions, patient education and goals for treatment.
authors.forename: K M
authors.initials: KM
authors.lastname: Boyden
mesh_terms: D004311:Double-Blind Method; D000068717:Glatiramer Acetate; D006801:Humans; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D009103:Multiple Sclerosis / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000451:nursing; D010455:Peptides / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*
chemical_list: D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents; D010455:Peptides; D000068717:Glatiramer Acetate