You've read it correctly, for the first time since being on Copaxone, I have been switched to a different medication.
Glatopa (Sandoz, a Novartis company, developed in collaboration with Momenta Pharmaceuticals) is the first generic version of Copaxone that has been approved by the U.S.Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Copaxone and Glatopa contain the SAME active ingredient, glatiramer, in the SAME amount and work the SAME way in the body to help manage Multiple Sclerosis (MS). The Glatopa dose will be the same as the Copaxone dose, both 20 mg, is injected daily, in the fatty layer under your skin (subcutaneously). I will also be using a NEW auto-injector device for Glatopa as my Copaxone auto-injector is not compatible with Glatopa syringes.
I am finishing up the last remaining 2-syringe supply of my Copaxone, but I am sure it will be a seamless transition. However, I do think it will be pretty strange/bittersweet to no longer be working with Shared Solutions, who has been my support and network for MS from day one since being on Teva Pharmaceuticals' Copaxone.
Glatopa's GlatopaCare will be the new support network, and I just hope it's as good as SharedSolutions.
I still am still hopeful to eventually switch to the next-generation formulation of Copaxone 40mg, that works longer, and so requires fewer monthly doses. For this to option to happen, I'm waiting on Kaiser to put it on the formulary.
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5 comments:
Hi Danielle, I have been doing research for a family member who was recently diagnosed with MS. He is on the Copaxone but the are changing it to the Glatopa. I have been reading a little of your blog and was hoping you could tell me how the Glatopa is working out for you and if it does have an auto-injector like the Copaxone? The company is telling him there is no auto-injector for Glatopa yet. He is very worried about switching. I hope everything is working out well for you. You seem like a beautiful young lady. Take care.
Sincerely,
Carol
I just switched to Glatopa and am having trouble with the new autoinjector. They didn't give me any instructions with it. I have since figured it out after getting several doses of a questionable amount. The Copaxone injector is way better. I just use that instead even though they tell me not to. I think my injection sites are worse with Glatopa and I feel like I am having a relapse after having no relapses for 4 years on Copaxone.
I am sorry you're having issues with your injections. How long have you been on Glaopa? Did you join GlatopaCare? GlatopaCare is a resource similar to Copaxone's SharedSolutions. YOu should reach out to them for assistance. They could assist with the missing instructions and any issues you're having with their autoinjector. *I took a couple pictures of the Glatopa autojector and will work on getting them posted.*
I also grew up in Edmonds WA and was diagnosed with MS in 2013. I now live in Everett WA with my 2 daughters. I was curious how you feel about Glatopa now? Or if you are still using it currently? Did you have any side effects?
Hello. Thanks for your question. I am no longer on Glatopa, as I switched to an oral Rx (Tecfidera) a little over a year ago. I had been on Copaxone for over 9 years (then Glatopa for a much shorter time frame) and was frankly over the injections. Don't get me wrong, I was grateful for the medicine as it was my only option when diagnosed with MS, but I wasn't a fan of the divets the injection sites were giving me. I have to say Copaxone/Glatopa once per day injection was nice - now I have to remember to take Tecfidera 2x/day (AM & PM dose, 12hrs apart) but I am glad I made the switch. Are you currently on Glatopa?
I hope this answers your questions. Feel free to contact me if you have any further questions.
Take care,
Danielle
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