Let's take a minute to talk about your medication. 

This is Glatiramer Acetate. It can help treat relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis, so you have fewer relapses. It can reduce relapses and may slow down physical decline. 

Glatiramer is given as an injection under the skin. This is called a 'sub-Q' injection. You should inject it exactly as your doctor tells you to. Before using it at home, you should read the 'Instructions for Use.' You should also practice giving an injection with your healthcare provider. This will help you feel confident doing it on your own. Be sure you know how to rotate injections sites, and how to dispose of needles. If you have any questions, your doctor or pharmacist can help. 

Reactions can happen at the injection site, like redness, pain, swelling, itching, lumps, or a rash. These are normal if they are mild and should go away. Some patients can have damage to the skin. If these or other effects become reasons you want to stop taking this medicine, please talk to your doctor or pharmacist. 

Some patients have a reaction right after an injection. This can happen after the first doses, or even after several months of therapy. Symptoms may include anxiety, a fast heartbeat, chest pain, breathing problems, tightness in the throat, or a feeling of flushing. You should read the Patient Information Sheet to know what symptoms to watch for and when to report them.

You should store Glatiramer in the refrigerator in the original carton. Before you inject a dose, you should let the dose sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes. This will make the injection more comfortable.

Glatiramer can interact with other medicines. You should always check with your doctor or pharmacist before taking or using other medicines.

Women should talk to their doctor before becoming pregnant or breast feeding while taking this medicine.

For best results with Glatiramer, you should ask your doctor about helpful support services for patients that are available.