Key Takeaways

  • Copaxone is available in two strengths: 20 milligrams (mg) per 1 milliliter (mL) of liquid solution and 40 mg/mL. The drug comes in single-dose prefilled syringes for injection under the skin.
  • For all approved conditions (CIS, RRMS, and SPMS), the dosing schedule is either 20 mg injected once per day or 40 mg injected three times per week.
  • Copaxone should be stored in a refrigerator and brought to room temperature before injection, with the solution appearing clear or slightly yellow.

Copaxone is a prescription drug used to treat clinically isolated syndrome (CIS) and certain forms of multiple sclerosis (MS) in adults. Copaxone comes as a liquid solution that’s given as an injection under your skin, typically once per day or three times per week, depending on the form of the drug you’re taking.

Specifically, Copaxone is prescribed to treat:

The active ingredient in Copaxone is glatiramer acetate. It belongs to a group of drugs called immunomodulators, which work with your immune system.

This article describes the dosages of Copaxone, as well as its strengths and how to inject it.

The following information describes the typical dosages of Copaxone, but your doctor will prescribe the dosage that’s right for you.

What form does Copaxone come in?

Copaxone comes in a single-dose, prefilled syringe with 1 milliliter (mL) of liquid solution. It’s given as an injection under your skin.

What strengths does Copaxone come in?

Copaxone comes in two strengths:

  • 20 mg/mL
  • 40 mg/mL

What are the usual dosages of Copaxone?

The following information describes Copaxone dosages that are commonly used or recommended.

Dosing schedule for CIS

The dosage for CIS is usually the same as that for RRMS and SPMS, but be sure to inject the dosage your doctor prescribes. They’ll determine the best dosage to fit your needs.

The dosing schedule for CIS is as follows:

  • If your doctor prescribes the 20-mg/mL syringe, you’ll inject Copaxone 20 mg under your skin once daily.
  • If your doctor prescribes the 40-mg/mL syringe, you’ll inject Copaxone 40 mg under your skin three times per week. If possible, try to inject your doses on the same 3 days each week — such as Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. Make sure to wait at least 48 hours between doses.

Dosing schedule for RRMS

The dosage for RRMS is usually the same as that for SPMS and CIS, but be sure to inject the dosage your doctor prescribes. They’ll determine the best dosage to fit your needs.

The dosing schedule for RRMS is as follows:

  • If your doctor prescribes the 20-mg/mL syringe, you’ll inject Copaxone 20 mg under your skin once daily.
  • If your doctor prescribes the 40-mg/mL syringe, you’ll inject Copaxone 40 mg under your skin three times per week. If possible, try to inject your doses on the same 3 days each week — such as Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. Make sure to wait at least 48 hours between doses.

Dosing schedule for SPMS

The dosage for SPMS is usually the same as that for RRMS and CIS, but be sure to inject the dosage your doctor prescribes. They’ll determine the best dosage to fit your needs.

The dosing schedule for SPMS is as follows:

  • If your doctor prescribes the 20-mg/mL syringe, you’ll inject Copaxone 20 mg under your skin once daily.
  • If your doctor prescribes the 40-mg/mL syringe, you’ll inject Copaxone 40 mg under your skin three times per week. If possible, try to inject your doses on the same 3 days each week — such as Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. Make sure to wait at least 48 hours between doses.

Is Copaxone used long term?

Yes, Copaxone is typically a long-term treatment. If you and your doctor determine that it’s safe for you and effective for your condition, you’ll likely use Copaxone long term.

If you forget your 20-mg daily Copaxone dose, inject it as soon as you remember. If it’s almost time for your next dose, just wait until the next dose. Do not inject two doses at once.

If you forget your 40-mg (three times weekly) Copaxone dose, inject it as soon as you remember. Then wait at least 48 hours before injecting your next dose. You can resume your usual dosing schedule the following week, as long as you wait at least 48 hours between doses.

Call your doctor or pharmacist if you’re unsure of when to inject your next dose of Copaxone after missing a dose.

If you need help remembering to inject your dose of Copaxone on time, try the manufacturer’s injection tracker. You can also try a medication reminder, such as setting an alarm or downloading a reminder app on your phone.

The dosage of Copaxone your doctor prescribes may depend on several factors, including the type and severity of the condition being treated.

Copaxone is given as an injection under your skin. You’ll likely get your first dose from a healthcare professional who will show you how to inject the medication correctly.

Copaxone should be stored in a refrigerator between 36°F and 46°F (2°C and 8°C). When you’re ready to inject your dose, remove the single-dose syringe from the refrigerator. Let it sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes. The solution should look clear or slightly yellow, and it should be easy to see through. You should safely discard any dose that doesn’t look right.

You can inject Copaxone into your belly, thighs, or the upper part of your hips. If a caregiver is doing the injection for you, they can also use the back of your upper arm. Try to switch between several injection sites to let prior ones heal before injecting again in these areas.

For detailed instructions on how to inject Copaxone, visit the manufacturer’s website.

Disclaimer: Healthline has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.