[Durgical](https://durgical.com/en/) › [DurgiPedia](https://durgical.com/en/durgipedia/) › [Pharmacology](https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/) › [Multiple sclerosis disease-modifying therapies](https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/classes/multiple-sclerosis-disease-modifying-therapies/) › Glatiramer acetate

# Glatiramer acetate

## Multiple sclerosis disease-modifying therapies?

Multiple sclerosis disease-modifying therapies

A random polymer of four amino acids injected under the skin for relapsing multiple sclerosis; it shifts immune cells away from attacking myelin.

Updated Nov 1, 2026

## Quick facts

**Group**
[Multiple sclerosis disease-modifying therapies](https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/classes/multiple-sclerosis-disease-modifying-therapies/)

**Target**
MHC class II molecules and myelin-reactive T cells (immunomodulation)

**Used for**
Relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis

**Key effects**
Injection site reactions · Flushing · Chest pain

**Monitor**
Injection sites · Signs of anaphylaxis or liver injury

**ATC**
L03AX13

No doses: the clinician sets them by the current guideline.

On this page

- The basics Mechanism of action
- Indications
- Adverse effects
- Pharmacokinetics
- Memory aid

- Safety Contraindications
- Key interactions
- What is monitored
- Administration and safety
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding
- Nursing care

- Study Test yourself

- Connections Connections

## Mechanism of action

Glatiramer acetate is a mixture of random polypeptides made of L-glutamic acid, L-alanine, L-tyrosine and L-lysine. It binds MHC class II molecules efficiently and induces cross-reactive CD4 T cells that secrete anti-inflammatory TH2 cytokines such as IL-4 and IL-13. These cells damp inflammation in the brain and spinal cord, reducing relapses and new MRI lesions. The exact mechanism is not fully understood.

- Glatiramer binds MHC class II molecules
- Cross-reactive CD4 T cells switch to an anti-inflammatory TH2 profile
- Inflammation in the CNS is damped
- Fewer relapses and new lesions

## Indications

- Relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis in adults [Multiple sclerosis →](https://durgical.com/en/conditions/multiple-sclerosis/)

## Adverse effects

### Common

- Injection site reactions (redness, pain, swelling, itching)
- Flushing (vasodilatation), rash and shortness of breath
- Chest pain, usually brief

### Serious (rare, important)

- Anaphylaxis, which can be fatal and can occur long after starting
- Immediate post-injection reaction (flushing, chest pain, palpitations, anxiety, throat tightness) within minutes; usually self-limited
- Lipoatrophy and, rarely, skin necrosis at injection sites
- Liver injury, including hepatitis and liver failure

## Contraindications

- Hypersensitivity to glatiramer acetate or mannitol

## Key interactions

**Optional autoinjector devices**
An incompatible device can cause missed or partial doses; each product has its own compatible device

## What is monitored

- Injection sites (rotation, lipoatrophy, necrosis)
- Signs of anaphylaxis or liver injury
- Relapses and MRI activity

## Administration and safety

- Subcutaneous injection; sites are rotated to prevent lipoatrophy
- The patient or caregiver is trained in injection technique
- Only an autoinjector labelled as compatible with that specific product is used

## Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Decades of pregnancy data have not shown a drug-associated risk of major birth defects or miscarriage.

## Nursing care

- Teach injection technique and site rotation
- Explain the immediate post-injection reaction and how it differs from anaphylaxis (which needs emergency care)
- Teach signs of liver problems: jaundice, dark urine, nausea

## Pharmacokinetics

**Absorption**
Subcutaneous injection; a substantial fraction is hydrolyzed locally at the injection site

## Memory aid

«Glatiramer = GLu, Ala, TYR, lys»: a decoy made of four amino acids that teaches T cells to calm down.

## Test yourself

Think of the answer, then tap the question to see it.

## What is glatiramer acetate made of?

Random polypeptides of L-glutamic acid, L-alanine, L-tyrosine and L-lysine.

## What happens in the immediate post-injection reaction?

Flushing, chest pain, palpitations, anxiety or throat tightness within minutes, usually brief and self-limited.

## Why are injection sites rotated?

To reduce lipoatrophy and skin necrosis.

[Add to my cards (3)](https://durgical.app/estudiar/?add=/en/pharmacology/glatiramer-acetate/)

[More Pharmacology questions →](https://durgical.com/en/practice/?f=pharmacology)

## Connections

## Related drugs 3

- [Interferon beta](https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/interferon-beta/)
- [Fingolimod](https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/fingolimod/)
- [Natalizumab](https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/natalizumab/)

## Related conditions 1

- [Multiple sclerosis](https://durgical.com/en/conditions/multiple-sclerosis/)

[← Back to the class: Multiple sclerosis disease-modifying therapies](https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/classes/multiple-sclerosis-disease-modifying-therapies/)

Educational content on how drugs work; not a prescribing guide and no substitute for a health professional's advice. No doses are given.

Sources: [DailyMed - GLATIRAMER ACETATE injection, solution](https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=7a573ffb-5dd7-43b7-8633-c69f303b1bbf) (DailyMed (U.S. National Library of Medicine), 2026); [Glatiramer Injection: MedlinePlus Drug Information](https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a603016.html) (MedlinePlus (U.S. National Library of Medicine), 2026); [eEML - Electronic Essential Medicines List](https://list.essentialmeds.org/) (World Health Organization, 2025).

## **Spotted a mistake?** We are always improving for the community. Tell us what is wrong and our team will review it. Report a mistake

Representative model, for educational purposes only.

---
Source: https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/glatiramer-acetate/
License: CC BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). Cite as: DurgiPedia (durgical.com), https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/glatiramer-acetate/