Copaxone (glatiramer acetate) may not be safe to receive while pregnant or breastfeeding. Certain factors, including the risks of fetal harm, may determine whether you can receive the drug during this time.
If you may be or can become pregnant, it’s important to consider whether Copaxone is a safe option for you.
Doctors prescribe Copaxone to treat certain types of multiple sclerosis (MS). It’s important to note that not treating this condition during pregnancy may also carry certain risks.
Because of this, you and your doctor may discuss the risks and benefits of receiving Copaxone while pregnant versus not treating your condition during pregnancy.
Doctors haven’t studied Copaxone in pregnant people. So, it’s not known whether people can receive the drug during pregnancy.
Some people have received Copaxone during pregnancy. But there’s not enough information available to say whether the drug increases problems with fetal development (commonly known as birth defects) or pregnancy loss.
Animal studies involving pregnant rats or rabbits who received Copaxone didn’t show any harm to fetuses. But keep in mind that animal studies don’t always predict what will happen in humans.
If you’re pregnant or may become pregnant, talk with your doctor about whether Copaxone is right for you. And if you’re already receiving Copaxone and you become pregnant, be sure to call your doctor right away.
If you’re currently breastfeeding or planning to do so, it’s important to understand the effects that Copaxone could have on you or the breastfed child.
It’s not known whether Copaxone passes into breast milk or whether it can affect a breastfed child.
If you’re breastfeeding or planning to breastfeed, talk with your doctor about whether Copaxone is right for you.
If you’re sexually active and you or your partner can become pregnant, it’s important to consider how Copaxone could affect your birth control options.
It’s not known whether Copaxone is safe to receive during pregnancy. If you’re sexually active and you or your partner can become pregnant, talk with your doctor about your birth control needs while you’re receiving Copaxone.
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.