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Mayzent vs. Copaxone

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.

Key takeaways

Mayzent (siponimod) and Glatiramer (Copaxone, Glatopa) are both used to treat relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis (MS), but they have some key differences. Mayzent is taken orally as a tablet once a day, while Glatiramer is injected under the skin either daily or three times a week. Mayzent requires genetic testing before starting treatment to determine the appropriate dose, whereas Glatiramer does not. Mayzent is only available as a brand-name medication, but Glatiramer is available in both brand-name and generic forms. Common side effects of Mayzent include headache, high blood pressure, and falls, while Glatiramer often causes injection site reactions like pain and swelling. Additionally, Mayzent is considered an immunosuppressant, which can increase your risk of infections, whereas Glatiramer is not classified as an immunosuppressant but can still affect your immune system.

Mayzent

(siponimod)

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Glatiramer

(Copaxone)

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Summary for Mayzent

Prescription only

Mayzent (siponimod) is a disease-modifying treatment option for relapsing multiple sclerosis (MS) in adults. It can lower the chances of worsening MS and lower the number of MS relapses. Mayzent (siponimod) is a tablet that's taken by mouth. Common side effects include headache, high blood pressure, and falls. Mayzent (siponimod) is currently available as a brand-name only.

Indications for Mayzent

  • Relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis (MS)

Pros and Cons for Mayzent

Pros

  • Works well to slow worsening of MS and lower the number of MS relapses
  • Taken by mouth once per day
  • Doesn't require frequent visits to the clinic or infusion center to receive your dose

Cons

  • Requires several tests before starting (e.g., genetic testing, electrocardiogram, blood tests)
  • Might not be a good option for people with heart or serious liver problems
  • Not safe during pregnancy

Common Side Effects for Mayzent

  • Headache (15%)
  • High blood pressure (13%)
  • Higher liver enzyme levels in the blood (11%)
  • Falls (11%)
  • Swelling of the arms and legs (edema, 8%)
  • Nausea (7%)
  • Dizziness (7%)
  • Diarrhea (6%)
  • Low heart rate (6%)
  • Pain in arms or legs (6%)

Warnings for Mayzent

  • Infections
  • Eye problems
  • Slow heart rate
  • Breathing problems
  • Liver damage
  • Risk of skin cancer
  • Harm to unborn babies
  • Brain problem called posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES)

Summary for Copaxone

Prescription only

Glatiramer (Copaxone) is used to treat relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis (MS). Glatiramer (Copaxone) is injected under the skin, either daily or three times a week, depending on your dose. Injection sites for glatiramer (Copaxone) include the arms, stomach, hips, and thighs. It can cause common side effects such as warmth and pain at the injection site. Glatiramer (Copaxone) comes as prefilled syringes. But your provider can also write you a prescription for autoinjectors, which might be easier to use. Glatiramer is available as both brand-name and generic medications.

Indications for Copaxone

  • Relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis (MS)

Pros and Cons for Copaxone

Pros

Cons

  • Needs to be injected every day (20 mg/mL) or three times per week (40 mg/mL)
  • Not well-studied in children or older adults 65 years of age or older
  • Injection can cause damage to skin, so need to rotate injection sites

Common Side Effects for Copaxone

  • Warmth at injection site (43%)
  • Pain at injection site (40%)
  • Infection (30%)
  • Itching and swelling at injection site (up to 27%)
  • Weakness (22%)
  • General body pain (20%)
  • Rash (19%)
  • Nausea (15%)
  • Trouble catching your breath (14%)
  • Anxiety (13%)
  • Chest pain (13%)
  • Back pain (12%)

Warnings for Copaxone

  • Reactions after injection
  • Chest pain
  • Loss of fat tissue and injection site necrosis
  • Liver damage

Prices with our coupons for Mayzent vs. Copaxone

Price Card Drug Icon
Mayzent30 tablets / 2mg
$10,522.97$17,007.50
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Glatiramer1 carton / 12 syringes of 40mg/ml
$1,185.81$4,306.57
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