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Vumerity vs. Copaxone

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

Key takeaways

Diroximel fumarate (Vumerity) and glatiramer (Copaxone, Glatopa) are both medications used to treat relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis (MS). However, they belong to different medication classes. Diroximel fumarate is a fumaric acid derivative taken orally, while glatiramer is a disease-modifying therapy injected under the skin. Diroximel fumarate comes as a capsule taken twice daily, whereas glatiramer can be injected either daily or three times a week, depending on the dose. Diroximel fumarate does not have a generic version, but glatiramer is available as a generic. Common side effects of diroximel fumarate include stomach upset and flushing, while glatiramer often causes injection site reactions like redness and pain. Diroximel fumarate may suppress your immune system and increase the risk of infection. Glatiramer hasn't been shown to weaken your immune system. Both medications can potentially cause liver damage.

Vumerity

(diroximel fumarate)

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Glatiramer

(Copaxone)

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Summary for Vumerity

Prescription only

Vumerity, also known by its generic name dimethyl fumarate, is approved in adults for treating relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis (MS). It belongs to the drug class called fumaric acid derivatives. Vumerity (diroximel fumarate) is a capsule that's taken by mouth twice per day. The most common side effects are stomach upset and flushing (e.g., facial warmth, redness, burning sensation).

Indications for Vumerity

Pros and Cons for Vumerity

Pros

  • Lessens the number of relapses per year
  • Available in a "starter dose" bottle and "maintenance dose" bottle to help you keep track of how much medication to take
  • Few interactions with other medications

Cons

  • Have to take twice per day
  • Flushing is a common side effect
  • Shouldn't take the medication with high-fat and high-calorie meals

Common Side Effects for Vumerity

  • Flushing (40%)
  • Stomach pain (18%)
  • Diarrhea (14%)
  • Nausea (12%)

Warnings for Vumerity

  • Severe allergic reaction
  • Flushing
  • Risk for serious infections
  • Low white blood cell counts (lymphopenia)
  • Liver damage
  • Serious stomach and gut problems

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 Vumerity vs. Copaxone

Price Card Drug Icon
Vumerity1 bottle / Maintenance Dose of 231mg
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Glatiramer1 carton / 12 syringes of 40mg/ml
$1,182.06-
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