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Compare 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)
    Glatiramer (Copaxone)
  • Vumerity (diroximel fumarate)
    Glatiramer (Copaxone)

  • Summary of Vumerity vs. Copaxone

    Summary for Fumaric acid derivative
    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).

    Summary for Multiple sclerosis disease modifying therapy
    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 of Vumerity vs. Copaxone

    Indications for
    •Relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis (MS)
    Indications for
    •Relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis (MS)

  • Pros and Cons of Vumerity vs. Copaxone

    Pros and Const for Fumaric acid derivative
    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
    Pros and Const for Multiple sclerosis disease modifying therapy
    Pros
    •Less likely to cause serious side effects compared to some other injectable MS medications, such as Avonex (interferon beta-1a)
    •Can be stored at room temperature for up to 1 month
    •Available as lower-cost generics (Glatopa and glatiramer)
    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 of Vumerity vs. Copaxone

    Common Side Effects for
    •Flushing (40%)
    •Stomach pain (18%)
    •Diarrhea (14%)
    •Nausea (12%)
    Common Side Effects for
    •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 of Vumerity vs. Copaxone

    Common Side Effects for
    •Severe allergic reaction
    •Flushing
    •Risk for serious infections
    •Low white blood cell counts (lymphopenia)
    •Liver damage
    •Serious stomach and gut problems
    Common Side Effects for
    •Reactions after injection
    •Chest pain
    •Loss of fat tissue and injection site necrosis
    •Liver damage

  • Prices with our coupons for Vumerity vs. Copaxone

    Learn more about Vumerity
    Learn more about Glatiramer

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