Anaphylaxis to Glatiramer Acetate

Abstract

Glatiramer acetate (Copaxone, Teva Pharma) and interferon beta are the two only disease-modifying therapies for multiple sclerosis. Glatiramer acetate is known for frequently simulating mild, anaphylactoid reactions while true, IgE- mediated allergic reactions have been hardly reported so far. Herein, we report two females suffering from multiple scle- rosis who experienced rapidly aggravating hypersensitivity-reactions upon treatment with glatiramer acetate. Patient one experienced an asthma attack, patient two an exacerbation of her urticaria and angioedema. An IgE-mediated mechanism could be demonstrated by a positive intradermal test to a 1:1000 dilution in the first 31-year old and by a positive skin prick test to a 1:10 diluted skin prick test in the second 32-year old second woman.