Yes, generic Copaxone is available. Generic glatiramer acetate has been sold in the United States since 2015, when the FDA approved Glatopa as the first generic, and today seven generic approvals from several manufacturers cover both the 20 mg/mL daily dose and the 40 mg/mL dose taken 3 times a week (Drugs.com; Lexidrug).
This guide explains who makes generic glatiramer acetate, whether it is the same as Copaxone, how Glatopa fits in, what to know before switching, and how to get help paying for it.
Is There a Generic for Copaxone?
Yes, generic glatiramer acetate is FDA-approved and available in the United States in the same two strengths as Copaxone.
Lexidrug lists generic glatiramer acetate as a 1 mL prefilled syringe for injection under the skin, in 20 mg/mL and 40 mg/mL. Glatopa is another brand name for glatiramer acetate and is one of the generic options. Brand Copaxone was first approved by the FDA on December 20, 1996 (Lexidrug).
Who Makes Generic Glatiramer Acetate?
Generic glatiramer acetate is made by several companies, including Sandoz (as Glatopa), Mylan, Synthon, Chemi, ScinoPharm Taiwan and Hybio.
Is Generic Glatiramer Acetate the Same as Copaxone?
Yes, every FDA-approved generic glatiramer acetate is rated AP, which means the FDA considers it therapeutically equivalent to Copaxone (Drugs.com; FDA Orange Book).
The FDA requires a generic to have the same active ingredient, strength, dosage form and route as the brand, and to work in the body the same way. For glatiramer acetate, that means:
- The same: active ingredient, strengths (20 mg/mL and 40 mg/mL), dosing schedules, approved uses, and safety warnings.
- What can differ: the syringe or packaging, some inactive ingredients (Lexidrug notes Glatopa 20 mg/mL contains mannitol), and which autoinjector device is compatible.
Glatopa vs Copaxone: What Is the Difference?
Glatopa is a generic glatiramer acetate made by Sandoz, and it was the first generic of Copaxone approved by the FDA, in April 2015 (Drugs.com).
Glatopa comes in both 20 mg/mL and 40 mg/mL and carries the same AP rating as the other generics. At list price, Glatopa and the other generics cost about 16% to 25% less than brand Copaxone. See the full price breakdown in our Copaxone cost guide.
Can You Switch From Copaxone to Generic Glatiramer Acetate?
Yes, many patients switch from Copaxone to generic glatiramer acetate, but the switch should always go through your prescriber.
Two details matter when you switch. First, Lexidrug notes that the 20 mg/mL and 40 mg/mL strengths are not interchangeable, so the generic must match the strength and schedule your doctor prescribed. Second, if you use an autoinjector, it has to be compatible with your product: Lexidrug warns that a noncompatible device can cause dosing errors. The syringe may also look or feel different, so ask your pharmacist to walk you through it.
Always use glatiramer acetate exactly as prescribed. Do not change your dose, switch strengths or products, or change how often you inject without talking to your prescriber.
Side Effects of Generic Glatiramer Acetate
Generic glatiramer acetate has the same side effects as Copaxone, and the most common include irritation where the shot is given, upset stomach or vomiting, feeling tired or weak, and back pain (Lexidrug).
Glatiramer acetate is injected under the skin of the arms, abdomen, hips or thighs, and rotating injection sites may help lower the chance of skin changes (Lexidrug; MedlinePlus). Call your doctor if any side effect bothers you or does not go away, and get medical help right away for the serious warning signs below.
How Can You Get Help Paying for Generic Glatiramer Acetate?
The main ways to lower what you pay are manufacturer copay programs, patient assistance programs, and independent foundation grants.
- Manufacturer copay programs: for patients with commercial insurance. Brand and generic makers may each have their own program, and a copay card for one product usually does not apply to another.
- Patient assistance programs: for patients with limited or no insurance, usually based on household income.
- Foundation grants: independent charities that may help Medicare and other patients with MS pay their share when a fund is open.
QuickRx patient navigators check which options fit your insurance and the product you are prescribed, and apply on your behalf, free of charge. Eligible patients may pay $0. Learn more about our Copaxone copay assistance or call (917) 830-2525.
“Patients often ask us whether the generic is really the same medicine. It is: the same active ingredient, strengths and warnings as Copaxone. What changes is the syringe, sometimes the device, and the price. Our navigators make sure the product you get matches your prescription and that you are using every option you qualify for to pay for it.
Julia Kravtsova, PharmD
Head Patient Navigator, QuickRx Specialty Pharmacy
Important Safety Information
- Boxed warning: life-threatening and fatal allergic reactions (anaphylaxis) have been reported with glatiramer acetate, as early as the first dose or years after starting. Get emergency care right away if you have trouble breathing, swelling, hives or feel faint (Lexidrug).
- Some people have a reaction right after an injection, such as flushing, chest tightness, a racing heartbeat or shortness of breath. These reactions often pass on their own, but call your doctor if they happen, because they can look like the start of anaphylaxis (Lexidrug).
- Skin changes at the injection site can happen, including dents under the skin (lipoatrophy) and, rarely, skin damage. Rotate injection sites every time (Lexidrug).
- Liver problems have been reported. Call your doctor if you notice dark urine, yellow skin or eyes, or unusual tiredness (Lexidrug).
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a generic for Copaxone?
Yes. Generic glatiramer acetate has been available in the United States since April 2015, when the FDA approved Glatopa as the first generic. Generic glatiramer acetate now comes from several manufacturers in both 20 mg/mL and 40 mg/mL (Drugs.com).
Is generic glatiramer acetate as effective as Copaxone?
Yes. Every FDA-approved generic glatiramer acetate is rated AP, meaning the FDA considers it therapeutically equivalent to Copaxone and expects it to have the same clinical effect and safety profile.
What is Glatopa?
Glatopa is a generic glatiramer acetate made by Sandoz. It was the first generic of Copaxone approved by the FDA, in April 2015, and it is available in both 20 mg/mL and 40 mg/mL.
Who makes generic glatiramer acetate?
FDA-approved makers include Sandoz (Glatopa), Mylan, Synthon, Chemi, ScinoPharm Taiwan and Hybio, according to Drugs.com (last updated September 10, 2026). Which one you receive depends on your pharmacy and your insurance plan.
Can I switch from Copaxone to the generic?
Yes, with your prescriber’s approval. The generic must match your prescribed strength, because the 20 mg/mL and 40 mg/mL strengths are not interchangeable, and any autoinjector you use must be compatible with the new product (Lexidrug).
How much does generic Copaxone cost?
At list price, generic glatiramer acetate and Glatopa cost about 16% to 25% less than brand Copaxone. Our Copaxone cost guide has the full price table by strength. Your actual cost depends on your insurance and any assistance you qualify for; call (917) 830-2525 for help.
Sources and Further Reading
Learn more about generic glatiramer acetate, Copaxone and multiple sclerosis from these trusted sources:
- Drugs.com: Generic Copaxone availability (FDA approvals and ratings)
- FDA Orange Book: therapeutic equivalence ratings
- FDA: Generic Drug Facts
- MedlinePlus: Glatiramer Injection
- DailyMed (NIH): glatiramer acetate drug labels, including Copaxone and Glatopa
- MedlinePlus: Multiple Sclerosis
- National Multiple Sclerosis Society
Clinical Reference: Glatiramer Acetate (Lexi-Drugs), Lexidrug via UpToDate, accessed May 13, 2026. Generic approval dates and AP ratings: Drugs.com Generic Copaxone availability, last updated September 10, 2026.
Medical Disclaimer: This article is for general information only and does not replace advice from your doctor or pharmacist. Do not start, stop or change any medication or dose without talking to your prescriber. Copay cards, patient assistance programs and foundation grants are offered and controlled by their sponsors, not by QuickRx; eligibility rules are set by each sponsor, not every patient qualifies, and programs may change or close at any time. QuickRx does not issue copay cards; we apply on your behalf. Copaxone and Glatopa are trademarks of their respective owners; QuickRx is not affiliated with them.
Written by: Paola Larrabure, Pharma Content Manager
Clinically reviewed by: Julia Kravtsova, PharmD, Head Patient Navigator
Last updated: October 20, 2026
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