Immediate reactions with glatiramer acetate: Diagnosis of allergy and desensitization protocols

Diverse adverse events have been associated with administration of glatiramer acetate (GA), mainly local reactions at the injection site. Other, less frequent generalized reactions include isolated postinjection reactions and anaphylaxis, which may lead to discontinuation of GA.

Close collaboration between the allergy and neurology departments is needed to study adverse reactions to GA. The allergy study should include a detailed history and skin prick and intradermal tests with GA and, if possible, determination of specific IgE levels. Furthermore, the implication of other drugs should be ruled out.

An accurate diagnosis of reactions to GA is essential if we are to confirm or rule out allergy to GA. When an allergy diagnosis is confirmed or firmly suspected based on clinical evidence, desensitization protocols are increasingly seen as safe methods for reintroduction of GA.