No. It’s currently thought that there’s no increased risk of cancer with Copaxone use. While there were some reports of cancer in people taking the drug after it was released onto the market, these reports were rare. And increased risk of cancer hasn’t been directly linked to Copaxone use.
However, certain other drugs used to treat multiple sclerosis (MS), such as those that cause immunosuppression, may increase the risk of cancer. Examples of these other drugs include alemtuzumab (Lemtrada) and mitoxantrone.
Normally, your immune system kills germs, as well as cells in your body that are abnormal or not working right. This action helps to protect you from developing cancers and infections. But with immunosuppression, your immune system is suppressed (weakened) and doesn’t work as well as it should. If your immune system is suppressed, you have a higher risk of developing certain cancers and infections.
Copaxone does make some parts of your immune system less active than usual. However, Copaxone is called an immunomodulator, rather than an immunosuppressant. That’s because Copaxone changes the way your immune system works, rather than suppresses your immune system.
If you have questions about the risks of Copaxone treatment, talk with your doctor.