Acute hepatitis induced by glatiramer acetate

BMJ Case Rep. 2009:2009:bcr09.2008.0913. doi: 10.1136/bcr.09.2008.0913. Epub 2009 Feb 27.

Abstract

Glatiramer acetate, a mixture of synthetic polypeptides able to prevent autoimmune encephalomyelitis in experimental models, is used as a treatment for patients with active relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis. We report one case of glatiramer acetate induced hepatitis. Liver biopsy was consistent with a diagnosis of drug induced hepatitis and alanine aminotransferase returned to normal values after treatment discontinuation. The present case should serve as a warning that glatiramer acetate may cause acute liver disease.