Avonex
(Interferon Beta-1a)
Intramuscular Injection
Avonex is used for:
Treating relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis (MS) to reduce the number of flare-ups and slow down the development of physical disability associated with MS.
Avonex is a protein identical to one found in the body. How Avonex works is not fully understood. It is thought to interfere with other chemicals in the body that cause flare-ups of MS.
Do NOT use Avonex if:
you are allergic to any ingredient in Avonex
Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.
Before using Avonex :
Some medical conditions may interact with Avonex . Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:
if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding
if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement
if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances
if you have a history of liver problems or high liver enzyme levels, blood problems (eg, anemia), thyroid problems, bone marrow depression, heart disease, seizures, alcohol abuse or dependence, depression, or suicidal thoughts or behaviors
Some MEDICINES MAY INTERACT with Avonex . Tell your health care provider if you are taking any other medicines, especially any of the following:
Medicines that may harm the liver (eg, acetaminophen, methotrexate, ketoconazole, isoniazid, certain medicines for HIV infection) because the risk of side effects on the liver may be increased. Ask your doctor if you are unsure if any of your medicines might harm the liver.
This may not be a complete list of all interactions that may occur. Ask your health care provider if Avonex may interact with other medicines that you take. Check with your health care provider before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.
How to use Avonex :
Use Avonex as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.
Avonex comes with an additional patient information sheet called a Medication Guide. Read it carefully and reread it each time you get Avonex refilled.
Avonex may be administered as an injection at your doctor's office, hospital, or clinic. If you are using Avonex at home, carefully follow the injection procedures taught to you by your health care provider.
If Avonex contains particles or is discolored, or if the vial is cracked or damaged in any way, do not use it.
Use the proper technique taught to you by your doctor. Inject Avonex into a muscle.
Keep this product, as well as syringes and needles, out of the reach of children and away from pets. Do not reuse needles, syringes, or other materials. Dispose of properly after use. Ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain local regulations for proper disposal.
If you miss a dose of Avonex , use it as soon as possible and skip your dose the following day. Do not take Avonex on 2 consecutive days. Return to your regular dosing schedule the following week. If you accidentally take Avonex on 2 consecutive days or take more than your prescribed dose, contact your doctor immediately.
Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Avonex .
Important safety information:
Some patients become depressed or suicidal while taking Avonex . If you begin to feel depressed or suicidal, contact your doctor.
Drinking alcohol may increase the risk of side effects on the liver from Avonex . Talk to your doctor before drinking alcohol while you are using Avonex .
Avonex commonly causes flu-like symptoms. Talk to your doctor about whether you should take a nonprescription medicine for pain or fever reduction before or after taking Avonex .
Avonex CONTAINS ALBUMIN, which comes from human blood. There is an extremely rare risk of developing a viral disease or a central nervous system disease called Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease. No cases of viral disease or Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease from albumin have been identified.
LAB TESTS, including blood cell counts, liver function tests, and thyroid function tests, may be performed to monitor your progress or to check for side effects. Be sure to keep all doctor and lab appointments.
Use this medicine with caution in the ELDERLY because they may be more sensitive to its effects.
Use Avonex with extreme caution in CHILDREN. Safety and effectiveness have not been confirmed.
PREGNANCY and BREAST-FEEDING: Avonex may cause harm to the fetus. If you think you may be pregnant, discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of using Avonex during pregnancy. It is unknown if Avonex is excreted in breast milk. If you are or will be breast-feeding while you are using Avonex , check with your doctor or pharmacist to discuss the risks to your baby.
Possible side effects of Avonex :
All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome:
Flu-like symptoms (eg, headache, tiredness, fever, chills, back pain, muscle aches, weakness); pain, redness, or swelling at the injection site; stomach pain.
Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur:
Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); change in vision; chest pain; dark urine; depression; easy bruising or bleeding; extreme tiredness or weakness; fast or irregular heartbeat; feeling cold or hot all the time; increased urination at night; infection at the injection site; seizures; shortness of breath; suicidal thoughts or behaviors; swollen ankles; unexplained change in weight; yellowing of the eyes or skin.