Avonex

Generic name: Interferon Beta-1a
Drug class: Interferons

Usage of Avonex

Avonex is made from human proteins. Interferons help the body fight viral infections.

Avonex is used to treat relapsing multiple sclerosis (MS) in adults (including clinically isolated syndrome, relapsing-remitting disease, and active secondary progressive disease).

Avonex will not cure MS, it will only decrease the frequency of relapse symptoms.

Avonex side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction to Avonex (hives, itching, anxiety, difficult breathing, swelling in your face or throat) or a severe skin reaction (fever, sore throat, burning eyes, skin pain, red or purple skin rash with blistering and peeling).

Interferon beta-1a can cause life-threatening blood clots in the small blood vessels inside your organs, such as your brain or kidneys. Seek medical help right away if you have symptoms of this condition, such as a fever, tiredness, decreased urination, bruising, or nosebleeds.

Call your doctor at once if you have:

pain, swelling, bruising, redness, oozing, or skin changes where the injection was given;

a light-headed feeling, like you might pass out;

unusual changes in mood or behavior (feeling hopeless, anxious, nervous, irritable, or depressed);

thoughts about suicide or hurting yourself;

easy bruising, unusual bleeding;

a seizure;

heart problems - swelling, rapid weight gain, feeling short of breath, rapid heartbeats, chest pain spreading to your jaw or shoulder, nausea, sweating;

liver problems - nausea, loss of appetite, tiredness, confusion, easy bruising or bleeding, dark urine, clay-colored stools, or jaundice (yellowing of your skin or eyes);

signs of infection - fever, chills, cough with mucus, bloody diarrhea, pain or burning when you urinate; or

thyroid problems - mood swings, trouble sleeping, tiredness, hunger, diarrhea, pounding heartbeats, muscle weakness, sweating, dry skin, thinning hair, menstrual changes, weight changes, puffiness in your face, feeling more sensitive to hot or cold temperatures.

Common Avonex side effects may include:

low blood cell counts;

skin changes where the injection was given;

depression;

abnormal liver function tests;

stomach pain; or

flu symptoms - headache, fever, chills, chest pain, back pain, tiredness, weakness, muscle aches.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Before taking Avonex

You should not use Avonex if you are allergic to natural or recombinant interferon beta or albumin.

To make sure Avonex is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:

depression, mental illness, or suicidal thoughts or actions;

liver disease;

bleeding problems or a blood clot;

low blood cell counts;

heart disease;

a thyroid disorder;

a latex allergy;

an autoimmune disorder such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, or psoriasis;

a seizure; or

if you drink alcohol.

Some brands of interferon beta-1a contain donated human plasma and may contain viruses or other infectious agents. Donated plasma is tested and treated to reduce the risk of contamination, but there is still a small possibility it could transmit disease. Ask your doctor about any possible risk.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, or if you are breastfeeding.

Interferon beta-1a is not approved for use by anyone younger than 18 years old.

Relate drugs

How to use Avonex

Usual Adult Dose for Multiple Sclerosis:

30 mcg IM once a week: titration dose to reduce the incidence and severity of influenza-like symptoms: Week 1: 7.5 mcg IM once a week Week 2: 15 mcg IM once a week Week 3: 22.5 mcg IM once a week Week 4+: 30 mcg IM once a week Use: For the treatment of patients with relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis to slow the accumulation of physical disability and decrease the frequency of clinical exacerbations. Patients with multiple sclerosis in whom efficacy has been demonstrated include patients who have experienced a first clinical episode and have MRI features consistent with multiple sclerosis

Warnings

Avonex can harm your liver. Call your doctor if you have symptoms such as nausea, loss of appetite, tiredness, confusion, easy bruising or bleeding, dark urine, clay-colored stools, or yellowing of your skin or eyes.

Some people have thoughts about suicide while using interferon beta-1a. Stay alert to changes in your mood or symptoms. Report any new or worsening symptoms to your doctor.

Before using Avonex, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have liver disease, a thyroid disorder, epilepsy or other seizure disorder, heart disease, chest pain (angina), congestive heart failure, a heart rhythm disorder, or a history of depression or suicidal behavior.

What other drugs will affect Avonex

Other drugs may interact with interferon beta-1a, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any medicine you start or stop using.

Disclaimer

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