Brand Name

 

 

Avonex

 

 

Common Name

 

 

interferon beta-1a (Avonex)

 

 

How does this medication work? What will it do for me?

 

 

Interferon beta-1a belongs to a group of medications known as immunomodulators. It is a form of a protein that occurs naturally in the body. Interferon beta-1a is used to treat relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis (MS), a chronic and disabling disease that affects the central nervous system (CNS) by destroying the protective covering (myelin) surrounding nerve fibres. This medication is also used to delay the onset of clinically definite MS in people who have experienced a single flare-up of symptoms and have changes suggestive of MS in their magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans.

 

Interferon beta-1a will not cure MS but may decrease the number of relapses of the disease, slow the occurrence of some of the physical disability that is common for people with MS, and decrease the number and volume of active brain lesions (damaged areas of the brain) seen in the MRI scans.

 

Your doctor may have suggested this medication for conditions other than those listed in these drug information articles. As well, some forms of this medication may not be used for all of the conditions discussed here. If you have not discussed this with your doctor or are not sure why you are taking this medication, speak to your doctor. Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor.

 

Do not give this medication to anyone else, even if they have the same symptoms as you do. It can be harmful for people to take this medication if their doctor has not prescribed it.

 

 

 

 

 

 

How should I use this medication?

 

The usual adult dose of interferon beta-1a for people with relapsing forms of MS is 30 µg once a week as an injection into a muscle (thigh or upper arm). For patients with relapsing progressive MS or secondary progressive MS with recurrent attacks, the dose could be increased to 60 µg once a week.

 

Interferon beta-1a is used with the guidance and supervision of a doctor. Your doctor or nurse may ask you to inject the medication at home once he or she has instructed you and is certain that you won't have any problems with doing it at home. Do not attempt to prepare or inject this medication on your own until you completely understand how to mix and inject a dose.

 

Make sure that you change your injection site each week. You should avoid injecting this medication into an area of skin that is sore, red, infected, or otherwise damaged. If you are having difficulty giving yourself injections, talk to your health care provider.

 

Many things can affect the dose of medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change the way that you are taking the medication without consulting your doctor.

 

It is important that this medication be used exactly as prescribed by your doctor. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible and continue with your regular schedule. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one. Do not take this medication two days in a row.

 

If you are using the vial, the medication may be kept at room temperature for up to 30 days (as long as it has not been mixed). After mixing, the medication must be injected immediately. If this is not possible, it can be stored in the refrigerator and used within 6 hours of mixing.

 

If you are using the prefilled syringe, take it out of the refrigerator about 30 minutes before use to allow the medication to reach room temperature. Do not use external heat sources (such as hot water or a microwave) to warm up the medication. The prefilled syringe must be used within 12 hours of removing it from the refrigerator.

 

Please refer to the package insert for complete instructions on using this medication. Always wash your hands before preparing the medication and after you have used it. Always use a new unopened vial, syringe, and needle. Never reuse vials, syringes, prefilled syringes, or needles.

 

Keep the medication in the refrigerator at 2°C to 8°C before use, but make sure it doesn't freeze. Protect this medication from light, moisture, and high temperatures, and keep it out of the reach of children.

 

This medication is available under multiple brand names and/or in several different forms. Any specific brand name of this medication may not be available in all of the forms listed here. The forms available for the specific brand you have searched are listed under, "What form(s) does this medication come in?"

 

 

What form(s) does this medication come in?

 

 

Each single-use vial of sterile white to off-white lyophilized powder contains interferon beta-1a 33 µg (6.6 million IU). Nonmedicinal ingredients: albumin human USP 16.5 mg, dibasic sodium phosphate USP 6.3 mg, monobasic sodium phosphate USP 1.3 mg, and sodium chloride USP 6.4 mg. Preservative-free.

 

Some medications may have other generic brands available. Always ask your doctor or pharmacist about the safety of switching between brands of the same medication.

 

 

Who should NOT take this medication?

 

 

Interferon beta-1a should not be used by anyone who:

 

·    is allergic to interferon beta-1a or to any of the ingredients of the medication

·    is allergic to human albumin (for the vial form only)

 

 

 

 

 

 

What side effects are possible with this medication?

 

 

Many medications can cause side effects. A side effect is an unwanted response to a medication when it is taken in normal doses. Side effects can be mild or severe, temporary or permanent. The side effects listed below are not experienced by everyone who takes this medication. If you are concerned about side effects, discuss the risks and benefits of this medication with your doctor.

 

The following side effects have been reported by at least 1% of people taking this medication. Many of these side effects can be managed, and some may go away on their own over time.

 

Contact your doctor if you experience these side effects and they are severe or bothersome. Your pharmacist may be able to advise you on managing side effects.

 

·    headache

·    diarrhea

·    difficulty sleeping

·    heartburn

·    flu-like symptoms (e.g., fever, chills, sweating, muscle aches, tiredness)

·    nausea

·    skin irritation, swelling, or pain at the injection site

 

Although most of the side effects listed below don't happen very often, they could lead to serious problems if you do not seek medical attention.

 

Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:

 

·    chills or fever

·    fainting

·    signs of heart problems (swollen ankles, shortness of breath, tightness in the chest, decreased ability to exercise, increased heart rate)

·    signs of liver problems (yellow eyes or skin, abdominal pain, dark urine or pale stools, easy bruising)

·    signs of thyroid problems (weight changes, feeling constantly hot or cold, changes in sleep patterns)

·    signs of blood problems (flu-like symptoms, bruises, or unusual tiredness)

·    signs of depression (feeling sad, losing interest in things you used to enjoy, weight changes, changes in sleep habits, feelings of guilt or worthlessness, thoughts of suicide)

·    weakness

 

Stop taking the medication and seek immediate medical attention if any of the following occur:

 

·    seizures

·    signs of a serious allergic reaction (swelling of the face, tongue, or throat; hives; difficulty breathing)

 

Some people may experience side effects other than those listed. Check with your doctor if you notice any symptom that worries you while you are taking this medication.

 

 

Are there any other precautions or warnings for this medication?

 

 

Before you begin using a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should use this medication.

 

Blood: Your blood cells and platelets may be lowered by this medication. If you develop flu-like symptoms that continue after the first few months of starting therapy, bruises, or unusual fatigue, call your doctor as soon as possible.

 

·    Depression: Depression has been reported by some people taking interferon medications. People with depression should be closely monitored by their doctor. People who develop symptoms of depression (see side effects) while taking this medication should contact their doctor as soon as possible.

 

·    Heart problems: This medication may worsen symptoms of heart disease. Contact your doctor as soon as possible if you develop symptoms of heart problems such as shortness of breath, chest pain, rapid heartbeat, or swollen ankles.

 

·    Liver damage: This medication may cause severe liver damage. Although rare, this side effect can be very serious. Your doctor will test your liver function regularly while you are taking this medication. Contact your doctor as soon as possible if you notice any of the signs of liver damage, including yellow eyes or skin, easy bruising of the skin, nausea and vomiting, itching, or abdominal pain. People with a history of poor liver function, alcohol abuse, or active liver disease should be closely monitored by their doctor while taking this medication.

 

·    Seizures: Some people have had seizures while taking this medication, including patients who have never had seizures before. It is not known whether the seizures were related to the effects of their MS, to the medication, or to the combination of both. If you have a seizure while taking this medication, you should call your doctor right away.

 

·    Thyroid problems: Some people taking this medication develop changes in the function of their thyroid. Symptoms of these changes include feeling cold or hot all the time, a change in weight (gain or loss) without a change in your diet or amount of exercise you get, or feeling emotional. Contact your doctor if you experience these symptoms.

 

·    Pregnancy: This medication should not be used during pregnancy. If you become pregnant while taking this medication, contact your doctor immediately.

 

·    Breast-feeding: It is not known if interferon beta-1a passes into breast milk. If you are a breast-feeding mother and are taking this medication, it may affect your baby. Talk to your doctor about whether you should continue breast-feeding.

 

·    Children: The safety and effectiveness of using this medication have not been established for children less than 18 years old.

 

 

What other drugs could interact with this medication?

 

 

There may be an interaction between interferon beta-1a and any of the following:

 

·    medications that can affect the immune system (e.g., corticosteroids, chemotherapy)

·    vaccines

 

If you are taking any of these medications, speak with your doctor or pharmacist. Depending on your specific circumstances, your doctor may want you to:

 

·    stop taking one of the medications,

·    change one of the medications to another,

·    change how you are taking one or both of the medications, or

·    leave everything as is.

 

An interaction between two medications does not always mean that you must stop taking one of them. Speak to your doctor about how any drug interactions are being managed or should be managed.

 

Medications other than those listed above may interact with this medication. Tell your doctor or prescriber about all prescription, over-the-counter (non-prescription), and herbal medications you are taking. Also tell them about any supplements you take. Since caffeine, alcohol, the nicotine from cigarettes, or street drugs can affect the action of many medications, you should let your prescriber know if you use them.

 

 

 

 

The contents of this site are for informational purposes only and are meant to be discussed with your physician or other qualified health care professional before being acted on. Never disregard any advice given to you by your doctor or other qualified health care professional. Always seek the advice of a physician or other licensed health care professional regarding any questions you have about your medical condition(s) and treatment(s). This site is not a substitute for medical advice.

 

 

 

 

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