All About Avonex

What is Avonex?

If you have multiple sclerosis (MS), your doctor may recommend that you use Avonex.

Adults use a prescription drug called Avonex.

• relapsing-remitting Multiplesclerosis is a disease.
• Active secondary progressive Multiplesclerosis.
• clinically isolated syndrome, which is an episode of symptoms similar to those of MS

For details on these conditions and how Avonex treats them, see the “Is Avonex used for MS?” section below.

Avonex basics

You inject a liquid solution into a muscle.

Avonex contains the drug interferon beta-1a, which is a biologic medication. A biologic is made from parts of living organisms.

Avonex isn’t available in a biosimilar form. (Biosimilars are like generic drugs. But unlike generics, which are made for non-biologic drugs, biosimilars are made for biologic drugs.) Instead, interferon beta-1a comes only as the brand-name drug Avonex.

Learn more about the side effects of Avonex.

What are Avonex’s side effects?

Mild or serious side effects may occur with the drug. Some of the more common side effects of Avonex are described in the lists below. All possible side effects are not included in these lists.

Side effects of a drug can depend on other factors.

• Your age.
• You have other health conditions.
• You may be taking other drugs.

The doctor or the pharmacy can tell you more about the side effects of the drug. They can suggest ways to reduce side effects.

Mild side effects

Here’s a short list of some of the mild side effects that Avonex can cause. To learn about other mild side effects, talk with your doctor or pharmacist, or read Avonex’s prescribing information.

There are some mild side effects of Avonex.

• flu-like symptoms, such as chills, fever, or muscle pain
• dizziness
• nausea
• hair loss*
• There is a throbbing head.
• infection, such as respiratory infection
• There are mild injection site reactions.

Many drugs can have mild side effects that go away in a few days or weeks. If they become intolerable, talk to your doctor or pharmacist.

The side effect focus section gives more information on this side effect.

Serious side effects

There are serious side effects from Avonex, but they are not common. If you have serious side effects from the drug, call your doctor. If you think you have a medical emergency, you should call the emergency number.

There have been serious side effects of the drug.

• depression or mood changes*
• changes in certain blood cells, such as decreased level of platelets (cells that help blood clot)
• The damage to the liver is not known.
• other autoimmune disorders, such as changes in your thyroid
• It was severe.
• Seizures.
• heart failure.
• It was severe. injection site reactions, such as death of tissue at the site of injection
• allergic reaction*

The side effect focus section gives more information on this side effect.

Allergic reaction

Some people may have an allergic reaction to Avonex.

A mild allergic reaction can include some symptoms.

• There is a skin rash.
• It is itchy.
• flushing (temporary warmth, discoloration, or deepening of skin color)

A more It was severe. allergic reaction is rare but possible. Symptoms of a It was severe. allergic reaction can include swelling under your skin, typically in your eyelids, lips, hands, or feet. They can also include swelling of your tongue, mouth, or throat, which can cause trouble breathing.

If you have an allergic reaction to Avonex, call your doctor. If you think you have a medical emergency, call the emergency number.

Keep in mind that the caps of Avonex prefilled syringes are made from latex. If you have an allergy to latex, the autoinjector form of the drug may be a better choice for you. Talk with your doctor to learn more.

Side effect focus

Some of the side effects of Avonex can be found here.

Hair loss

Hair loss is a rare side effect that you may experience with Avonex. Although uncommon, hair loss was reported in studies of people using Avonex.

What can help?

If you notice that you are losing hair while taking the drug, talk to your doctor or pharmacist. They may be able to recommend drugs that you can take to reduce hair loss. If the hair loss is bothering you, your doctor may recommend a different medication.

Liver damage

Although rare, liver damage is a possible side effect of using Avonex. Some people who used Avonex in studies had liver function test results that may indicate liver disease. In some cases, It was severe. liver disease has been reported in people after they’ve used Avonex.

“Even though it’s rare, you should know about the symptoms of the disease. This helps you watch them. Symptoms may include:”

• jaundice (yellowing of your skin and whites of your eyes)
• There is belly pain.
• nausea or vomiting

If you are also taking other medications that may affect your body, you may be at increased risk for damage to your body.

What can help?

Inform your doctor about any other medications you take before you start using Avonex. Your doctor should be able to tell you if you have a risk for damage to the bile duct.

Your doctor will monitor your body during your treatment with Avonex. If you develop any symptoms of damage to the bile duct, you should immediately tell your doctor. If you have symptoms of a damaged body, your doctor may recommend that you stop using the drug.

Depression

Some people taking Avonex developed depression, mood changes, or suicidal thoughts or behaviors during treatment. Depression was a common side effect of this medication. But rates of suicidal thoughts or behaviors were rare.

There are some symptoms of these side effects.

• feeling like a failure
• anxiety
• behavior changes such as becoming aggressive
• thoughts of harming yourself.
• hallucinations (seeing or hearing something that’s not really there)

What can help?

If you have a history of depression, mood disorders or suicidal thoughts, you should tell your doctor about it before you start taking the drug. If you have a history of mental health issues, they may monitor you more often.

If you develop any of the symptoms, you should speak with your doctor or a loved one right away. You may need to go to the emergency room if you have suicidal thoughts.

If you develop depression, mood changes or suicidal thoughts, your doctor will usually stop you from taking the drug. Some people said their depression symptoms lessened after stopping treatment with the drug.

Suicide prevention

If you think someone is at risk of self-injury or hurting another person.

• You can call your local emergency number.
• Stay with the person until help arrives.
• Guns, knives, medications, and other things should be removed.
• “Don’t judge, argue, threaten, or yell.”

If you or someone you know is considering suicide, you should get help from a hotline. The National Suicide Prevention Hotline is 800-273-8255.

Is Avonex used for MS?

Avonex is used to treat certain forms of multiple sclerosis (MS).

Relapsing forms of Multiplesclerosis are treated with the drug, Avonex. The following are used to treat adults.

• Relapsing-remitting MS. In this form of MS, you have times when your MS symptoms worsen then get better. “Remitting” means getting better.
• Active secondary progressive MS. In this form of MS, symptoms continue to worsen without getting better.
• Clinically isolated syndrome (CIS). This is an episode of symptoms similar to those of MS, and it lasts for 24 hours or more. CIS isn’t a true form of MS, and it may or may not become MS.

“The nerves that connect your brain and spine are affected by multiplesclerosis. Your immune system is attacked by the disease. This means that your brain can’t communicate with the rest of your body.”

Some symptoms of the disease may be present.

• Difficult walking
• It can be numbness or tingling.
• feeling tired
• Changes in vision.

It’s not known how Avonex works to ease symptoms. But it’s believed that the drug may change how your immune system works and decrease inflammation (swelling and damage). This may then help relieve your symptoms.

“If you have questions about whether or not it’s right for you, talk to your doctor.”

What is the dosage of Avonex?

Your doctor will tell you the right dose of Avonex. Always take the dosages your doctor prescribes.

Form and strength

You inject a liquid solution into a muscle.

A single-use prefilled syringe and an autoinjector pen are the two forms of Avonex. Each form has 30mcg of medication in a small amount of solution.

Recommended dosage

You will usually inject it once a week. The schedule for the drug increases over time. Your doctor will discuss your dose with you.

When you first start taking the drug, your doctor will usually start you at a low dose. The standard dose for Avonex is here.

• Week 1: one 7.5-mcg injection
• Week 2: one 15-mcg injection
• Week 3: one 22.5-mcg injection
• Week 4 and beyond: one 30-mcg injection (this is known as the maintenance dosage)

Questions about dosing for Avonex

There are many questions about the dosage of Avonex.

• What if I miss a dose of Avonex? If you miss your dose of Avonex, take it as soon as you remember. But don’t take it if it’s almost time for your next dose. In that case, you’ll likely skip the missed dose and continue on with your regular dosing schedule. If you have any questions about when to take your next dose of Avonex after a missed dose, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. They’ll be able to recommend the best schedule for you moving forward.
• Will I need to use Avonex long term? If Avonex works to help ease your symptoms, you’ll usually use the drug long term.
• How long does Avonex take to work? Avonex may begin working to help prevent an MS relapse as soon as you take your first dose. (A relapse is a time of new or worsening symptoms.) But because Avonex drug works to help prevent relapses, you may not even notice that the drug is working. If you have questions about how to tell if Avonex is working for you, talk with your doctor.

How is Avonex used?

Your doctor will explain how you should use Avonex for multiple sclerosis (MS) and clinically isolated syndrome (CIS). They’ll also explain how much to inject and how often. Be sure to follow your doctor’s instructions. Below are commonly used dosages, but always take the dosage your doctor prescribes.

Taking Avonex

You inject a liquid solution into a muscle.

A single-use prefilled syringe and an autoinjector pen are the two forms of Avonex. The devices are supposed to be used once. You should discard the autoinjector or the syringe when you inject your dose.

Before you use the autoinjector, you will need to be taught by your doctor or healthcare professional. You can learn how to self-inject or have a person inject the drug for you. Your doctor will prescribe a dose of Avonex.

Avonex injection sites

You’ll inject Avonex into the muscle of your upper, outer thigh. You should change injection sites with each dose. This helps prevent your skin from becoming irritated or developing a It was severe. injection site reaction. Examples include infection and death of tissue.

“You shouldn’t inject your dose of Avonex into skin that is bruised or different in color. You should not inject the drug into the skin that is broken, scarred, or infections.”

Taking Avonex with other drugs

If you experience side effects from Avonex, your doctor may recommend taking certain medications before your dose to help prevent the side effects. These medications may include acetaminophen (Tylenol) and diphenhydramine (Benadryl). Taking these medications before your dose may decrease your risk for certain side effects, such as fever or flu-like symptoms.

In some cases, your doctor may recommend that you use other medication. If your symptoms get worse during treatment, your doctor may recommend taking a steroid medication. The steroid may help with swelling.

Before starting Avonex, talk to your doctor about your treatment for the disease. They can tell you if you should take other drugs with Avonex.

Questions for your doctor

You may have questions about your treatment. Discuss your concerns with your doctor.

Here are a few tips that might help you.

• Before your appointment, write down questions such as:
  • How will the drug affect me?
• Bring someone with you to your appointment to make you feel more comfortable.
• “If you don’t understand something, ask your doctor to explain it.”

“Your doctor and other healthcare professionals are available to help you. They want you to get the best care possible. Don’t be afraid to ask questions or give feedback on your treatment”

What does Avonex cost?

There are many factors that affect the cost of prescription drugs. What your insurance plan covers is one of the factors.

If you have questions about how to pay for your prescription, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. You can also visit the Avonex manufacturer’s website to see if there are support options.

What are some frequently asked questions about Avonex?

Find answers to questions about the drug.

Are there side effects related to stopping Avonex treatment?

No, you shouldn’t experience any side effects from stopping Avonex treatment. Avonex is not known to cause symptoms of withdrawal. (These symptoms are side effects that happen when you stop taking a drug your body is dependent on.)

But when you stop treatment with Avonex, your symptoms of multiple sclerosis (MS) or clinically isolated syndrome (CIS) may worsen. This is because Avonex was working to help ease your symptoms. If you stop taking the drug, it’s possible that your symptoms may get worse.

If you have questions about possible side effects after you stop using the drug, talk to your doctor.

At what temperature does Avonex need to be stored? Does it need to be refrigerated?

You should store it in the fridge at a temperature of 36F to 46F. The autoinjectors should be kept in their original carton so that they are protected from light.

Take the medication out of the refrigerator when you are ready to take it. You should do this about 30 minutes before your injection. Before you inject it, make sure it comes to room temperature. It is important that you do not use a microwave to warm up the medication.

“You should use it within 7 days after you removed it from the fridge. You shouldn’t put the medication back in the refrigerator when it’s cold.”

You may wonder how long it takes for the drug to be unfridgerated. You can keep the medication in a room temperature of 77F (25C) for up to 7 days. You should not expose the drug to high temperatures. Doing so may make the medication less effective.

If you have any questions about storing, talk to your doctor or pharmacist.

How does Avonex work?

It’s not known how Avonex works to ease symptoms of MS and CIS. But it’s believed that the drug may change how your immune system works and decrease inflammation (swelling and damage). This may then help relieve your symptoms.

For more information on how Avonex works, see this article. You can also talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Is weight gain or weight loss a side effect of Avonex?

No, weight gain and weight loss were not side effects that were reported in studies of people taking Avonex.

But in some cases, weight change can be a symptom of other side effects of Avonex. For example, if you develop heart failure. due to Avonex, you may gain weight. Changes in your thyroid is another possible side effect of Avonex. And thyroid changes may cause weight gain or weight loss.

If you notice any changes in your weight, you should talk to your doctor. They can help figure out the cause.

Can I get a flu shot if I’m using Avonex?

According to guidelines from the American Academy of Neurology, if you have MS, you should get a flu shot each year. But if your doctor advises against it, you shouldn’t get one.

If you have questions about the flu shots, talk to your doctor.

What should I know about Avonex vs. Rebif?

Avonex and Rebif are both approved to treat relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis. (With these forms, you may have new or worsening symptoms.) Both of the drugs contain the active ingredient interferon beta-1a. But even though these drugs are similar, they also have many differences.

If you’d like to know more about how these drugs compare, see this detailed breakdown. And be sure to talk with your doctor about which drug is right for you.

What should be considered before taking Avonex?

Before considering treatment with the drug, talk to your doctor about your health conditions.

Interactions

Taking medications, vaccines, foods, and other things with a certain drug can affect how the drug works. These effects are called interactions.

Before taking any medication, be sure to tell your doctor about it. You should also describe any vitamins, herbs, or supplements you use. Your doctor or pharmacist can tell you about any interactions that may occur.

Interactions with drugs or supplements

There are no known interactions between Avonex and other drugs or supplements. However, it’s still important to talk with your doctor about any other drugs or supplements that you’re taking.

Warnings

If you have a medical condition that affects your health, it may not be right for you to use boarex. Before you use it, talk to your doctor about your health history. The factors to consider are listed below.

• Depression, mood disorders, or suicidal thoughts. Avonex may cause depression, mood changes, or suicidal thoughts or behaviors. If you have or had any of these mental health conditions, talk with your doctor before starting Avonex treatment. This is because taking Avonex may make your mental health condition worse. Your doctor may recommend monitoring you more often than usual while you use Avonex. Or they may suggest a different treatment option for you.
• Liver problems. Avonex may cause liver damage. If you already have liver damage, Avonex may make it worse. Before using Avonex, be sure to tell your doctor about any liver problems that you have. They may monitor you more often than usual to watch for signs of liver damage. Or your doctor may recommend a different medication for you.
• Allergic reaction. If you’ve had an allergic reaction to Avonex or any of its ingredients, including rubber latex, you shouldn’t use Avonex. Ask your doctor what other medications are better options for you.
• Congestive heart failure. or other heart problems. In rare cases, Avonex may cause heart failure.. If you already have heart failure. or other heart problems, taking Avonex may make your heart problems worse. Your doctor may monitor your heart health more often than usual or recommend a different treatment option for you.
• Bleeding problems or blood clots. Avonex can decrease the amount of certain blood cells in your body. This may increase your risk for bleeding or clotting. If you have or had a bleeding problem or have had blood clots, be sure to tell your doctor before using Avonex. They may monitor your blood more often than usual or recommend a different treatment option for you.
• Low blood cell counts. If you have low blood cell counts, taking Avonex may make these counts worse. Be sure to tell your doctor if you have or had low blood cell counts. They may monitor your blood more often than usual or recommend a different treatment option for you.
• Autoimmune disorders, such as thyroid problems. Multiple sclerosis is an autoimmune disorder. Tell your doctor about any other autoimmune disorders you have, such as thyroid problems. Sometimes, Avonex may make other autoimmune disorders worse. Your doctor may check your symptoms more often than usual to see if they’re getting worse. Or they may recommend a different treatment.
• Seizure disorders. Some people taking Avonex developed Seizures.. If you have any seizure disorders, you may have an increased risk of Seizures. while using the medication. Tell your doctor if you have or had a seizure disorder. They may recommend a different treatment option for you.

Avonex and alcohol

Alcohol and Avonex can cause damage to the body. It is possible that drinking alcohol while taking a drug may increase your risk of having a serious injury.

Talk to your doctor about how much alcohol you should drink during your treatment. If it is hard for you to avoid alcohol, they may recommend a different treatment option.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

There is information on whether or not to use the contraceptive while pregnant or breastfeeding.

Pregnancy. It is not known if Avonex is safe to take while pregnant. This is because there haven’t been any studies of the drug during pregnancy.

Other interferon beta drugs have been tested during pregnancy with mixed results. (Avonex is a kind of interferon beta drug.)

If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, you should talk to your doctor. They may suggest a different treatment option.

Breastfeeding. It is not known how much Avonex may pass into breast milk. It’s also unknown if the drug affects a child who is breastfed.

Before starting treatment for breast cancer, tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding. They can help determine the risks and benefits of taking a drug while breastfeeding. They may recommend a different medication.

What should I know about Avonex vs. Gilenya?

Both Avonex and Gilenya are used to treat the same forms of multiple sclerosis. Both drugs also contain the active drug interferon beta-1a. Avonex and Gilenya have other similarities as well as differences. This may help you and your doctor determine which is the best option for you.

To learn more about how these drugs are similar and different, see this side-by-side comparison. Also, talk with your doctor about which medication they think is better for you.

What should be done in case of overdose?

“Don’t use more than your doctor prescribes. Side effects can be serious if you use more than this.”

What to do in case you use too much Avonex

Call your doctor if you think you’ve used too much Avonex. You can also call 800-222-1222 to reach the American Association of Poison Control Centers, or use its online resource. However, if you have It was severe. symptoms, immediately call 911 (or your local emergency number) or go to the nearest emergency room.

What to ask your doctor

If you have more questions, you should talk to your doctor. Some questions that you may want to ask include:

• Am I at an increased risk for side effects if I’m also taking other medications for multiple sclerosis (MS)?
• “Can my dose be changed if it isn’t working for me?”
• What will happen if I become pregnant while using a drug?
• How should I inject my drugs?

If you have other questions about Avonex, see this article about MS treatment options. The MS comparison chart may also help show which medications may be right for you. If you have questions about MS, sign up for the MS newsletter.