Avonex
Generic Name:
Interferon Beta-1A
Brand Names:
Avonex
Avonex Description:
Avonex is an interferon, an injectable medication prescribed to treat relapsing symptoms of multiple sclerosis (MS). Avonex decreases flare-ups and slows the occurrence of some of the physical disability that plagues patients with MS.
Avonex may also be prescribed to treat symptoms of genital warts or hepatitis C.
Avonex Side Effects:
The most common side effects of Avonex are:
- Nervousness
- Injection site irritation
- Headache
- Diarrhea
- Nausea
- Dizziness
- Palpitations
- Allergic reaction
- Chest pain
For more information, see our Avonex side effects page.
Avonex Uses:
Avonex is prescribed for the treatment of MS relapse symptoms. MS is an auto immune disease that attacks healthy body tissue, destroying myelin that surrounds nerve fibers. Avonex should be prescribed to patients who have experience their first MS attack or have lesions consistent with MS.
Patients may take an injectable form of Avonex to treat MS, genital wart, and hepatitis C symptoms.
Avonex Interactions:
Other medications may interact with Avonex or increase the risk of side effects. Discuss any medications, supplements or vitamins with your doctor before taking Avonex.
The following medications may interact with Avonex:
- Rotavirus vaccine
- Zidovudine
Patients with a history or current diagnosis of any of following conditions should consult their doctor before treatment with Avonex:
- Alcohol abuse
- High liver enzyme concentration (SGPT)
- Liver disease
- Heart disease
- Mental depression
- Psychiatric disorders
- Mood disorders
- Seizures
- Organ transplantation
This is not a complete list of possible Avonex interactions. Consult your doctor about any possible interactions with this medicine.
Avonex Dosage Information:
Typical Dosage Recommendations
Patients should take Avonex exactly as prescribed by a doctor, as dosage recommendations differ for the treatment of various conditions.
Avonex is distributed in prefilled syringes or a mixable powder usually prescribed for weekly use. Syringe doses are 30 mg.
Patients should wash their hands and clean the injection area before administering their Avonex dose. Make sure you take Avonex out of the refrigerator 30 minutes before use and allow it to reach room temperature.
Make sure you rotate injection sites for Avonex to avoid injection site reaction side effects.
Missing a Dose of Avonex
If you miss a dose of Avonex, take it as soon as you remember. If you are within two hours of your next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your normal dosage schedule. Do not take a double dose of this medicine.
Avonex Overdose
Patients who think they have overdosed on Avonex should seek immediate medical attention. Patients who have overdosed on Avonex may collapse or stop breathing.
Avonex FDA Approval:
May 17, 1996
Avonex Recall/Black Box Warning Information:
Avonex carries a Black Box warning for the risk of aggravating fatal or life-threatening conditions. Patients with a history or current affliction with depression, mood or behavior problems, or mental illness may experience worsened symptoms. Avonex can also worsen ischemic conditions such as chest pain, heart attack, or bowel inflammation. Autoimmune disorders and infections may also be aggravated by treatment with Avonex.
Avonex injection prefilled syringe packs of one and four were recalled in May 2004 because the amount of syringes in Avonex packs exceeded the labeling description. (Recall # D-165-4) Avonex 30 mcg prefilled syringes and vials were recalled in January 2010. (Recall # D-153-2010, D-276-2010)
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July 30, 2010, 2:23 pm
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