Brand Name(s): Avonex
Generic Name Interferon Beta-1a Injection (Avonex(R))
What is interferon beta-1a injection (Avonex®)?
INTERFERON BETA-1a (Avonex®) is a drug that acts like a protein in your body called interferon beta. Interferon beta helps to control your immune system. Interferon beta-1a is used in the treatment of multiple sclerosis to decrease the number and severity of attacks. Beta interferons are occasionally used to treat other diseases. Generic interferon beta-1a injections are not yet available.
What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
•depression or other mental health disorder
•heart disease or irregular heart beats/rhythm
•liver disease
•low blood counts
•previous heart attack
•seizure disorder
•thyroid disease
•an unusual or allergic reaction to interferon, albumin, hamster proteins, latex, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
•pregnant or trying to get pregnant
•breast-feeding
How should I use this medicine?
Interferon beta-1a (Avonex®) is for injection into a muscle. It may be given by a health-care professional in a hospital or clinic setting. Your health care professional may teach you how to give these injections at home. Make sure you understand how to give the injections and are comfortable with it before you give them yourself. Before preparing an injection always wash your hands well with soap and water. Do not shake the solution before measuring or injecting a dose. Do not use more than the prescribed dose. Using larger or more frequent doses increases the risk of getting serious side effects. The manufacturer of Avonex® offers free information to patients and their health care partners. Contact MS ActiveSource for more information (1—800—456—2255).
Avonex® prefilled syringes should be allowed to warm to room temperature before using. This usually takes about 30 minutes.
Do not reuse needles or syringes. Discard needles and syringes in a puncture-resistant container provided to you by your health care professional.
Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.
What if I miss a dose?
If you miss a dose or an appointment for a dose, take it as soon as possible or reschedule your appointment as soon as possible. You may continue your regular schedule but do not give 2 injections within 2 days of each other.
What drug(s) may interact with interferon beta-1a?
•zidovudine
Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines that you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.
What side effects may I notice from receiving interferon beta-1a?
Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:
•confusion
•depression
•difficulty breathing, swelling of face or throat, rash, hives, or other signs of a severe allergic reaction
•fainting
•mood changes, anxiety
•seizures
•unusual weakness or tiredness
•yellow coloring of skin or eyes
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
•diarrhea
•dizziness
•fever, chills, or flu-like symptoms
•headache
•muscle aches
•nausea, vomiting
•pain, redness, swelling, and irritation at the injection site
•stomach pain
•weakness
What should I watch for while taking interferon beta-1a?
Visit your prescriber or health care professional for regular checks on your progress. Tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are feeling depressed.
Females of childbearing age should use a reliable method of birth control. If you do become pregnant, stop using interferon beta-1a at once and contact your prescriber or health care professional.
Reactions at the site of injection may occur. Ask your prescriber or health care professional to suggest a series of injection sites, so that you do not have to use the same site repeatedly.
Flu-like symptoms are common with interferon beta-1a therapy. Using this medicine at night can reduce these symptoms. Your prescriber or health care professional may suggest taking acetaminophen (Tylenol®) or ibuprofen (Motrin®, Advil®, etc) before your dose and for 24 hours after you receive your injection.
Use disposable syringes only once, and throw away syringes and needles in a closed, puncture-resistant container to prevent accidental needle sticks.
Where can I keep my medicine?
Keep out of the reach of children.
Except as listed, this medicine must be kept cold. Store in a refrigerator between 2—8 degrees C (36—46 degrees F); do not freeze. Do not use beyond the expiration date on the syringe or vial.
•Avonex® Vials: If a refrigerator is not available, the vials may be kept at room temperature at or below 25 degrees C (77 degrees F) for up to 30 days. Use as soon as possible after preparing the solution. If necessary, the prepared solution may be kept in a refrigerator for up to 6 hours. Throw away any unused solution.
•Avonex® Pre-filled syringes: Once removed from the refrigerator, the pre-filled syringes should be used within 12 hours. Do not expose to high temperatures. Protect from light.
| Available at: www.DrugDigest.org | Last Updated:04/12/2005 |
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