Avonex (Injection)
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Avonex (Injection) Drug and Prescription Information
Avonex (Injection)
Avonex (Injection) Medication Classification
INTERFERON BETA-1A (Injection)
Avonex (Injection) Brandname
Rebif, Avonex
Avonex (Injection) is used for the Treatment
Interferon Beta-1a (in-ter-FEER-on BAY-ta-1a) Reduces frequency of flare-ups (relapses) in people who have multiple sclerosis (MS). Also delays some of the physical disabilities caused by MS.
When To Not Use Avonex (Injection)
You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to interferon or human albumin.
How Should You Use Avonex (Injection)
Injectable
- Your doctor will prescribe your exact dose and tell you how often it should be given. This medicine is given as a shot under your skin or into a muscle.
- A nurse or other trained health professional will give you this medicine.
- You may be taught how to give your medicine at home. Make sure you understand all instructions before giving yourself an injection. Do not use more medicine or use it more often than your doctor tells you to.
- Rebif® works best if you use it at the same time on the same days each week.
- Avonex® comes as a powder that must be mixed with sterile water before it is given. Use the medicine as soon as possible after mixing. If you can't give your shot right away, you can keep the syringe in the refrigerator for up to 6 hours. After 6 hours, mix a new dose of the medicine.
- You will be shown the body areas where this shot can be given. Use a different body area each time you give yourself a shot. Keep track of where you give each shot to make sure you rotate body areas.
- Use a new needle and syringe each time you inject your medicine. If a dose is missed:
- If you miss a dose or forget to use your medicine, use it as soon as you can. This will then change the time for your next dose. After using the missed dose, use your next regular dose of Rebif® 48 hours later and go back to your regular schedule the following week. For Avonex®, if your next regular dose is less than 2 days away, call your doctor. For either brand, do not use extra medicine to make up for a missed dose and do not use this medicine two days in a row.
Proper Avonex (Injection) Storage
Store Avonex (Injection) at room temperature away from sunlight and moisture unless otherwise stated by manufacturer's instructions or labelling. Keep Avonex (Injection) and all medications out of the reach of children.
What To Avoid While Using Avonex (Injection)
Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.
- Make sure your doctor knows if you are also using any other medicine that may cause bleeding problems or increase your risk of infection, or if you drink alcohol.
Avonex (Injection) Warnings
- Using this medicine while you are pregnant may cause you to have a miscarriage. Use an effective form of birth control to keep from getting pregnant. If you think you have become pregnant while using the medicine, tell your doctor right away.
- Make sure your doctor knows if you are breastfeeding, or if you have heart disease, liver disease, seizures, thyroid problems, bone marrow depression, bleeding problems, or if you have a history of depression or other emotional problems.
- This medicine may make you bleed or get infections more easily. Avoid being near people who are sick or have infections. Wash your hands often. Avoid rough sports or other situations where you could be bruised, cut, or injured.
- Your doctor will need to check your blood at regular visits while you are using this medicine. Be sure to keep all appointments.
Avonex (Injection) Side Effects
Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:
- Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in face or hands, swelling or tingling in the mouth or throat, tightness in chest, trouble breathing
- Dark-colored urine, yellow skin or eyes
- Depressed mood, thoughts of hurting yourself or others
- Fever, chills, cough, sore throat, body aches
- Severe or ongoing pain, redness, or swelling where the shot is given
- Unusual bleeding or bruising If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:
- Muscle, back, or bone pain or headache
- Nausea, diarrhea, stomach pain
