MS is a neurological condition where the immune system attacks the protective covering of nerves. Relapsing-remitting MS occurs when symptoms come and go.
Avonex is in a class of drugs known as immunomodulators, which work by acting on the immune system.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved this medicine in 1996. Avonex is manufactured by Biogen.
Avonex Pen
Avonex is available in a "pen," which is a prefilled, single-use autoinjector that's designed to make administering your dose of Avonex easier.It includes a covered needle that's half the length of the standard needle for a prefilled syringe of Avonex.
Talk to your doctor about whether it's right for you.
Avonex Warnings
Some people who take Avonex experience depression or suicidal thoughts.Stop using this medicine and tell your doctor if you have symptoms such as:
- Sadness
- Crying
- Loss of interest in things you once liked
- Suicidal thoughts or actions
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea
- Extreme tiredness
- Dark-colored urine or pale-colored stools
- Yellowing of the eyes or skin (jaundice)
- Unusual bleeding or bruising
- Confusion
Before taking this drug, tell your doctor if you have or have ever had:
- Heart disease or chest pain
- Congestive heart failure or a heart rhythm disorder
- A bleeding disorder or a history of blood clots
- An allergic reaction to medications
- Liver disease
- Seizures
- A thyroid disorder
- Cancer
- Depression or suicidal behavior
- An autoimmune disease such as psoriasis, lupus, or rheumatoid arthritis
- Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) or acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS)
This drug may increase your risk of developing an infection. Avoid contact with people who are sick or have infections.
Tell your healthcare provider you're taking this medicine before having any type of surgery, including a dental procedure.
Avonex hasn't been shown to benefit people with chronic progressive forms of MS.
The medicine helps prevent symptoms of relapse in people with MS, but it won't cure the condition.
Continue to take Avonex even if you feel well. Don't stop taking the medicine without first talking to your doctor.
Pregnancy and Avonex
It's not known if Avonex will harm an unborn baby. Taking this medicine while pregnant may increase your risk of miscarriage.Don't take this drug if you're pregnant or plan to become pregnant without first talking to your doctor.
It's also not known whether Avonex can pass into breastmilk or harm a breastfeeding baby.
Tell your doctor if you're breastfeeding before taking this medicine.
Avonex Side Effects
Common Side Effects of Avonex
Tell your doctor if any of the following side effects become severe or don't go away:- Stomach pain
- Joint pain
- Tight muscles
- Numbness, burning, tingling, or pain in the hands or feet
- Runny nose
- Toothache
- Hair loss
- Headache
- Drowsiness
- Minor bruising, pain, redness, swelling, bleeding, or irritation at the injection site
Serious Side Effects of Avonex
Tell your doctor right away if you experience any of the symptoms listed in the Warning section, as well as the following:- Hallucinations
- Seizures
- Feeling hot or cold all the time
- Unexplained weight gain or weight loss
- Trouble breathing or swallowing
- Increased need to urinate during the night
- Painful or difficult urination
- Decreased ability to exercise
- Chest tightness or pain
- Irregular or fast heartbeat
- Pale skin
- Excessive fatigue or lack of energy
- Pain or swelling in the upper right part of the stomach
- Sore throat, cough, fever, chills, or other signs of infection
- Hives, rash, or itching
- Swelling of the face, throat, tongue, lips, eyes, hands, arms, feet, ankles, or lower legs
- Hoarseness
- Flushing
- Changes in vision
Avonex Interactions
- Acetaminophen (Tylenol, others)
- Antidepressants
- Azathioprine (Imuran)
- Chemotherapy medications
- Cholesterol-lowering medications (statins)
- Cyclosporine (Neoral, Sandimmune)
- Iron products
- Isoniazid (INH, Nydrazid)
- Medications for AIDS or HIV
- Methotrexate (Rheumatrex)
- Niacin (nicotinic acid)
- Rifampin (Rifadin, Rimactane)
- Salicylate pain relievers such as aspirin, choline magnesium trisalicylate, choline salicylate (Arthropan), diflunisal (Dolobid), magnesium salicylate (Doan's, others), and salsalate (Argesic, Disalcid, Salgesic)
- Sirolimus (Rapamune)
- Tacrolimus (Prograf)
Avonex and Alcohol
Consuming alcohol while taking Avonex may increase your risk of liver damage.You should avoid alcoholic beverages while taking this medicine.
Avonex Dosage
It's usually injected once a week at bedtime on the same day of each week.
Follow your doctor's instructions carefully when administering this medicine. Don't give yourself more or less Avonex than is prescribed.
You should receive your first dose of Avonex in your doctor's office.
Use a different place on your body each time you give yourself an injection. Don't inject the medicine into areas of the skin that are sore, red, bruised, infected, irritated, or abnormal.
Always use a new, unopened vial, syringe, or pen for each injection.
Store Avonex in a refrigerator. Don't freeze the medicine.
Avonex Overdose
If you suspect an overdose, contact a poison control center or emergency room immediately.You can get in touch with a poison control center at (800) 222-1222.
Avonex Missed Dose
If you miss a dose of Avonex, inject it as soon as you remember.However, don't inject it two days in a row and don't double up on doses to make up for a missed one.
Return to your regular schedule the next week.
Call your doctor if you have questions about missing a dose.
