Product Description
AVONEX contains the active substance Recombinant Human interferon Beta-1A. It is used to treat relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis (MS) in adults. Multiple sclerosis is a long term illness that affects the central nervous system (CNS) including the brain and spinal cord, in which the body’s immune system (its natural defense) damages the protective layer (myelin) surrounding the nerves in the brain and spinal cord.
Interferons are natural proteins that our bodies produce to fight infections and diseases. AVONEX 30mcg injection contains a protein that is identical to the one naturally found in humans, helping to boost your body’s defense system
Inform the doctor if you have any active infection, low leucocyte count, low immune system, seizure disorders, severe depression, hypertension, diabetes, thyroid, liver or kidney problems,
Inform the doctor about all your medical conditions, prescription and non-prescription drugs, vitamin supplements, and herbal medications, as AVONEX can interact with them. AVONEX can cause an allergic reaction in some patients therefore it is necessary to read the complete composition list and consult the doctor in case of any ingredient that induces allergies.
Consult the doctor if you are planning, on a pregnancy or breastfeeding.
It is advisable to avoid driving and operating heavy machinery during the course of AVONEX.
Indications of AVONEX Injection
AVONEX is a prescription medicine used to treat relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis (MS) in adults, including clinically isolated syndrome, relapsing-remitting disease, and active secondary progressive disease.
Therapeutic Effects of AVONEX Injection
AVONEX helps to suppress the body’s immune system from damaging brain and spinal cord, thereby reducing the number of relapses and slowing disease progression. It further reduces the inflammation of the damaged nerves, prevents further damage and stabilizes the immune system.
Directions for Use
AVONEX is typically administered either as an injection under the skin or as an intravenous infusion. Taking these medicines regularly at the same time increases their effectiveness. A dose of this medicine should not be missed as it can affect your recovery. It is important that this medication is not stopped suddenly without talking to your doctor. The dosage and duration of treatment will depend on the individual’s condition and response to the medication. Your doctor will decide the dose and frequency of administration based on your health condition.
A trained healthcare doctor will administer AVONEX injection. So, do not self-administer.
Storage
AVONEX Injection should be stored in refrigerator at 2°C to 8°C. Do not freeze.
If you are traveling, carefully follow all patient instructions for storing your medicine during travel. Avoid extreme heat or cold.
Keep the medicine in the original container to protect from light and moisture.
Keep AVONEX Injection out of sight and reach of children.
Common:
- Flu-like symptoms
- Injection site reactions
- Nausea
- Headache
- Fatigue
- Mood changes
- Pain in your muscles, joints, arms, legs or neck
- Fever
- Feeling weak and tired
- Itchy skin
Serious:
- Allergic reactions- Swelling of the face, lips, or tongue, difficulty breathing
- Liver problems
- Depression
- Seizures
- Blood problems
- Kidney problems
- Cardiovascular issues
Tell a doctor or nurse straight away, if you notice any of the side effects above.
Contraindications
AVONEX Injection is contraindicated in patients with a known hypersensitivity to AVONEX or any of the excipients.
Safety Advices for PLEGRIDY Injection
UNSAFE
Avoid alcohol consumption while taking AVONEX as it may worsen the condition by increasing the risk of liver damage. Consult your doctor if you have history of Alcohol intake.
Consult Your Doctor
If you are pregnant or planning to get pregnant during the treatment, please consult your doctor as there is limited information on the safety of AVONEX 30mcg injection in pregnant women. Your doctor will prescribe any potential risks if the benefits are found to outweigh the risks.
Consult Your Doctor
It is not known whether AVONEX 30mcg injection passes into breast milk. It is, therefore, important to talk to your doctor before using it if you are breastfeeding.
CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR
AVONEX may cause dizziness, fatigue or decreased alertness in some patients. Therefore, avoid driving or operating machines that require mental concentration until you are not alert.
Consult Your Doctor
If you have pre-existing or a history of lung problems, consult your doctor before taking AVONEX. Your doctor may adjust the dose of this medicine or prescribe a suitable alternative based on your condition.
Consult Your Doctor
If you have a pre-existing or a history of liver problems, consult your doctor before taking AVONEX. It should be used cautiously in liver disease patients. Your doctor may adjust the dose of this medicine or prescribe a suitable alternative based on your condition.
Consult Your Doctor
If you have a pre-existing or a history of kidney disease, consult your doctor before taking AVONEX as it should be used cautiously in patients with moderate to severe renal impairment. Your doctor may adjust the dose of this medicine or prescribe a suitable alternative based on your condition.
UNSAFE
AVONEX is not recommended for use in children below 10 years old as the safety and efficacy are not established.
- 1.. Interferon beta-1a. Maidenhead, Berkshire: Biogen Idec Ltd.; 1997 [revised on Aug. 2018]. [Accessed on 25 Jan. 2019], https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/medicine/257
- 2. FUJIFILM Diosynth Biotechnologies, Electronic medicines compendium (EMC), [Revised on Jun 2023] [Accessed on 30th Sept 2023] https:// www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.886.pdf
- 3. US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), [Revised on Feb 2012] [Accessed on 28th Sep 2023] https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2012/103628s5189lbl.pdf

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