Avonex (Interferon Beta-1a) Auto-Injector 30mcg/0.5ml

 Interferon

CSA NA – FDA Approved – REMS (N) – Can Ship 

Interferon beta differs from naturally occurring human protein by a single amino acid substitution and the lack of carbohydrate side chains which alters the expression and response to surface antigens and can enhance immune cell activities. Properties of interferon beta that modify biologic responses are mediated by cell surface receptor interactions; mechanism in the treatment of MS is unknown.

Relapsing multiple sclerosis

Before starting Interferon Beta-1A, Rebif/Avonex make sure your physician is aware of any allergies and medications you currently take, if you have cardiovascular disease, liver disease, a seizure disorder, or thyroid dysfunction.  Interferon Beta-1A, Rebif/Avonex use has been associated with rare but serious adverse events such as hypersensitivity reaction, autoimmune disorder, bone marrow suppression, flu like symptoms, hepatic effects, injection site reaction, neuropsychiatric disorder, and thrombotic microangiopathy.   

IM (Avonex): 30 mcg once weekly; to decrease flu-like symptoms, may initiate once-weekly dosing with 7.5 mcg (week 1) then increase dose in increments of 7.5 mcg once weekly (weeks 2 to 4) up to recommended dose (30 mcg once weekly).

SubQ (Rebif): Target dose is either 22 or 44 mcg 3 times weekly; doses should be separated by at least 48 hours:

How to Take: The first injection should be administered under the supervision of a health care professional.

Avonex: Administer IM and rotate injection site. Do not inject into area where skin is irritated, red, bruised, scarred, or infected. Two hours after injection, examine site for redness, swelling, or tenderness. Discard any unused portion.

Rebif: Administer subcutaneously at the same time of day on the same 3 days each week (eg, Mon, Wed, Fri), preferably in the late afternoon or evening; doses should be at least 48 hours apart; rotate injection site; do not inject into area where skin is irritated, red, bruised, or scarred. Discard any unused portion.

Headache, fatigue, depression, pain, chills, dizziness, nausea , abdominal pain, urinary tract infection, leukopenia, lymphadenopathy, increased liver enzymes, antibody development, injection site reaction, myalgia,  back pain, weakness, skeletal pain, rigors, visual disturbances, flu like symptoms, sinusitis, upper respiratory tract infection, fever

Note this is not a complete list of side effects for Interferon Beta-1A, Rebif/Avonex, only common ones.

1. What do I do if side effects are intolerable?
   If side effects are causing a lot of distress speak to your physician as soon as possible to discuss options.