Avonex Interferon beta-1a Injection

About Avonex Interferon beta-1a Injection

What Is Avonex?

Avonex (interferon Beta-1a) Is Made From Human Proteins. Interferons Help The Body Fight Viral Infections. Avonex Is Used To Treat Relapsing Multiple Sclerosis (MS). This Medication Will Not Cure Ms, It Will Only Decrease The Frequency Of Relapse Symptoms. Avonex May Also Be Used For Purposes Not Listed In This Medication Guide.

Before Using Avonex

You Should Not Use Avonex If You Are Allergic To Interferons Or Human Albumin.

Some Patients Using Interferon Medications Have Become Very Depressed Or Had Thoughts Of Suicide. Stop Using Avonex If You Have Symptoms Of Depression (sadness, Crying, Loss Of Interest In Things You Once Liked) Or If You Have Any Thoughts Of Hurting Yourself.

To Make Sure Avonex Is Safe For You, Tell Your Doctor If You Have:

• Liver Disease;
• Epilepsy Or Other Seizure Disorder;
• Heart Disease, Chest Pain (angina);
• A Bleeding Disorder Or History Of Blood Clots;
• A Thyroid Disorder; Or
• A History Of Depression Or Suicidal Behavior.

 

Avonex may be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while using this medication.

It is not known whether interferon beta-1a passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Some brands of interferon beta-1a contain albumin. Albumin comes from human plasma (part of the blood) which may contain viruses and other infectious agents. Donated plasma is tested and treated to reduce the risk of it containing infectious agents, but there is still a small possibility it could transmit disease. Talk with your doctor about the risks and benefits of using this medication.

Avonex side effects

 

Call your doctor at once if you have:

         fever, chills, body aches, chest pain, flu symptoms;

         pale skin, easy bruising, unusual bleeding (nose, mouth, vagina, or rectum), purple or red pinpoint spots under your skin;

         severe pain, swelling, bruising, redness, oozing, or skin changes where the injection was given;

         changes in your vision;

         seizure (convulsions);

         feeling hot or cold, unexplained weight changes;

         Kidney problems - blood in your urine, swelling or rapid weight gain, little or no urination;

         signs of a serious blood cell disorder - confusion, feeling tired or irritable, stomach pain, bloody diarrhea, vomiting;

         liver problems - nausea, upper stomach pain, itching, tired feeling, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes); or

         severe skin reaction - fever, sore throat, swelling in your face or tongue, burning in your eyes, skin pain, followed by a red or purple skin rash that spreads (especially in the face or upper body) and causes blistering and peeling.