Buy Avonex Online

(Interferon Beta 1A)

The active ingredient in Avonex is interferon beta-1a.

Interferon beta-1a is a man-made form of a natural protein that affects the immune system. In MS, it helps calm overactive immune responses that damage nerves. Although the exact mechanism of action is not fully understood, interferon beta treatments are known to reduce inflammation in the brain and spinal cord, as well as lower the number of new lesions seen on MRI in clinical trials. This helps reduce relapses and disease activity.

Follow all directions provided by your doctor and read all documents carefully, including the full Prescribing Information, FDA-approved Product Labeling, Instructions for Use, and Medication Guide, before using Avonex. However, the following is a synopsis of the general guidelines for the use of Avonex:

• Avonex is injected into a muscle once a week, on the same day each week if possible.
• Your first injection should be done under the supervision of a health care professional to make sure your injection technique is correct.
• Rotate injection sites to reduce injection site reactions and help prevent skin injury or necrosis.
• Do not inject into skin that is bruised, infected, scarred, irritated, or tender.
• Check your injection site a couple of hours after dosing for redness, swelling, or pain. Contact your healthcare provider if the skin reaction does not improve in a few days.
• Flu-like symptoms are very common at the start of Avonex treatment. Taking your injection at bedtime and using an over-the-counter fever or pain medicine such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen may help.
• If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember, then continue the weekly schedule from that date. Do not take two doses in the same week unless your healthcare provider tells you to.
• Keep taking Avonex even if you feel well, unless your healthcare provider advises you to stop.

Some mild or most common side effects of Avonex seen in clinical trials as compared to placebo include:

• Flu-like symptoms, including chills, fever, muscle aches, weakness, and tiredness.
• Headache.
• Muscle aches or joint pain.
• Dizziness.
• Mild hair thinning.
• Runny nose or upper respiratory infection.
• Abdominal pain.
• Mild chest pain.

Some individuals may experience serious side effects while using Avonex. These side effects may require immediate medical attention. If you experience any of the following, contact your healthcare provider or seek emergency medical help:

• Depression, mood changes, or suicidal thoughts.
• Signs of liver problems include yellowing of the skin or eyes, dark urine, severe tiredness, nausea, vomiting, or loss of appetite.
• Severe allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis, with symptoms like hives, swelling of the face or throat, trouble breathing, skin rash, or chest tightness.
• Serious injection site reactions, including open sores, skin breakdown, or necrosis.
• Worsening heart problems, including congestive heart failure, with symptoms such as shortness of breath, chest pain, swelling of the ankles or feet, or sudden weight gain.
• Very low white blood cell counts, which may cause easy bruising, unusual bleeding, frequent infections, or severe fatigue.
• Thrombotic microangiopathy is a rare blood vessel condition that may cause bruising, weakness, confusion, or reduced urine output.
• Pulmonary arterial hypertension may cause worsening shortness of breath, chest pain, dizziness, or fainting.
• Seizures, especially in people with a history of seizure disorders.
• During your treatment with Avonex, you will need to see your healthcare provider regularly and have regular blood tests to check for side effects.

These are not all of the possible side effects of Avonex. You should always seek medical advice from your healthcare provider for any questions or concerns about your medical condition or treatment. Read all patient information, medication guides, or drug information sheets that come with this medication. You can also report adverse effects to the Food and Drug Administration at www.fda.gov/medwatch or 1-800-FDA-1088.

Before starting Avonex, it is crucial to discuss any existing health conditions with your healthcare provider. You should be sure that your healthcare provider is aware of all your medical conditions, including:

• Depression, anxiety, or a history of suicidal thoughts.
• Liver disease, liver problems, or a history of abnormal liver function tests.
• Thyroid problems.
• Heart problems, including congestive heart failure, chest pain, or irregular heartbeat.
• Low blood cell counts, bleeding problems, or immune system disorders.
• Any autoimmune disorder besides MS, since interferon beta can sometimes trigger new autoimmune issues.

A history of hypersensitivity to natural or recombinant interferon beta-1a or any ingredient in the formulation.

A history of hypersensitivity to albumin (human) applies to the older vial formulation.

Avonex is not a fast-acting medicine. It works gradually over time to reduce MS flare-ups and new lesions. Some people start noticing fewer relapses within the first few months, but full benefit is usually assessed after several months of consistent weekly dosing. Your healthcare provider may follow your progress through symptoms, MRI results, and overall relapse pattern.

When Avonex is taken with other prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and supplements, it may change how they work or increase the frequency or severity of side effects. Make sure that you tell your healthcare professional about anything that you are taking to avoid any negative drug interactions, including:

• Other medicines that can affect the liver include heavy alcohol use. This may increase the risk of liver problems or abnormal liver function tests.

The usual dose of Avonex is available in a single dose strength:

• 30 mcg (micrograms) given once weekly by intramuscular injection.

It comes in the following dosage forms:

• Single-use prefilled syringe containing 30 mcg per 0.5 mL.
• Single-use prefilled autoinjector (Avonex Pen) containing 30 mcg per 0.5 mL.

Store in a refrigerator and keep out of reach of children. If needed, Avonex prefilled syringes or Avonex Pen devices may be stored at room temperature up to 25°C (77°F) for up to 7 days.

Avonex is manufactured by Biogen.

No. Avonex is not currently available as a generic. It is a biologic medicine, and no approved biosimilar interferon beta-1a version of Avonex is available at this time.

Do not stop taking Avonex without speaking to your healthcare provider. Stopping suddenly may increase the chance of relapse or return of MS activity. If Avonex causes serious side effects such as liver problems, severe depression, or allergic reactions, your healthcare provider will help you stop safely and consider another treatment option.

Talk to your doctor if you are already pregnant or if you have any plans to become pregnant. Human data have not shown a clear increase in major birth defects with interferon beta-1a, but animal studies suggest potential risk. Your doctor will weigh the benefits of controlling MS against any possible risk to the baby.

Talk to your doctor if you are already breastfeeding or if you have any plans to breastfeed. Small amounts of interferon beta-1a may pass into breast milk, but the effect on a breastfed infant is not well known. Your healthcare provider will help you decide what is best based on your MS activity and feeding plans.