Description
Avonex (Interferon Beta) is a medication used to decrease the frequency of relapse symptoms in patients with multiple sclerosis, slowing down the accumulation of physical disability.
Store in a refrigerator and do not allow it to freeze. Half an hour before using the medication, the syringe may be taken out of the refrigerator and left at room temperature. Do not warm a prefilled syringe with external heat sources such as hot water. Avonex (Interferon Beta) syringes can also be stored at room temperature for 7 days (powder form can be stored up to 30 days) if it is kept away from light. Dispose any Avonex (Interferon Beta) syringes if it has been exposed to light, high heat, or has become frozen. The powder form of Avonex (Interferon Beta) must be used within 6 hours after it has been mixed with the diluent. Keep away from children and pets.
Before taking Avonex (Interferon Beta), inform your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant or breastfeeding; if you are taking prescription or over the counter medication, herbal preparation, or dietary supplements; if you have liver disease, epilepsy or other seizure disorder, heart disease, chest pain, congestive heart failure, or a heart rhythm disorder; if you have a thyroid disorder or a history of depression or suicidal behavior.
When taking Avonex (Interferon Beta), you may become very depressed or had thoughts of suicide. Once you experience symptoms of depression such as crying, sadness, thoughts of hurting yourself, or loss of interest in things you once liked, stop using Avonex (Interferon Beta). Avoid drinking alcohol while on Avonex (Interferon Beta) because it can increase the risk of liver damage.
Patient Family Information : Read the directions on the prescription label. Do not take larger doses than prescribed by your doctor. Take this medication as directed on the label or by your pharmacist, doctor, or other healthcare provider. If you are not properly trained for a self injection, do not understand how to give an injection or dispose used syringes, do not self inject the medication. Avonex (Interferon Beta) should be injected into a muscle of an upper arm or thigh. When using the powder form of Avonex (Interferon Beta), mix it with liquid (diluent) in a medicine vial and gently swirl (do not shake) the medication until it becomes clear or light yellow. If the mixture has changed colors or has particles in it, do not use. Only draw a dose into a syringe when you are ready for the injection. Each disposable needles can only be used once, dispose each used needle in a puncture proof container. To ensure this medication is not causing harmful effects, regular blood and liver function tests will be done by
Do not use Avonex (Interferon Beta) if you are pregnant or are allergic to interferons or human albumin.
Sever Side Effects : Severe: Easy bruising or bleeding, weakness; numbness or tingling in your hands or feet, pain, swelling or skin changes where the injection was given; nausea, stomach pain, low fever, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing
Common: Stomach pain, runny or stuffy nose; or headache and dizziness.
Other: None.
Avonex | Interferon beta 1a | Avonex | Avonex