warnings

What is the most important information I should know about Interferon Beta-1A (Avonex)?

You should not use this medicine if you are allergic to natural or recombinant interferon beta or albumin.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

bleeding problems or a blood clot;
depression, mental illness, or suicidal thoughts or actions;
liver disease;
bleeding problems;
low blood cell counts;
heart disease;
a thyroid disorder;
a latex allergy;
an autoimmune disorder such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, or psoriasis;
a seizure; or
if you drink alcohol.

Some brands of interferon beta-1a contain donated human plasma and may contain viruses or other infectious agents. Donated plasma is tested and treated to reduce the risk of contamination, but there is still a small possibility it could transmit disease. Ask your doctor about any possible risk.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, or if you are breastfeeding.

Interferon beta-1a is not approved for use by anyone younger than 18 years old.

Side Effects

What are the side effects of Interferon Beta-1A (Avonex)?

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction (hives, itching, anxiety, difficult breathing, swelling in your face or throat) or a severe skin reaction (fever, sore throat, burning eyes, skin pain, red or purple skin rash with blistering and peeling).

Interferon beta-1a can cause life-threatening blood clots in the small blood vessels inside your organs, such as your brain or kidneys. Seek medical help right away if you have symptoms of this condition, such as a fever, tiredness, decreased urination, bruising, or nosebleeds.

Call your doctor at once if you have:

pain, swelling, bruising, redness, oozing, or skin changes where the injection was given;
a light-headed feeling, like you might pass out;
unusual changes in mood or behavior (feeling hopeless, anxious, nervous, irritable, or depressed);
thoughts about suicide or hurting yourself;
easy bruising, unusual bleeding;
a seizure;
heart problems--swelling, rapid weight gain, feeling short of breath, rapid heartbeats, chest pain spreading to your jaw or shoulder, nausea, sweating;
liver problems--nausea, loss of appetite, tiredness, confusion, easy bruising or bleeding, dark urine, clay-colored stools, or jaundice (yellowing of your skin or eyes);
signs of infection--fever, chills, cough with mucus, bloody diarrhea, pain or burning when you urinate; or
thyroid problems--mood swings, trouble sleeping, tiredness, hunger, diarrhea, pounding heartbeats, muscle weakness, sweating, dry skin, thinning hair, menstrual changes, weight changes, puffiness in your face, feeling more sensitive to hot or cold temperatures.

Common side effects may include:

low blood cell counts;
skin changes where the injection was given;
depression;
abnormal liver function tests;
stomach pain; or
flu symptoms--headache, fever, chills, chest pain, back pain, tiredness, weakness, muscle aches.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Dosage Guidelines & Tips

How to take Interferon Beta-1A (Avonex)?

Use Interferon Beta-1A (Avonex) exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose. Use the medicine exactly as directed.

Interferon beta-1a is given by injection. A healthcare provider may teach you how to properly use the medication by yourself.

Read and carefully follow any Instructions for Use provided with your medicine. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you don't understand all instructions.

Avonex is injected into a muscle, usually once weekly at bedtime, on the same day each week (such as every Monday).

Rebif is injected under the skin, usually 3 times per week (such as Monday, Wednesday, and Friday) at the same time on each dosing day.

The powder form of this medicine must be mixed with a liquid (diluent) before using it. Prepare an injection only when you are ready to give it. Do not use if the medicine has changed colors or has particles in it. Call your pharmacist for new medicine.

Your care provider will show you where on your body to inject interferon beta-1a. Use a different place each time you give an injection. Do not inject into the same place two times in a row.

About 2 hours after your injection, check for skin redness, swelling, or pain where you gave the injection. Call your doctor if you have a skin reaction that does not go away within a few days.

This medicine can cause flu-like symptoms, especially when you first start using it. You may be given other medications to help prevent these symptoms. Keep using these medicines for as long as your doctor has prescribed.

You will need frequent medical tests.

Each prefilled syringe or injection pen is for one use only. Throw it away after one use, even if there is still medicine left inside.

Store this medicine in the refrigerator. Protect from light and do not freeze.

After mixing the powder form of interferon beta-1a with a diluent, store the mixture in a refrigerator and use it within 6 hours.

The Avonex prefilled syringe or autoinjector may be removed from the refrigerator about 30 minutes before your injection, to reach room temperature. Do not warm the medicine under hot water.

You may also store interferon beta-1a for a short time at cool room temperature protected from light.

Do not leave the Avonex prefilled syringe or autoinjector out of a refrigerator for longer than 7 days.
Do not leave the Avonex vial or the Rebif prefilled syringe or autoinjector out of a refrigerator for longer than a total of 30 days.

Do not freeze interferon beta-1a, and throw away the medicine if it has become frozen.

Each vial, syringe, or autoinjector is for one use only. Throw it away after one use, even if there is still medicine left inside.

Use a needle and syringe only once and then place them in a puncture-proof "sharps" container. Follow state or local laws about how to dispose of this container. Keep it out of the reach of children and pets.

What should I do if I missed a dose of Interferon Beta-1A (Avonex)?

For Avonex: Use the medicine as soon as you can, but do not inject Avonex two days in a row. Do not use two doses at one time.

For Rebif: Call your doctor for instructions if you miss a dose.