Avonex Prefilled Syringe

Avonex Prefilled Syringe (interferon beta-1a) is a prescribed treatment for adults with relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis (MS), including relapsing-remitting and active secondary progressive types. While Avonex doesn’t cure MS, it helps reduce the frequency of relapse symptoms, supporting better management of the disease.

Administered as a weekly intramuscular injection, Avonex comes in a single strength of 30 micrograms per 0.5 mL. To minimize flu-like side effects, treatment often starts with a lower dose that gradually increases over several weeks. Proper injection technique and site rotation are important to reduce skin reactions.

Common side effects include flu symptoms, injection site irritation, and mood changes, while serious effects such as liver issues, depression, or allergic reactions require prompt medical attention. Avonex can interact with certain medications, so informing your doctor about all treatments you’re taking is essential. If Avonex isn’t suitable, several alternative MS therapies exist. Always consult your healthcare provider to find the best treatment plan tailored to your needs.

Avonex Prefilled Syringe (interferon beta-1a) is used to treat different types of multiple sclerosis (MS) in adults. This includes relapsing forms such as:

• Clinically isolated syndrome
• Relapsing-remitting MS
• Active secondary progressive MS

[Important Note: Avonex does not cure MS but helps reduce how often relapse symptoms occur.]

What Strengths Does Avonex Prefilled Syringe Come In?

• Avonex Prefilled Syringe contains 30 micrograms (mcg) in 0.5 milliliters of solution.

What Is the Recommended Dosage for Avonex Prefilled Syringe?

Avonex Prefilled Syringe Dosing for Multiple Sclerosis

• Recommended Dosage:
  • Avonex is given as an intramuscular injection (into the muscle) once a week.
  • The usual dose is 30 mcg once every week.
• Starting Treatment:
  • To reduce flu-like side effects, treatment may begin with a lower dose of 7.5 mcg during the first week.
  • The dose is then increased by 7.5 mcg each week over the next three weeks until reaching the full 30 mcg dose.

[Note: Remember, these recommendations may vary from person to person. Discuss it with your doctor, and they'll customize your dosage accordingly.]

Here’s how to prepare and give your injection safely:

Giving the Avonex Prefilled Syringe injection:

• Your healthcare provider or nurse will teach you or your caregiver how to prepare and inject Avonex before your first use.
• The first time you inject, someone experienced should watch you to make sure you do it correctly.
• Always inject Avonex exactly as your healthcare provider has shown you.
• Inject the medicine into a muscle (intramuscular injection).
• Use your thigh or upper arm for the injection (refer to Figures G and H if available).
• Rotate your injection sites each time, do not use the same spot repeatedly.
• Never inject where the skin is irritated, red, bruised, infected, or scarred.

Preparing the dose of Avonex Prefilled Syringe:

• Find a clean, well-lit, flat surface like a table and gather all supplies you’ll need.
• Take the Avonex Prefilled Syringe out of the refrigerator about 30 minutes before injecting to let it warm to room temperature.
• Do not use heat sources (like hot water) to warm the syringe.
• Check the expiration date on the syringe, the dose pack, and the box. Do not use if expired.
• Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water.

Preparing the Avonex Prefilled Syringe injection:

• Hold the syringe with the cap pointing down, and keep the 0.5 mL mark at eye level.
• Inspect the syringe carefully: it should have no cracks or damage, the cap should be secure, and the liquid should be clear and colorless with no particles.
• If you notice any damage, cloudiness, color, missing cap, or insufficient liquid, do not use the syringe. Contact Biogen at 1-800-456-2255 for a replacement.
• Hold the syringe just below the cap with one hand, cap pointing up.
• With your other hand, bend the cap at a 90-degree angle until it snaps off.
• Open the sterile needle package and attach the needle by pressing it onto the syringe tip and twisting it clockwise until tight.
• Do not remove the needle’s plastic cover yet.
• Choose your injection site and clean the skin with an alcohol wipe. Let it dry fully before injecting.
• Pull the needle’s protective cover straight off without twisting.
• Stretch the skin around the injection site with one hand. Hold the syringe like a pencil with the other.
• Quickly insert the needle at a 90-degree angle into the muscle with a dart-like motion.
• Let go of the skin and slowly press the plunger until the syringe is empty.
• Remove the needle and press the injection site with a gauze pad for a few seconds or rub gently in a circular motion.
• If you see blood, wipe it off with gauze and apply a bandage if needed.

After the Avonex Prefilled Syringe injection:

• Do not recap the needle; this can cause injury.
• Dispose of used needles and syringes immediately in an FDA-approved sharps container.
• Do not throw needles or syringes in regular household trash.

[Note: Your doctor will decide the right amount for you based on your condition, following guidelines and studies on the drug. They'll adjust it as needed over time.]

Avonex Prefilled Syringe can affect your bone marrow, which may lower the number of red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets in your body. For some people, these blood cell levels can drop to dangerously low amounts. There is also a rare condition called TMA, which causes damage to the smallest blood vessels in the body.

Common side effects of Avonex Prefilled Syringe may include:

• Low blood cell counts: This means you might have fewer red or white blood cells than usual, which can make you feel tired or more prone to infections. Your doctor may monitor your blood regularly to keep an eye on this.
• Skin changes where the injection was given: Sometimes the skin around the injection spot may get red, swollen, or irritated. Applying a cold compress and keeping the area clean can help. If it worsens, inform your doctor.
• Depression: Feeling sad or low is possible. If you notice mood changes or persistent sadness, please talk to your healthcare provider. They can help with support or treatment.
• Abnormal liver function tests: This means your liver might be affected slightly. Your doctor will check your liver through blood tests to ensure it stays healthy.
• Stomach pain: Mild stomach discomfort may occur. If pain is severe or lasts, let your doctor know.
• Flu symptoms (fever, headache, chills, back pain, muscle aches, tiredness, chest pain, weakness): These are common early symptoms and usually pass with time. Rest, fluids, and over-the-counter pain relievers can ease discomfort. If symptoms are severe or ongoing, seek medical advice.

Avonex Prefilled Syringe may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor at once if you have:

• A light-headed feeling, like you might pass out: This may indicate low blood pressure or other issues needing immediate attention.
• Thoughts about suicide or hurting yourself: This is very serious. Reach out immediately to your doctor, a mental health professional, or emergency services.
• Unusual changes in mood or behavior (feeling anxious, hopeless, nervous, irritable, or depressed): Mental health is important; if you or someone close to you notices these changes, please contact your healthcare provider for help.
• Easy bruising, unusual bleeding: This might suggest blood clotting problems. Avoid injury and seek medical care right away.
• Pain, oozing, bruising, swelling, redness, or skin changes where the injection was given: This could mean an infection or severe reaction, so it’s important to get it checked quickly.
• Heart problems:
  • Rapid heartbeats
  • Chest pain spreading to your jaw or shoulder
  • Feeling short of breath
  • Nausea
  • Sweating
  • Rapid weight gain
  • Swelling
• Seizure: If you experience any convulsions or seizures, call emergency services immediately.
• Liver problems, Symptoms include:
  • Easy bruising or bleeding
  • Clay-colored stools
  • Loss of appetite
  • Jaundice
  • Confusio
  • Dark urine
  • Tiredness
• Thyroid problems: Symptoms may include 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). Your doctor may run tests and adjust treatment accordingly.
• Signs of infection: Symptoms may include fever, chills, cough with mucus, bloody diarrhea, pain or burning when you urinate. Infections can be serious, especially if your immune system is affected. Seek medical advice promptly.
• Blood Clots: Avonex Prefilled Syringe can cause life-threatening blood clots in small blood vessels inside your organs, such as your brain or kidneys. Seek medical help right away if you have symptoms like fever, tiredness, decreased urination, bruising, or nosebleeds.
• Allergic Reaction: Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction:
  • Hives, anxiety, difficult breathing, itching, swelling in your face or throat
  • Severe skin reaction (fever, sore throat, burning eyes, skin pain, red or purple skin rash with blistering and peeling)

[Note: Remember, this list may not cover all possible side effects. Always consult with your healthcare giver for medical advice about side effects.]

Below are the key warnings you should consider while using Avonex Prefilled Syringe:

• Depression, Suicide, and Psychotic Disorders: Patients and caregivers should immediately report any signs of depression, thoughts of suicide, or psychotic symptoms to the doctor. If severe mental health issues develop, stopping Avonex may be necessary. Depression and suicidal thoughts have been reported more often in patients using Avonex. Sometimes these symptoms improve after stopping the medication.
• Allergic Reactions and Anaphylaxis: Severe allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis, are rare but possible. Symptoms include trouble breathing, swelling of the mouth or tongue, rash, or hives. If these occur, stop Avonex immediately and seek medical help.
• Heart Failure Concerns: People with existing heart failure should be watched closely for worsening symptoms during treatment. Although no direct heart damage is known, cases of heart failure and cardiomyopathy have been reported, even in patients without known heart issues.
• Injection Site Problems, Including Necrosis: Injection site reactions such as pain, redness, bruising, or inflammation are common. Rarely, serious issues like abscesses, cellulitis, or tissue death (necrosis) can happen, sometimes needing hospital treatment. Patients should be taught proper injection techniques. If necrosis occurs, avoid injecting in that area until healed. Multiple lesions may require changing injection sites or stopping treatment temporarily.
• Liver Problems (Hepatic Injury): Rare but serious liver damage, including liver failure, has occurred. Mild liver enzyme increases may happen and could return if Avonex is restarted. Using Avonex with other liver-damaging drugs or alcohol increases the risk.
• Low Blood Cell Counts: Some patients have experienced low levels of blood cells, including rare cases of very low platelets or all cell types, after using Avonex.
• Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension (PAH): Cases of PAH (high blood pressure in the lungs) have occurred, sometimes requiring hospitalization or lung transplant. It can develop anytime during treatment. If you experience unexplained shortness of breath or fatigue, get checked for PAH. Stop treatment if PAH is diagnosed.
• Seizures: Seizures have been reported in patients using Avonex, but it is unclear if they are due to the drug, the underlying disease, or both.
• Thrombotic Microangiopathy (TMA): Rare but serious blood vessel disorders like TMA, which can be life-threatening, have been reported. These may appear weeks to years after starting treatment. Stop Avonex if symptoms or lab tests suggest TMA, and treat promptly.
• Autoimmune Disorders: Rare autoimmune conditions affecting organs like the thyroid, blood cells, or liver have been reported. If you develop symptoms of a new autoimmune disease, your doctor may consider stopping Avonex.

Using Avonex Prefilled Syringe can greatly help manage multiple sclerosis, but it’s important to take some precautions to stay safe and get the best results. Here’s what you should keep in mind:

• Always follow your doctor’s instructions carefully when injecting Avonex. Never change the dose or stop the medication without talking to your healthcare provider.
• Before starting Avonex, tell your doctor if you have any allergies, infections, or other medical conditions, especially liver problems or depression.
• Avonex can weaken your immune system, so avoid contact with people who have infections like chickenpox or measles. If you get sick, contact your doctor right away.
• Be aware of possible side effects like flu-like symptoms, injection site reactions, or mood changes. If any symptoms get worse or don’t go away, let your healthcare provider know.
• Avoid drinking alcohol or using other medicines that can affect your liver unless your doctor allows it.
• If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding, discuss with your doctor before using Avonex.
• Keep all medical appointments and lab tests so your doctor can monitor your health while you’re on Avonex.

• If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember.
• Do not inject Avonex two days in a row never take two doses at the same time.
• If you’re unsure about when to take your next dose, contact your doctor or pharmacist right away.

[Note: If you have missed a dose of your medication and are unsure about when to take the next one, immediately consult your doctor or pharmacist.]

• Only use the amount of Avonex your doctor prescribes. Taking more can be harmful.
• If you think you have used too much Avonex, call your doctor immediately.
• You can also contact America’s Poison Centers at 800-222-1222 or use their online tool for advice.
• If you experience severe symptoms, call 911, your local emergency number, or go to the nearest emergency room.
• Remember, getting medical help quickly is very important in case of overdose.

[Note: If you consumed more than the recommended dose, get medical help right away or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.]

• Keep Avonex Prefilled Syringe in the refrigerator between 36°F and 46°F (2°C to 8°C).
• Do not freeze Avonex. If it freezes, do not use it.
• If you cannot refrigerate it, you may store Avonex at room temperature up to 77°F (25°C) for a maximum of 7 days.
• Do not store Avonex above 77°F (25°C). If it has been stored at higher temperatures, do not use it.
• Dispose of any Avonex that hasn’t been stored properly in an FDA-approved sharps container.
• Keep Avonex in its original carton to protect it from light.
• If you have questions about storing or disposing of Avonex, talk to your healthcare professional.

[Note: Discuss with your healthcare professional about the proper disposal of any unused medicine and any questions you may have regarding its storage.]

Some medicines can affect how Avonex works or increase risks. Tell your doctor if you use any of these:

• Antiretroviral non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NNRTIs): efavirenz and nevirapine may raise the risk of liver damage.
• Antiretroviral protease inhibitors: atazanavir (Reyataz), darunavir (Prezista) — may raise the risk of liver damage.
• Antiretroviral nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs): lamivudine (Epivir) and zidovudine (Retrovir) may increase risk of liver damage and low blood cell counts.
• Monoclonal antibody drugs: natalizumab (Tysabri) and alemtuzumab (Lemtrada, Campath) may increase the chance of immune system suppression.

What Are the Other Avonex Prefilled Syringe Interactions?

• Food and Beverages: There are no known specific food or beverage restrictions when using Avonex.
• Alcohol: Alcohol may increase the risk of side effects such as dizziness, drowsiness, or liver stress when combined with Avonex. It’s advisable to limit or avoid alcohol consumption during treatment to reduce these risks.
• Supplements, Herbs, and Vitamins: Some supplements and herbal products, especially those affecting the immune system (like echinacea, St. John’s wort, or high doses of vitamin D), could interfere with Avonex’s effectiveness or increase side effects.
• Lab Tests: Avonex may affect certain blood test results, including liver function tests and blood cell counts. Inform your lab personnel and healthcare provider that you are using Avonex to ensure accurate interpretation of test results.
• Vaccines: Live vaccines should generally be avoided during Avonex treatment because of the risk of infection due to immune modulation. Inactivated vaccines may be given but might be less effective. Always inform your doctor before receiving any vaccine while on Avonex.

[Note: This isn't a complete list, and there could be other drugs that interact with Avonex Prefilled Syringe. Make sure to tell your doctor about any prescription, over-the-counter medicines, and herbal products you’re taking.]

There are other medications available to treat multiple sclerosis (MS). Some of these might suit you better than Avonex Prefilled Syringe. If you are considering other options, please talk to your doctor. They can help you find medications that may work well for your condition. Here are some drugs that are similar to Avonex Prefilled Syringe:

• Tecfidera (dimethyl fumarate)
• Mayzent (siponimod)
• Gilenya (fingolimod)
• Aubagio (teriflunomide)
• Copaxone (glatiramer acetate)
• Glatopa (glatiramer acetate)
• Rebif (interferon beta-1a)
• Plegridy (pegylated interferon beta-1a)
• Tysabri (natalizumab)
• Ocrevus (ocrelizumab)

[Note: Your doctor will choose what’s best for you. Don’t use any of these alternative medications without consulting your healthcare provider. Taking them by yourself may cause serious side effects.]

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