For multiple sclerosis.
Brand Name(s): Avonex
Generic Name: Interferon Beta-1a
Instructions
This medicine is given as an injection into a muscle.
Read and make sure you understand the instructions for measuring dose and using syringe. If you have any questions, talk to your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.
Do not dilute the medicine.
Always inspect the medicine before using.
The liquid should be clear or light yellow.
Do not use the medicine if it contains any particles or if it has changed color.
Keep medicine in refrigerator. Do not freeze. If frozen, throw away.
If needed, this medicine may be stored at room temperature for 7 days or less.
Protect medicine from light.
If your medicine is stored in the refrigerator, take it out of the refrigerator about 30 minutes before use to warm to room temperature.
Discard unused medicine after 7 days at room temperature.
Never use any medicine that has expired.
This medicine should be used at about the same time of day, preferably in the late afternoon or evening.
Using medicine before bedtime may lessen side effects.
You or a family member can be trained to give this medicine at home.
Change the location of the injection each time. Choose a location at least 1 inch from the last injection.
It is important that you keep taking each dose of this medicine on time even if you are feeling well.
If you forget to take a dose on time, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, do not take the missed dose. Return to your normal schedule. Do not take 2 doses at one time.
Drug interactions can change how medicines work or increase risk for side effects. Tell your health care providers about all medicines taken. Include prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal medicines. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist before starting or stopping any medicine.
Tell your doctor if symptoms do not get better or if they get worse.
Keep all appointments for medical exams and tests while on this medicine.
Do not use more than 1 dose each week.
Cautions
Tell your doctor and pharmacist if you ever had an allergic reaction to a medicine.
Some patients on this medicine have developed severe, life-threatening infections. Please speak with your doctor about the risks and benefits of using this medicine.
This medicine is associated with a rare, but serious problem of the liver. Speak to your doctor about the early signs of liver problems and the benefits and risks of using this medicine.
Do not use the medication any more than instructed.
Please check with your doctor before drinking alcohol while on this medicine.
Call the doctor if there are any signs of confusion or unusual changes in behavior.
This medicine may reduce your body's ability to fight infections. Avoid contact with people with colds, flu or other infections. Contact your doctor if you develop fever, cough, sore throat, or chills.
Tell the doctor or pharmacist if you are pregnant, planning to be pregnant, or breastfeeding.
Call your doctor right away if you notice any unusual bleeding or bruising.
Ask your doctor, nurse or pharmacist how to safely discard unused medicines, needles and syringes.
Do not share this medicine with anyone who has not been prescribed this medicine.
Some patients have serious side effects from this medicine. Ask your pharmacist to show you the information from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and discuss it with you.
Side Effects
The following is a list of some common side effects from this medicine. Please speak with your doctor about what you should do if you experience these or other side effects.
- lack of energy and tiredness
- fever
- fever or chills
- pain, redness, swelling near injection
- muscle pain
Call your doctor or get medical help right away if you notice any of these more serious side effects:
- unusual bruising or discoloration on skin
- chest pain
- changes in memory, mood, or thinking
- confusion
- depression or feeling sad
- swelling of the legs, feet, and hands
- high fever
- fast or irregular heart beats
- signs of liver damage (such as yellowing of eye or skin, dark urine, or unusual tiredness)
- mood changes
- seizures
- shortness of breath
- suicidal thoughts
- blurring or changes of vision
- sudden or unexplained weight gain
A few people may have an allergic reaction to this medicine. Symptoms can include difficulty breathing, skin rash, itching, swelling, or severe dizziness. If you notice any of these symptoms, seek medical help quickly.
Please speak with your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist if you have any questions about this medicine.
IMPORTANT NOTE: This document tells you briefly how to take your medicine, but it does not tell you all there is to know about it. Your doctor or pharmacist may give you other documents about your medicine. Please talk to them if you have any questions. Always follow their advice.
There is a more complete description of this medicine available in English. Scan this code on your smartphone or tablet or use the web address below. You can also ask your pharmacist for a printout. If you have any questions, please ask your pharmacist.
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More information about INTERFERON BETA-1A PREFILLED SYRINGE - INJECTION
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Selected from data included with permission and copyright by First DataBank, Inc. This copyrighted material has been downloaded from a licensed data provider and is not for distribution, except as may be authorized by the applicable terms of use.
Conditions of Use: The information in this database is intended to supplement, not substitute for the expertise and judgment of healthcare professionals. The information is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, drug interactions or adverse effects nor should it be construed to indicate that use of a particular drug is safe, appropriate or effective for you or anyone else. A healthcare professional should be consulted before taking any drug, changing any diet or commencing or discontinuing any course of treatment. The display and use of this drug information is subject to express Terms of Use.
