Avonex (Interferon beta-1a) Patient Information: Missed a Dose and What Should I Avoid at RxList

Pill Identifier Search

May 25, 2012

Avonex

Human Immunodeficiency Virus »

HIV facts

The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is a type of virus called a retrovirus, which infects humans when it comes in contact with tissues such as those that line the vagina, anal area, mouth, or eyes, or through a break in the skin.
HIV infection is generally a slowly progressive disease in which the virus is present throughout the body at all stages of the disease.
Three stages of HIV infection have been described.

The initial stage of infection (primary infection), which occurs within weeks of acquiring the virus, and often is characterized by a flu- or mono-like illness that generally resolves within weeks.
The stage of chronic asymptomatic infection (meaning a long duration of infection without symptoms) lasts an average of eight to 10 years.
The stage of symptomatic infection, in which the body's immune (or defense) system has...

Read the Human Immunodeficiency Virus article »

« Previous
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
Next »

Avonex User Reviews >>

Avonex

Multiple Sclerosis Slideshow Pictures

Medical Illustrations of the MS Image Collection

Take the MS Quiz

font size

Avonex Patient Information including If I Miss a Dose

What happens if I miss a dose (Avonex)?

Call your doctor for instructions if you miss a dose of this medication.

What happens if I overdose (Avonex)?

Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine. Symptoms of an interferon beta-1a overdose are not known.

What should I avoid while using interferon beta-1a (Avonex)?

Avoid drinking alcohol while using interferon beta-1a. Alcohol may increase your risk of liver damage.

Interferons can lower the blood cells that help your body fight infections. This can make it easier for you to bleed from an injury or get sick from being around others who are ill. Avoid being near people who have colds, the flu, or other contagious illnesses. Contact your doctor at once if you develop signs of infection.

What other drugs will affect interferon beta-1a (Avonex)?

Interferon beta-1a can be harmful to your liver, and these effects are increased when interferon beta-1a is used together with other medicines that can harm the liver. Before using this medication, tell your doctor if you are also using:

acetaminophen (Tylenol);
cancer medications;
tuberculosis medications;
birth control pills or hormone replacement therapy;
methotrexate (Rheumatrex, Trexall);
arthritis medications such as auranofin (Ridaura);
an antibiotic;
HIV/AIDS medications;
cholesterol medications such atorvastatin (Lipitor), simvastatin (Zocor), and others;
an ACE inhibitor such as benazepril (Lotensin), captopril (Capoten), lisinopril (Prinivil, Zestril), and others;
an NSAID (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug) such as ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil), naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn), indomethacin (Indocin), and others; or
seizure medications such as carbamazepine (Carbatrol, Tegretol), phenytoin (Dilantin), or valproic acid (Depakene).

This list is not complete and there may be other drugs that can interact with interferon beta-1a. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor.

Where can I get more information?

Your doctor or pharmacist can provide more information about interferon beta-1a.

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with other, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

Every effort has been made to ensure that the information provided by Cerner Multum, Inc. ('Multum') is accurate, up-to-date, and complete, but no guarantee is made to that effect. Drug information contained herein may be time sensitive. Multum information has been compiled for use by healthcare practitioners and consumers in the United States and therefore Multum does not warrant that uses outside of the United States are appropriate, unless specifically indicated otherwise. Multum's drug information does not endorse drugs, diagnose patients or recommend therapy. Multum's drug information is an informational resource designed to assist licensed healthcare practitioners in caring for their patients and/or to serve consumers viewing this service as a supplement to, and not a substitute for, the expertise, skill, knowledge and judgment of healthcare practitioners. The absence of a warning for a given drug or drug combination in no way should be construed to indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective or appropriate for any given patient. Multum does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information Multum provides. The information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. If you have questions about the drugs you are taking, check with your doctor, nurse or pharmacist.

Copyright 1996-2010 Cerner Multum, Inc. Version: 4.01. Revision date: 07/30/2009.

Your use of the content provided in this service indicates that you have read,understood and agree to the End-User License Agreement,which can be accessed by clicking on this link.