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In this Article

• What is interferon beta-1a (Avonex)?
• What are the possible side effects of interferon beta-1a (Avonex)?
• What is the most important information I should know about interferon beta-1a (Avonex)?
• What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using interferon beta-1a (Avonex)?
• How should I use interferon beta-1a (Avonex)?
• What happens if I miss a dose (Avonex)?
• What happens if I overdose (Avonex)?
• What should I avoid while using interferon beta-1a (Avonex)?
• What other drugs will affect interferon beta-1a (Avonex)?
• Where can I get more information?

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using interferon beta-1a (Avonex)?

Do not use this medication if you are allergic to interferons or human albumin.

Some patients using interferon medications have become very depressed or had thoughts of suicide. Stop using interferon beta-1a if you have symptoms of depression (sadness, crying, loss of interest in things you once liked) or if you have any thoughts of hurting yourself.

If you have any of these other conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely use interferon beta-1a:

• liver disease;
• epilepsy or other seizure disorder;
• heart disease, chest pain (angina), congestive heart failure, or a heart rhythm disorder;
• a thyroid disorder; or
• a history of depression or suicidal behavior.

FDA pregnancy category C. This medication may be harmful to an unborn baby, or may cause a miscarriage. Do not use interferon beta-1a if you are pregnant. Tell your doctor if you become pregnant during treatment.

It is not known whether interferon beta-1a passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Avonex powder contains albumin, but the Avonex prefilled syringe does not. Albumin comes from human plasma (part of the blood) and may contain viruses and other infectious agents that can cause disease. Although donated human plasma is screened, tested, and treated to reduce the risk of it containing anything that could cause disease, there is still a small possibility it could transmit disease. Talk with your doctor about the risks and benefits of using this medication.

How should I use interferon beta-1a (Avonex)?

Interferon beta-1a is given as an injection under the skin or into a muscle. Your doctor, nurse, or other healthcare provider will give you this injection. You may be shown how to inject your medicine at home.

Do not self-inject this medicine if you do not fully understand how to give the injection and properly dispose of used needles and syringes.

Interferon beta-1a is injected into a muscle of the thigh or upper arm. This medication comes with patient instructions for safe and effective use. Follow these directions carefully. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.

The powder form of interferon beta-1a must be mixed with a liquid (diluent) in the medicine vial. Gently swirl but do not shake the vial after mixing the medicine. The mixture should be clear or light yellow. Do not use the mixture if it has changed colors or has any particles in it. Mix a new dose or call your doctor for a new prescription.

Do not draw your interferon beta-1a dose into a syringe until you are ready to give yourself an injection.

Use each disposable needle only one time. Throw away used needles in a puncture-proof container (ask your pharmacist where you can get one and how to dispose of it). Keep this container out of the reach of children and pets.

To be sure this medication is not causing harmful effects, your blood and liver function will need to be tested on a regular basis. Your thyroid function may also need to be tested. Do not miss any scheduled visits to your doctor.

Store interferon beta-1a in a refrigerator. Do not freeze. You may take the prefilled syringe out of the refrigerator and allow it to reach room temperature before giving the injection. Do not heat the medicine before using.

Interferon beta-1a may be kept at room temperature for short periods if protected from light. Powder medication can be stored at room temperature for up to 30 days. The Rebif prefilled syringe can also be stored at room temperature for up to 30 days. However, the Avonex prefilled syringe can be stored at room temperature for only 7 days.

Interferon beta-1a mixed with the diluent may be stored in a refrigerator, but you must use it within 6 hours after mixing.

Throw away any interferon beta-1a that has become frozen or has been exposed to light or high heat.