What is the generic name for Avonex?
Generic Name: interferon beta-1a This medication is used to treat multiple sclerosis (MS).
What does IM interferon beta-1a do?
Interferon beta-1a is in a class of medications called immunomodulators. It works by decreasing inflammation and preventing nerve damage that may cause symptoms of multiple sclerosis.
What drug class is Avonex?
Avonex belongs to a class of drugs called Immunomodulators; Multiple Sclerosis Treatments.
What is Avonex Pen used for?
AVONEX PEN is a prefilled, single-dose autoinjector that lets you treat your relapsing MS in a single click. It includes a covered needle that’s half the length of the standard needle for AVONEX prefilled syringe. AVONEX prefilled syringe lets you inject your weekly dose of AVONEX by following a step-by-step process.
What is interferon beta used for?
Interferon beta-1b injection is used to reduce episodes of symptoms in patients with relapsing-remitting (course of disease where symptoms flare up from time to time) of multiple sclerosis (MS, a disease in which the nerves do not function properly and patients may experience weakness, numbness, loss of muscle …
Does interferon beta have side effects?
Pain, swelling, or redness at the injection site may occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly. Most people have flu-like symptoms such as headache, tiredness, fever, chills, and muscle aches when they first start this medication.
Is beta interferon an immunosuppressant?
Interferon proteins are normally considered virus-fighters, but scientists at The Scripps Research Institute (TSRI) have found evidence that one of them, interferon beta (IFNβ), has an immune-suppressing effect that can help some viruses establish persistent infections.
Is beta interferon safe?
The IFN-βs are modestly effective, reducing relapse rates by about one-third and having a beneficial effect on imaging outcomes,2 but findings regarding longer-term effects on disability have been mixed. The IFN-βs are generally considered safe, especially compared to newer agents for MS.
Is Avonex an immunosuppressant drug?
Three therapies are interferon betas (IFNß), including Betaseron® (IFNß-1b), along with Avonex® and Rebif® (IFNß-1a). Copaxone® (glatiramer acetate (GA)) is also immunomodulating, but is not an interferon. Novantrone® (mitoxantrone), an anti-neoplastic drug, is the only approved immunosuppressive agent in MS.
Is Avonex an interferon?
Avonex (interferon beta-1a) is made from human proteins. Interferons help the body fight viral infections. Avonex is used to treat relapsing multiple sclerosis (MS) in adults (including clinically isolated syndrome, relapsing-remitting disease, and active secondary progressive disease).
Where do you inject AVONEX Pen?
AVONEX PEN is injected into the muscle (intramuscularly). AVONEX PEN should be injected into the upper, outer thigh (See Figure M). Step 10: Choose an injection site and wipe the skin with an alcohol wipe (See Figure N). Let the injection site dry before injecting the dose.
Where do you inject AVONEX?
AVONEX is injected into the muscle (intramuscularly). AVONEX should be injected into the thigh or upper arm (See Figures G and H). Change (rotate) your injection sites for each dose. Do not use the same injection site for each injection.
Does interferon beta-1a cause flu like symptoms?
Commonly reported side effects of interferon beta-1a include: flu-like symptoms, fever, headache, myalgia, nausea, and chills. Other side effects include: anemia. See below for a comprehensive list of adverse effects. Along with its needed effects, interferon beta-1a may cause some unwanted effects.
How does interferon work in your body?
The mechanism of action of interferon is complex and is not well understood. Interferons modulate the response of the immune system to viruses, bacteria, cancer, and other foreign substances that invade the body.
What does interferon beta do?
Interferon beta-1a (also interferon beta 1-alpha) is a cytokine in the interferon family used to treat multiple sclerosis (MS). It is produced by mammalian cells, while interferon beta-1b is produced in modified E. coli. Some claims have been made that Interferons produce about an 18–38% reduction in the rate of MS relapses.
