Learn more about usage, cautions, and possible side effects of Avonex.
Chemical Name: INTERFERON BETA 1a (in-ter-FEER-on BAY-tah)
Avonex 4 30mcg/vial Kit is an interferon used to treat certain types of multiple sclerosis (MS). It may also be used to treat other conditions as determined by your doctor.
Some medicines or medical conditions may interact with Avonex 4 30mcg/vial Kit. INFORM YOUR DOCTOR OR PHARMACIST of all prescription and over-the-counter medicine that you are taking. ADDITIONAL MONITORING OF YOUR DOSE OR CONDITION may be needed if you are taking medicines for depression or medicines that damage your liver (such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory, aspirin or medicines containing acetaminophen). Inform your doctor of any other medical conditions including mood or mental problems (such as depression), suicidal thoughts, liver problems, heart problems (such as congestive heart failure or cardiomyopathy), seizures, thyroid problems, immune problems (such as bone marrow suppression), blood problems (such as anemia), allergies, pregnancy, or breast-feeding. Contact your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions or concerns about taking Avonex 4 30mcg/vial Kit.
Follow the directions for using Avonex 4 30mcg/vial Kit provided by your doctor. Avonex 4 30mcg/vial Kit comes with a MEDICATION GUIDE approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Read it carefully each time you refill Avonex 4 30mcg/vial Kit. Ask your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist any questions that you may have about Avonex 4 30mcg/vial Kit. IF YOU ARE USING AVONEX 4 30mcg/VIAL KIT AT HOME, a healthcare professional will provide detailed instructions for its appropriate use. Ask any questions you may have about your medicine or giving injections. AVONEX 4 30mcg/VIAL KIT MUST BE MIXED before using. Gently swirl to mix. DO NOT SHAKE. If the medicine is cloudy or discolored, if it contains particles, or if the vial is cracked or damaged in any way, do not use it. USE AVONEX 4 30mcg/VIAL KIT IMMEDIATELY after mixing. It may be used for up to 6 hours after mixing if stored in the refrigerator between 36 and 46 degrees F (2 and 8 degrees C). Do not freeze. Throw away any medicine left in the syringe after you use your dose. WHEN DRAWING A DOSE INTO A SYRINGE, be sure to follow the procedure demonstrated to you to prevent contamination of the vial, syringe, or medicine. Never touch the rubber stopper of the vial or the needle of the syringe with your fingers. CAREFULLY CHECK that you have drawn the correct dose before administration. USE A DIFFERENT SITE each time you inject. Do not use the same injection site repeatedly. Do not make an injection into skin that is tender, red, or hard. STORE AVONEX 4 30mcg/VIAL KIT in the refrigerator between 36 and 46 degrees F (2 and 8 degrees C), away from light. Do not freeze. If refrigeration is not available, Avonex 4 30mcg/vial Kit may be stored at or below 77 degrees F (25 degrees C) for up to 30 days. Use Avonex 4 30mcg/vial Kit regularly to receive the most benefit from it. Using Avonex 4 30mcg/vial Kit on the same day each week will help you to remember. IF YOU MISS A DOSE OF AVONEX 4 30mcg/VIAL KIT, use it as soon as possible, then go back to your regular dosing schedule the following week. Do not use 2 doses at once. Do not use Avonex 4 30mcg/vial Kit on two consecutive days.
DO NOT TAKE AVONEX 4 30mcg/VIAL KIT if you have had an allergic reaction to it, to any interferon, to human albumin, or if are allergic to any ingredient in this product. IF YOU EXPERIENCE difficulty breathing; tightness of chest; swelling of eyelids, face, or lips; or if you develop a rash or hives, tell your doctor immediately. Do not take any more of Avonex 4 30mcg/vial Kit unless your doctor tells you to do so. DO NOT CHANGE YOUR DOSE or stop using Avonex 4 30mcg/vial Kit without first checking with your doctor. Laboratory and/or medical tests, including blood counts, liver function tests, or thyroid function tests, may be performed to monitor your progress or to check for side effects. KEEP ALL DOCTOR AND LABORATORY APPOINTMENTS while you are using Avonex 4 30mcg/vial Kit. Avonex 4 30mcg/vial Kit may cause dizziness. DO NOT DRIVE, OPERATE MACHINERY, OR DO ANYTHING ELSE THAT COULD BE DANGEROUS until you know how you react to Avonex 4 30mcg/vial Kit. Using Avonex 4 30mcg/vial Kit alone, with other medicines, or with alcohol may lessen your ability to drive or to perform other potentially dangerous tasks. AVONEX 4 30mcg/VIAL KIT MAY ADD TO THE liver effects of alcohol. Check with your doctor before consuming alcohol while using Avonex 4 30mcg/vial Kit. AVONEX 4 30mcg/VIAL KIT MAY REDUCE THE NUMBER OF BLOOD CELLS THAT ARE NEEDED FOR CLOTTING. To prevent bleeding, avoid situations where bruising or injury may occur. AVONEX 4 30mcg/VIAL KIT MAY LOWER YOUR RESISTANCE TO INFECTION. Prevent infection by avoiding contact with people with colds or other infections. Do not touch your eyes or the inside of your nose unless you have thoroughly washed your hands first. AVONEX 4 30mcg/VIAL KIT CONTAINS ALBUMIN, which comes from human blood. There is an extremely rare risk of developing a viral disease, or a central nervous system disease called Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease. No cases of viral disease or Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease from albumin have been identified. BEFORE YOU BEGIN TAKING ANY NEW MEDICINE, either prescription or over-the-counter, check with your doctor or pharmacist. This includes vitamins, herbal medicines, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medicines (such as ibuprofen, naproxen, or ketoprofen), aspirin, or any medicines containing acetaminophen. FOR WOMEN: AVONEX 4 30mcg/VIAL KIT MAY CAUSE HARM to the human fetus. IF YOU PLAN ON BECOMING PREGNANT, discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of using Avonex 4 30mcg/vial Kit during pregnancy. IT IS UNKNOWN IF AVONEX 4 30mcg/VIAL KIT IS EXCRETED in breast milk. DO NOT BREAST-FEED while taking Avonex 4 30mcg/vial Kit.
SIDE EFFECTS that may occur while using Avonex 4 30mcg/vial Kit include pain, swelling, or redness at the injection site; flu-like symptoms (such as fever, chills, nausea, muscle aches, or weakness); hair loss; or headache. If they continue or are bothersome, check with your doctor. CHECK WITH YOUR DOCTOR AS SOON AS POSSIBLE if you experience vision problems, muscle or joint pain, or severe headache. CONTACT YOUR DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY if you experience rapid heartbeat; chest pain; swelling of the ankles or feet; sudden unexplained weight changes; mental or mood changes (such as depression or suicidal thoughts); seizures; persistent fever, chills, or sore throat; easy bruising or bleeding; dark urine; yellowing of the eyes or skin; unusual fatigue or weakness; cold or heat sensitivity; swelling of your hands, legs, face, lips, eyes, throat, or tongue; difficulty swallowing or breathing; or hoarseness. An allergic reaction to Avonex 4 30mcg/vial Kit is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of an allergic reaction may include rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, or trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist. This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, contact your healthcare provider. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Drug interactions can result in unwanted side effects or prevent a medicine from doing its job. Use our drug interaction checker to find out if your medicines interact with each other. Check drug interactions for Avonex
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately.
DO NOT SHARE AVONEX 4 30mcg/VIAL KIT with others for whom it was not prescribed. DO NOT USE AVONEX 4 30mcg/VIAL KIT for other health conditions. KEEP THIS PRODUCT, as well as syringes and needles, out of the reach of children. Do not reuse needles, syringes, or other materials. Dispose of properly after use. Ask your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist to explain local regulations for selecting an appropriate container and properly disposing of the container when it is full. IF USING AVONEX 4 30mcg/VIAL KIT FOR AN EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME, obtain refills before your supply runs out.
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