Avonex (Interferon Beta-1a)
Sorry, we do not offer this product as it requires refrigeration during shipping.
Interferon Beta-1a Information
(in ter feer' on)
- clinically isolated syndrome (CIS; nerve symptom episodes that last at least 24 hours),
- relapsing-remitting forms (course of disease where symptoms flare up from time to time), or
- secondary progressive forms (course of disease where relapses occur more often).
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Before using interferon beta-1a,
- tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to interferon beta-1a, any other interferon medications (Avonex, Betaseron, Extavia, Plegridy), any other medications, or human albumin. Ask your pharmacist or check the Medication Guide for a list of the ingredients.
- tell your doctor and pharmacist what other prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking. Your doctor may need to change the doses of your medications or monitor you carefully for side effects.
- tell your doctor if you drink or have ever drunk large amounts of alcohol; if you have or have ever had an autoimmune disease (a disease in which the body attacks its own cells; ask your doctor if you are not sure if you have this type of disease); anemia (low red blood cells) or low white blood cells; blood problems such as easy bruising or bleeding; mental illness such as depression, especially if you have ever thought about killing yourself or tried to do so; seizures; heart failure; or heart, kidney, liver, or thyroid disease.
- tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding. If you become pregnant while using interferon beta-1a subcutaneous, call your doctor immediately.
- if you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor or dentist you are using interferon beta-1a subcutaneous.
- ask your doctor about the safe use of alcoholic beverages while you are using interferon beta-1a subcutaneous. Alcohol can make the side effects of interferon beta-1a worse.
- you should know that you may have flu-like symptoms such as headache, fever, chills, sweating, muscle aches, back pain, and tiredness after your injection. Your doctor may tell you to take an over-the-counter pain and fever medication to help with these symptoms. These symptoms usually improve or go away over time. Talk to your doctor if these symptoms are difficult to manage or become severe.
- headache
- fever
- chills
- dry eyes
- vision problems
- dry mouth
- bruising, pain, redness, swelling, or tenderness at the injection site
- new or worsening depression
- thinking about harming or killing yourself or planning or trying to do so
- anxiety
- hives
- rash
- itching
- difficulty breathing or swallowing
- swelling of the eyes, face, mouth, tongue, throat, hands, arms, feet, ankles, or lower legs
- lightheadedness
- fainting
- seizures
- loss of coordination
- extreme tiredness
- lack of energy
- nausea
- vomiting
- loss of appetite
- pale stools
- pain in the upper right part of the stomach
- yellowing of the skin or eyes
- dark urine
- pale skin
- chest pain
- fast heartbeat
- unusual bruising or bleeding
- sore throat, cough, fever, chills, or other signs of infection
- unexplained weight gain or loss
- feeling cold or hot all the time
- blackening of skin or drainage at the injection site
- red or bloody stools or diarrhea
- stomach pain
- slow or difficult speech
- purple patches or pinpoint dots (rash) on the skin
- decreased urination or blood in the urine