Avonex Side Effects, Overdose and Pregnancy Information

Main ingredient in Avonex injection is interferon beta-1a. Interferons are small protein molecules that are produced by body in response to viral and other infections. Three major classes of interferons are alfa, beta and gamma. They are believed to enhance the immune system, causing it to attack infected or abnormal cells. Avonex is used to treat multiple sclerosis (MS). Avonex helps to reduce the frequency and severity of the relapses. Avonex is given by injection into a muscle once a week. Avonex is not effective in all people with MS and since it can have major side effects, it is recommended that all patients are evaluated by a neurologist before starting treatment.

AVONEX SIDE EFFECTS

Side effects of Avonex may include flu-like symptoms such as aches and pains, fever, chills, sweating, headache, fatigue and nausea. They tend to be worse at the start of treatment and improve with continued treatment, dry mouth and dry eyes. Rare side effects of Avonex include injection site reactions such as pain, redness or bruising, weakness, rigidity of muscles right after the injection, rash, pain in the muscles, joints, back or neck, muscle cramps or stiffness, heavy or irregular menstrual bleeding, dizziness, flushing, runny nose, appetite loss, diarrhea, insomnia, depression, under or overactive thyroid, confusion, seizures, and hair loss.

Avonex Warning and Caution

Treatment with Avonex should only be started by a physician specializing in MS.

Different injection site should be used each week.

Avonex can cause flu-like symptoms such as aches and pains, fever, chills, sweating, headache, fatigue and nausea. These tend to be worse at the start of treatment and improve with continued treatment.

Avonex has been associated with depression that can occur at any time during treatment.

Avonex has rarely been associated with liver problems and may decrease the number of blood cells in your blood.

Avonex should be used in with caution in seizure disorders, history of depression, heart disease, arrhythmias, decreased blood cell production by the bone marrow, causing lower than normal levels of blood cells in the blood, decreased kidney/liver function/disease, history of alcohol abuse, and overactive or underactive thyroid gland.

Avonex should not to be given to children under 12.

Avonex and Pregnancy

Avonex should not be used during pregnancy because it may be harmful to the fetus and may increase the risk of miscarriage.

Avonex passes into breast milk. Nursing mothers should switch to bottle-feed while taking Avonex.

Avonex Interaction

There may be an increased risk of side effects on the liver or blood cells if other drugs that can affect the liver or blood cells are used in combination with Avonex.

Avonex may increase the blood level of the following drugs:

Antiepileptic drugs

Certain antidepressants

Zidovudine

Avonex Overdose

In case of Avonex overdose, seek medical attention right away.