INTERFERON BETA-1A - INJECTION

INTERFERON BETA-1A - INJECTION

PHONETIC PRONUNCIATION: (IN-ter-FEER-on BAY-ta-wun-ay)

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Avonex

GENERIC NAME(S): interferon beta-1a/albumin human

Uses

USES: This medication is used to treat multiple sclerosis (MS). Interferon is not a cure for MS, but it may help to slow disease worsening and decrease flare-ups of symptoms (such as balance problems, numbness, or weakness).


How to use INTERFERON BETA-1A - INJECTION

HOW TO USE: Read the Medication Guide and Instructions for Use provided by your pharmacist before you start using interferon beta 1A and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist. If you are using this medication at home, learn all preparation and usage instructions from your health care professional. Before using, check this product visually for particles or discoloration. If either is present, do not use the liquid. Learn how to store and discard medical supplies safely. To increase comfort, take this medication out of the refrigerator and let it warm to room temperature for about 30 minutes before injecting. Do not warm up this medication in any other way such as heating in the microwave or placing in hot water. Before use, carefully mix the medication as directed. This medication is given by injection into a muscle (thigh or upper arm) as directed by your doctor, usually once a week. It is best to use this medication near bedtime to reduce side effects. Before injecting each dose, clean the injection site with rubbing alcohol. Change the injection site each time to lessen injury. Do not inject into skin that is red, sore, scarred, or infected. Inject this medication into the thigh or upper arm as directed by your doctor. Tell your doctor of any skin reactions that do not go away after a few days. The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment. To reduce your risk of side effects, your doctor may direct you to start this medication at a low dose and gradually increase your dose. Follow your doctor's instructions carefully. Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, use it on the same day each week. Tell your doctor if your condition gets worse.

Side Effects

SIDE EFFECTS: Pain, redness, or swelling at the injection site may occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor promptly. Most people have flu-like symptoms such as headache, tiredness, fever, chills, and muscle aches when they first start this medication. These symptoms usually last about 1 day after the injection and improve or go away after a few months of continued use. You can lessen these side effects by injecting this medicine at bedtime and by using fever reducers/pain relievers such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen before each dose. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information. Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects. Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including: mental/mood changes (such as new or worsening depression, thoughts of suicide, psychosis), feeling too hot or cold (more than others around you), blue fingers/toes, easy bleeding/bruising, pus or change in skin color at the injection site, joint pain/swelling, signs of kidney problems (such as a change in the amount of urine), signs of liver problems (such as nausea/vomiting that doesn't stop, loss of appetite, stomach/abdominal pain, yellowing eyes/skin, dark urine), new or worsening symptoms of heart failure (such as shortness of breath, swelling ankles/feet, unusual tiredness, unusual/sudden weight gain). Get medical help right away if you have any very serious side effects, including: seizures. This medication may lower your ability to fight infections. This may make you more likely to get a serious (rarely fatal) infection or make any infection you have worse. Tell your doctor right away if you have any signs of infections (such as sore throat that doesn't go away, fever, chills, cough). A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing. This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist. In the US - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch. In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

Precautions

PRECAUTIONS: Before using interferon, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to products containing human albumin; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details. Some brands of this medication contain albumin made from human blood. Even though the blood is carefully tested, and this medication goes through a special manufacturing process, there is an extremely small chance that you may get infections from the medication (for example viruses such as hepatitis). Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more information. Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: bleeding/blood problems, heart problems (such as heart failure, angina, fast/irregular heartbeat), liver disease, mental/mood disorders (such as depression, psychosis, suicidal thoughts), seizure disorder, thyroid disease. Interferon can make you more likely to get infections or may worsen any current infections. Avoid contact with people who have infections that may spread to others (such as chickenpox, measles, flu). Consult your doctor if you have been exposed to an infection or for more details. Do not have immunizations/vaccinations without the consent of your doctor. Avoid contact with people who have recently received live vaccines (such as flu vaccine inhaled through the nose). Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products). Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. You should not become pregnant while using interferon. Interferon may harm an unborn baby. If you become pregnant, talk to your doctor right away about the risks and benefits of this medication. This medication passes into breast milk in small amounts, but is unlikely to harm a nursing infant. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Interactions

DRUG INTERACTIONS: Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.

Overdose

OVERDOSE: If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center.

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Faq for INTERFERON BETA-1A - INJECTION

Interferon Beta-1A Injection is used to treat multiple sclerosis (MS) in adults.

Interferon Beta-1A Injection helps reduce inflammation and suppress the immune system, which can decrease the frequency and severity of MS relapses.

Interferon Beta-1A Injection is usually given once a week or every other day, depending on your doctor's instructions.

Yes, Interferon Beta-1A Injection can be self-administered if you have received proper training from your healthcare provider.

Common side effects of Interferon Beta-1A Injection include flu-like symptoms (e.g., fever, chills, muscle aches), injection site reactions, depression, and liver problems. It is important to discuss any side effects with your doctor.

Interferon Beta-1A Injection should only be used during pregnancy if the potential benefits outweigh the risks. It is important to discuss this with your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant.

It is generally recommended to avoid alcohol while taking Interferon Beta-1A Injection, as alcohol can worsen some of the side effects.

If you forget to take a dose of Interferon Beta-1A Injection, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is close to the time for your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule.

You should inform your doctor about all the medications you are taking, including over-the-counter drugs and herbal supplements, as some medications may interact with Interferon Beta-1A Injection.



Disclaimer

IMPORTANT: HOW TO USE THIS INFORMATION: This is a summary and does NOT have all possible information about this product. This information does not assure that this product is safe, effective, or appropriate for you. This information is not individual medical advice and does not substitute for the advice of your health care professional. Always ask your health care professional for complete information about this product and your specific health needs.