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DISEASE-MODIFYING THERAPY
Avonex (interferon beta 1a) is a prescription medication approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat adults with relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis (MS).
These insights are based on 7,148 comments about Avonex from MyMSTeam members. These are the experiences of a small number of people and are not meant to be medical advice.
Once-weekly dosing, which may be easier to manage
At-home self-injection after proper training
Delivery with an autoinjector pen, which may help reduce needle anxiety
Intense flu-like symptoms, including chills, fever, aches, and weakness
Injection-site pain, soreness, swelling, or bruising
Serious risks, including depression, liver problems, and seizures
Avonex works by attaching to receptors on the surface of cells. This creates signals inside the cells and leads to the production of certain genes and proteins. The exact way it works in multiple sclerosis is not known.
Doctors prescribe Avonex when someone has relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis. This includes clinically isolated syndrome, relapsing-remitting disease, and active secondary progressive disease. Avonex is given as an injection into a muscle once a week. A healthcare provider should show how to give the first injection. After training, injections can be given at home.
These insights are based on 7,148 comments about Avonex from MyMSTeam members.Members who use Avonex often say the most helpful strategies involve planning ahead for flu-like side effects, making injections easier to manage, and staying in close contact with their neurologist about ongoing reactions. Many also mention that experiences vary widely, so routines that help one person may not help another.
Ask your doctor about ways to ease flu-like side effects.
“I took two Tylenol before injections because you can get flu-like symptoms. I had some initially, but they went away with the use of Tylenol.”
Use the pen or autoinjector if needles are hard for you.
“You don’t even see the needle. All you have to do is press it against your thigh, push the button, count to 10, then gently pull it out and you’re done.”
Take injections in the evening so you can rest through symptoms.
“I take my shot in the evening so I can sleep through most of the symptoms.”
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The most common side effects of Avonex in clinical trials of adults with relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis were:
In these clinical trials, the most common side effects were reported in about 19 percent to 58 percent of people. These side effects were more common with Avonex than with placebo.
Avonex can cause serious side effects that require immediate medical attention. These include:
Get medical help right away if you think you are having a serious reaction.
Biogen, the manufacturer of Avonex, offers Biogen Support Services. Eligible people with commercial insurance may pay as little as $0. If you have government insurance or no insurance, the website offers information on other ways to save on your prescription.
Biogen Support Services also offers one-on-one phone support from Biogen support coordinators, help understanding insurance coverage and costs (including prior authorization), connections to financial and insurance assistance, follow-up check-in calls (if you are interested), and supplemental injection training support through a nurse educator. To learn more, visit Avonex’s website or call 800-456-2255.
Before starting Avonex, your doctor may test or check your blood counts and liver function. Tell your doctor if you have any allergies to interferon beta 1a or any ingredients in Avonex.
Tell your doctor about all medicines you take, including prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
Do not take Avonex if you have had a serious allergic reaction to natural or recombinant interferon beta or any component of the formulation.
If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding while taking Avonex, talk with your doctor about the risks and benefits.
These answers are fact-checked by our editorial staff.
How effective is Avonex?
In a two-year study, 22 percent of people taking Avonex had worsening disability, compared with 35 percent taking placebo. This means Avonex lowered the risk of disability getting worse over two years. The yearly relapse rate was 0.67 with Avonex and 0.82 with placebo. In another study, 21 percent of people taking Avonex had a second flare (demyelinating event) within 24 months, compared with 39 percent taking placebo.
Can Avonex cause flu-like symptoms in multiple sclerosis treatment?
Yes. Flu-like symptoms are common with Avonex, especially at the start. These can include chills, fever, muscle aches, and feeling tired. Starting with a lower dose and increasing over three weeks may help. Pain or fever medicines may also help.
What tests are needed during treatment with Avonex for multiple sclerosis?
Blood tests are recommended during treatment. These include blood counts, platelets, and liver function tests. Thyroid function should also be checked from time to time. Some people with decreased bone marrow activity (myelosuppression) may need closer monitoring.
How long does Avonex take to work for multiple sclerosis?
Studies looked at results over months, not days. Avonex delayed disability worsening over two years. It also delayed a second flare over 24 months. It is not known if it is safe and effective beyond three years.
On MyMSTeam, people share their experiences with multiple sclerosis, get advice, and find support from others who understand.
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