AVONEX ADMINISTRATION PACK

Drug Name: AVONEX ADMINISTRATION PACK

AVONEX ADMINISTRATION PACK DESCRIPTION:
INTERFERON BETA 1A - INJECTION (in-ter-FEER-on BAY-tuh)

COMMON AVONEX ADMINISTRATION PACK BRAND NAME(S):
Avonex

AVONEX ADMINISTRATION PACK SIDE EFFECTS:
Headache, nausea, fever, flu-like symptoms, muscle aches, chills and irritation at the injection site may occur. If these persist or worsen, notify your doctor. Report promptly any chest pain or sleep problems. Unlikely but report promptly any mood changes or depression, dizziness or fainting, skin rash, itching, swelling of the hands, feet or face, rapid or irregular heartbeat, breathing trouble or seizures. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

HOW TO USE AVONEX ADMINISTRATION PACK:
AVONEX ADMINISTRATION PACK: AVONEX ADMINISTRATION PACK is administered by injection into a muscle generally once a week. Do not change the dose or use this more often than directed. AVONEX ADMINISTRATION PACK may be self-administered. Make sure you understand how to properly prepare the medication, give the injection and properly dispose of used syringes and needles. Read the detailed instructions provided with the medication and ask your doctor or pharmacist about any questions regarding your treatment.

AVONEX ADMINISTRATION PACK USES:
AVONEX ADMINISTRATION PACK is used in the treatment of multiple sclerosis (MS).

OTHER USES OF AVONEX ADMINISTRATION PACK:
AVONEX ADMINISTRATION PACK may also be used for the treatment of certain cancers, immune system disorders or viral infections.

AVONEX ADMINISTRATION PACK PRECAUTIONS:
Before using AVONEX ADMINISTRATION PACK, tell your doctor your medical history, including any allergies (especially drug allergies), any heart disease, seizure disorder or mental depression. AVONEX ADMINISTRATION PACK may make you more sensitive to the sun. Avoid prolonged sun exposure. Wear protective clothing and use a sunscreen. Limit alcohol, as it may aggravate the side effects of this medication. If you become dizzy while using AVONEX ADMINISTRATION PACK, especially when arising from a seated or lying position, stand up slowly. AVONEX ADMINISTRATION PACK should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. It is not known whether AVONEX ADMINISTRATION PACK is excreted into breast milk. Because of the potential risk to the infant, breast-feeding while using AVONEX ADMINISTRATION PACK is not recommended. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

AVONEX ADMINISTRATION PACK DRUG INTERACTIONS:
Tell your doctor of all nonprescription and prescription medication you may use. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.

AVONEX ADMINISTRATION PACK OVERDOSE:
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately.

AVONEX ADMINISTRATION PACK NOTES:
Do not share AVONEX ADMINISTRATION PACK with others. AVONEX ADMINISTRATION PACK is not a cure for MS but has been shown to slow the advancement of the disease. Laboratory tests will be done periodically while you are using AVONEX ADMINISTRATION PACK to monitor for side effects.

MISSED AVONEX ADMINISTRATION PACK DOSE:
If you miss a dose, contact your health care provider who will establish a new dose schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.

AVONEX ADMINISTRATION PACK STORAGE:
Store the vials of medication in the refrigerator between 36 and 46 degrees F (2-8 degrees C) away from light and moisture. Use the solution as soon as possible after preparing it. Discard any unused solution after six hours.