Avonex (Interferon Beta-1a Vials (Avonex))

• It is used to treat MS (multiple sclerosis).

• Tell all of your health care providers that you take Avonex. This includes your doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists.
• You may bleed more easily. Be careful and avoid injury. Use a soft toothbrush and an electric razor.
• You may have more chance of getting an infection. Wash hands often. Stay away from people with infections, colds, or flu.
• Have blood work checked as you have been told by the doctor. Talk with the doctor.
• Talk with your doctor before you drink alcohol.
• This medicine is not a cure for MS (multiple sclerosis). Stay under the care of your doctor.
• A lot of times, reactions happen where the shot was given. Sometimes, very bad reactions may happen. Check with your doctor if you have any reaction that bothers you or does not go away. Call your doctor right away if you have any break in the skin, color changes (blue or black), swelling, or drainage of fluid where the shot was given.
• Very bad health problems like thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura/hemolytic uremic syndrome (TTP/HUS) have happened with drugs like this one. Sometimes, this has been deadly. This has happened several weeks to years after starting treatment. Call your doctor right away if you feel very tired or weak or have any bruising or bleeding, change in balance, change in eyesight, change in how much urine is passed, dark urine, fever, pale skin, trouble speaking or thinking, weakness on 1 side of the body, or yellow skin or eyes.
• Heart failure has happened with this medicine, as well as heart failure that has gotten worse in people who already have it. Tell your doctor if you have heart disease. Call your doctor right away if you have shortness of breath, a big weight gain, a heartbeat that is not normal, or swelling in the arms or legs that is new or worse.
• Some of these drugs have albumin (part of the blood) in them and may have viruses that may cause disease. This medicine is screened, tested, and treated to lower the chance that it carries an infection. Talk with the doctor.
• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan on getting pregnant. You will need to talk about the benefits and risks of using Avonex while you are pregnant.
• Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding. You will need to talk about any risks to your baby.

Use this medicine as ordered by your doctor. Read all information given to you. Follow all instructions closely.

• It is given as a shot into a muscle.
• Do not shake.
• Use right away after mixing or you may store in a refrigerator for up to 6 hours.
• Follow how to use as you have been told by the doctor or read the package insert.
• If you will be giving yourself the shot, your doctor or nurse will teach you how to give the shot.
• Do not use if the solution is cloudy, leaking, or has particles.
• This medicine is colorless to a faint yellow. Do not use if the solution changes color.
• Do not give into skin that is irritated, bruised, red, infected, or scarred.
• Before giving the shot, let it come to room temperature. Do not heat Avonex.
• Wash your hands before and after use.
• Move the site where you give the shot with each shot.
• Throw away needles in a needle/sharp disposal box. Do not reuse needles or other items. When the box is full, follow all local rules for getting rid of it. Talk with a doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.

What do I do if I miss a dose?

• Take a missed dose as soon as you think about it and go back to your normal time.
• If the next dose is less than 48 hours away, call your doctor to find out what to do.
• Do not take 2 doses at the same time or extra doses.

All drugs may cause side effects. However, many people have no side effects or only have minor side effects. Call your doctor or get medical help if any of these side effects or any other side effects bother you or do not go away:

• Flu-like signs. These include headache, weakness, fever, shakes, aches, pains, and sweating. Mild pain drugs may help.
• Upset stomach or throwing up.
• Belly pain.
• Dizziness.
• Muscle or joint pain.
• Back pain.
• Feeling sleepy.
• Dry mouth.

These are not all of the side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, call your doctor. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.

You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088. You may also report side effects at http://www.fda.gov/medwatch.