All Substitutes
Loading...
Disclaimer
Did you find this information helpful?
  ÂAvonex 30mcg Injection
Prescription Required
Salt Composition : Interferon Beta-1a
Manufacturer : BIOGENETIC PHARMACEUTICALS
Origin of Medicine : India
1 Vial(s) Of 0.5ml
Introduction to Avonex 30mcg Injection
Avonex 30mcg injection injections contain the active substance Interferon beta-1a, which is classified as an immunomodulator. Interferons are natural proteins the body produces to fend off infections and diseases. The protein in Avonex 30mcg injection is identical to the one naturally found in humans. This medication is utilized to treat relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis, an autoimmune condition impacting the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord).Â
It is not recommended to use Avonex 30mcg injection in children and adolescents due to limited data on its effectiveness and safety in this age group, especially in children below ten years old. Inform your doctor if you are allergic to interferon beta-1a or any of its ingredients, have severe depression, suicidal thoughts, uncontrolled epilepsy, serious kidney or liver problems, low white blood cell or platelet count, heart problems, or irritation at the injection site. Report any mood changes, suicidal thoughts, or worsening of existing conditions to your doctor. Transparent communication with your doctor about your medical history and medications is crucial for the safe use of Avonex 30mcg injection.
Uses of Avonex 30mcg Injection
- Multiple sclerosis
Therapeutic Effects of Avonex 30mcg Injection
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is the nerve damage in the brain and spinal cord. In this condition, the body's immune system mistakenly attacks its myelin, the protective covering around nerve fibers. When myelin is damaged, the link between the brain and other body parts is disrupted, leading to MS symptoms. Avonex 30mcg injection operates by inhibiting the immune system's attack on myelin. By doing so, it diminishes the frequency and intensity of relapses and hinders the progression of disability in individuals with multiple sclerosis.
Interaction of Avonex 30mcg Injection with other drugs
Inform your doctor about any prescribed medications, over-the-counter medicines, nutritional or vitamin supplements, and herbal products you take or have taken before the treatment. Certain medications may interact with Avonex 30mcg injection and cause undesirable side effects, particularly those for epilepsy or depression. Avonex 30mcg injection could interact with or be influenced by other drugs, including those obtained without a prescription.
More Information about Avonex 30mcg Injection
- Store in original sealed packaging to shield from light.
- Keep in the refrigerator between 2°C and eight °C; do not freeze.
- Do not use it if the syringe is broken.
How to consume Avonex 30mcg Injection
You can inject Avonex 30mcg injection yourself without the help of your doctor if they have trained you to do this. Perform the first injection under the supervision of an appropriately qualified healthcare professional. If you have trouble handling the syringe, ask your doctor, who may be able to help. Your physician will decide the dosage and frequency based on the severity. Inject at a different site each time to avoid the risk of skin and muscle irritation. Please do not use it on a bruised, sore, infected, or wounded part of the skin. The injection should be kept at room temperature for half an hour before use. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water and dry them. Keep sticking plasters and alcohol wipes handy in case you need them. Your doctor will tell you how long you must keep using Avonex 30mcg injection.
Safety Advices for Avonex 30mcg Injection
 Â
Pregnancy
 ÂThere is not much information on the safety of Avonex 30mcg injection for pregnant women. If you're pregnant, suspect you might be, or are considering becoming pregnant, it is important to inform your doctor and seek their advice before starting this medication.
 Â
Breast Feeding
 ÂNo harmful effects on the breastfed newborn or infant are anticipated. Avonex 30mcg injection can be used during breastfeeding.
 Â
Lungs
 ÂIt is unknown whether Avonex 30mcg injection is safe for patients with lung diseases. Inform your physician if you have any lung diseases before taking the medicine.
 Â
Liver
 ÂProlonged use of Avonex 30mcg injection can cause severe liver injury. Hence, inform your doctor if you have pre-existing liver problems or developed any symptoms of liver disease during the treatment with this medication.
 Â
Alcohol
 ÂIt is not recommended to take alcohol while you are in treatment with Avonex 30mcg injection, as it can cause significant liver injury. You must inform your doctor if you have alcohol or have alcohol addiction before starting the treatment.
 Â
Driving
 ÂAvonex 30mcg injection makes some people feel dizzy. If this happens to you or you get any other side effects that could affect your ability, do not drive or use machines.
Side Effects of Avonex 30mcg Injection
Side effects are unwanted symptoms caused by medicines. Even though all medicines cause side effects, not everyone gets them.
Serious
- Serious allergic reactions like-Swelling of the face, lips, or tongue, difficulty breathing)
- Depression
- Liver problems like yellowing of your skin or the whites of your eyes (jaundice) - Itching all over - Feeling sick, being sick (nausea and vomiting) - Easy skin bruising.
Common
- Flu-like symptoms – headache, muscle aches, chills or a fever
- Loss of appetite
- Feeling weak and tired
- Difficulty sleeping
- Runny nose
- Diarrhea
- Numbness or tingling of the skin
- Increased sweating, night sweats
- Pain in your muscles, joints, arms, legs or neck
- Injection site pain
- Changes in the laboratory values of blood cells (RBC, WBC, Platelets) and liver functions.
Word of Advice
During Avonex 30mcg injection treatment, your doctor may initiate a low dose in the first week to manage potential flu-like symptoms. Subsequently, your doctor will recommend a gradual dose increase. It is crucial to adhere to your doctor's advice, taking Avonex 30mcg injection consistently without skipping any doses, even if you start feeling better. If you accidentally take more than prescribed, consult your doctor or pharmacist immediately. If you miss a dose, inject it as soon as possible, wait a week before the next dose, and consult your doctor to adjust your schedule. Do not double doses to replace a missed injection.
Your doctor will regularly monitor your liver, thyroid, and blood cell counts while you're on this medication. If you observe sudden mood changes or experience suicidal thoughts, promptly discuss them with your doctor for appropriate guidance and support.
FAQs
Q 1. What should I do while undergoing blood tests while on Avonex 30mcg injection treatment?
Avonex 30mcg injection may influence changes in the laboratory values of blood cells (RBC, WBC, Platelets) and liver functions. It's essential to inform the person conducting the tests that you are undergoing treatment with Avonex 30mcg injection to ensure accurate results.
Q 2. How should Avonex 30mcg injection be stored?
Avonex 30mcg injection should be refrigerated between 2 °C and 8 °C. Do not freeze. If a refrigerator is unavailable, it may be stored between 2 °C and 25 °C for up to 30 days and away from heat and light.
Q 3. Does Avonex 30mcg injection are indicated for children?
No, Avonex 30mcg injection is not recommended for children and adolescents under ten years because the safety of this medication is not established for them.
Q 4. Can Avonex 30mcg injection lead to kidney disease?
Avonex 30mcg injection may cause blood clots in the small blood vessels, which can affect the kidney. This may happen several weeks to years after starting Avonex 30mcg injection. The doctor may check your blood pressure, blood platelet count, and kidney function during the treatment.
Q 5. When is the best time to take interferon beta?
It's recommended to administer interferon beta injections with a minimum gap of 48 hours between each dose. For consistency and effectiveness, aim to inject the medication at approximately the same time on each scheduled day, ideally in the late afternoon or evening.
Fact Box of Avonex 30mcg Injection
Molecule Name: Interferon beta-1a  | Therapeutic class: Immunosuppressant |
Pharmacological class: Immunomodulators  | Indications: Multiple sclerosis |
References
- FUJIFILM Diosynth Biotechnologies, Electronic medicines compendium (EMC), [Revised on Jun 2023] [Accessed on 30th Sept 2023] https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/product/886/pil
- US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), [Revised on Feb 2012] [Accessed on 28th Sep 2023] https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2012/103628s5189lbl.pdf
Disclaimer
MrMed’s primary intention is to ensure that its consumers get information that is reviewed by experts, accurate and trustworthy. The information and contents of this website are for informational purposes only. They are not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Please seek the advice of your doctor and discuss all your queries related to any disease or medicine. Do not disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on MrMed. Our mission is to support, not replace, the doctor-patient relationship.