What kind of drug is avonex

Also, talk with your doctor about which medication they think is better for you. Costs of prescription drugs can vary depending on many factors. These factors include what your insurance plan covers and which pharmacy you use. To find current prices for Avonex in your area, visit GoodRx.

If you have questions about how to pay for your prescription, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. Using more than this can lead to serious side effects. You can also call to reach the American Association of Poison Control Centers, or use its online resource. However, if you have severe symptoms, immediately call or your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency room.

If you have more questions about Avonex, talk with your doctor. Examples of some specific questions that you may wish to ask include:. If you have other questions about Avonex, see this article about MS treatment options. The MS comparison chart may also help show which medications may be right for you.

If you have questions about MS, sign up for the MS newsletter. Disclaimer: Healthline has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up-to-date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional.

You should always consult your doctor or other healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects.

The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses. Multiple sclerosis MS drugs can modify disease progression, treat relapses, and more. Learn about over 50 MS drugs, like Tecfidera and Ocrevus.

An autoimmune disease is a condition in which your immune system attacks your body. Common autoimmune diseases include type 1 diabetes, rheumatoid…. Learn how to detect the early signs and symptoms of MS, like vision problems, fatigue, and weakness. See your doctor of you experience any of these…. There are different types of MS that have different progressions.

Read more for information about what to expect from each type of MS. Multiple sclerosis can be difficult to diagnose. A diagnosis typically requires multiple tests to rule out other conditions with similar symptoms.

Multiple sclerosis MS can cause brain and spinal cord lesions. Treatment may be helpful in preventing new lesions and managing the condition. Some days, sharing about my life with MS feels useful and authentic. Other times, I'd rather keep the details to myself. The results weren't permanent, but I'll cherish the memory of regaining my mobility. Myasthenia gravis and multiple sclerosis are immune-mediated conditions that can cause neurological symptoms.

Learn about their similarities and…. Multiple sclerosis is an immune disorder. Learn more. Health Conditions Discover Plan Connect. Medically reviewed by Neal Patel, Pharm. What is Avonex? How is Avonex used? Is Avonex used for MS? What are some frequently asked questions about Avonex?

What should I know about Avonex vs. What should be considered before taking Avonex? What does Avonex cost? What should be done in case of overdose? What to ask your doctor. Ask a pharmacist. MS Stages: What to Expect. Tests for Multiple Sclerosis. Read this next. Multiple Sclerosis MS Drugs. Medically reviewed by Alan Carter, Pharm.

Medically reviewed by Stacy Sampson, D. Medically reviewed by Heidi Moawad, M. Medically reviewed by Nancy Hammond, M. Medically reviewed by Seunggu Han, M. What You Need to Know. Medically reviewed by Tiffany Taft, PsyD. Myasthenia Gravis vs. Never reuse vials, syringes, prefilled syringes, or needles. Protect this medication from light, moisture, freezing, and high temperatures.

Keep this medication out of the reach of children. Do not dispose of medications in wastewater e. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medications that are no longer needed or have expired. Do not use this medication if you are allergic to interferon beta-1a or any ingredients of the medication. Many medications can cause side effects. A side effect is an unwanted response to a medication when it is taken in normal doses.

Side effects can be mild or severe, temporary or permanent. The side effects listed below are not experienced by everyone who takes this medication. If you are concerned about side effects, discuss the risks and benefits of this medication with your doctor. Many of these side effects can be managed, and some may go away on their own over time. Contact your doctor if you experience these side effects and they are severe or bothersome.

Your pharmacist may be able to advise you on managing side effects. Although most of the side effects listed below don't happen very often, they could lead to serious problems if you do not seek medical attention. Stop taking the medication and seek immediate medical attention if any of the following occur:. Some people may experience side effects other than those listed. Check with your doctor if you notice any symptom that worries you while you are taking this medication.

Before you begin using a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should use this medication. Allergic reactions: In rare cases, some people may develop a severe allergic reaction to this medication.

Signs of an allergic reaction include a severe rash, hives, swollen face or throat, or difficulty breathing. If these occur, contact your doctor immediately.

The needle cover on the prefilled syringe contains dry natural rubber. Before you start injections, tell your doctor if you have an allergy to rubber or latex. Blood counts: This medication can decrease the number of neutrophils a type of white blood cell that helps fight infection , red blood cells which carry oxygen , and platelets which help your blood to clot. Your doctor will do blood tests to monitor this. If you notice any signs of infection e.

Depression: Depression has been reported by some people taking interferon medications. If you have a history of depression, discuss with your doctor how this medication may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of this medication, and whether any special monitoring is needed.

People with depression should be closely monitored by their doctor. If you develop symptoms of depression such as poor concentration, changes in weight, changes in sleep, decreased interest in activities, or thoughts of suicide while taking this medication, contact your doctor as soon as possible. Heart problems: This medication may worsen symptoms of heart disease.

If you have heart disease such as angina, congestive heart failure, or arrhythmia, discuss with your doctor how this medication may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of this medication, and whether any special monitoring is needed.

Contact your doctor as soon as possible if you develop symptoms of heart problems such as shortness of breath, chest pain, rapid heartbeat, or swollen ankles.

Liver damage: This medication may cause severe liver damage. Although rare, this side effect can be very serious. If you have a history of poor liver function, alcohol abuse, or active liver disease, discuss with your doctor how this medication may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of this medication, and whether any special monitoring is needed. Consider discontinuing if new autoimmune disorder develops. Latex allergy. Nursing mothers.

Flu-like symptoms, asthenia, headache, myalgia, fever, chills, GI upset, depression, blood dyscrasias, seizures; rare: hepatic injury, anaphylaxis discontinue if occurs. Adverse Reactions: Flu-like symptoms, asthenia, headache, myalgia, fever, chills, GI upset, depression, blood dyscrasias, seizures; rare: hepatic injury, anaphylaxis discontinue if occurs.

Note: Register pregnant patients exposed to Avonex by calling How Supplied: Single-use prefilled syringe, autoinjector Avonex Pen —1, 4 w.