Multiple sclerosis:
Indications for AVONEX:
Relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis (MS), to include clinically isolated syndrome, relapsing-remitting disease, and active secondary progressive disease.
Adult Dosage:
Pre-medicate with analgesics and/or antipyretics on treatment days to ameliorate flu-like symptoms. Rotate inj sites. ≥18yrs: 30mcg IM once weekly. May titrate dose to reduce severity of flu-like symptoms; dosed once weekly, IM: Week 1: 7.5mcg. Week 2: 15mcg. Week 3: 22.5mcg. Week 4: 30mcg.
Children Dosage:
<18yrs: not established.
AVONEX Warnings/Precautions:
Depression. Suicidal ideation. Pre-existing psychiatric disorders (eg, psychosis). Seizure disorders. Monitor for hepatic injury. Pre-existing CHF: monitor for worsening cardiac function at initiation and during treatment. Risk of thrombotic microangiopathy; discontinue if occurs. Myelosuppression. Monitor CBCs, differential, platelets, blood chemistries, liver and thyroid function. Consider discontinuing if new autoimmune disorder develops. Latex allergy. Pregnancy. Nursing mothers.
AVONEX Classification:
Immunomodulator.
AVONEX Interactions:
Risk of hepatic injury with concomitant hepatotoxic drugs or alcohol.
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 (800) 456-2255.
Drug Elimination:
Half-life: 19 hours.
How Supplied:
Single-use prefilled syringe, autoinjector (Avonex Pen)—1, 4 (w. supplies)
