What is Avonex Pen?

AVONEX PEN® is a prefilled, single-use autoinjector that lets you treat your relapsing MS in a single click. It includes a covered needle that's half the length of the standard needle for AVONEX prefilled syringe.

Besides, what type of drug is Avonex?

Avonex (interferon beta-1a) is made from human proteins. Interferons help the body fight viral infections. Avonex is used to treat relapsing multiple sclerosis (MS) in adults. Avonex will not cure MS, it will only decrease the frequency of relapse symptoms.

Beside above, how much does Avonex cost per month? Current Cash Prices for a One-Month Supply of MS Medication

Drug Name (Manufacturer) Dose Walgreen's
Avonex (Biogen Idec) Prefill 30MCG/0.5ML Kit $5,058.19
Betaseron (Bayer) 0.3MG INJ (14) $5,809.69
Copaxone (Teva) 20MG 1PK=30 INJ $6,000.09
Extavia (Bayer) 0.3MG INJ (15) $5,589.99

Secondly, how long should you take Avonex?

Avonex is taken at a dose of 30 micrograms (mcg) per week. It is administered as an intramuscular (IM) injection, usually into a thigh muscle. Ideally, injections should be taken on the same day every week, although they can be as close as five days or as long as 10 days apart if needed.

Does Avonex cause weight gain?

Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including: mental/mood changes (e.g., depression, thoughts of suicide, new or worsening psychiatric symptoms), hair loss, vision changes, persistent fatigue, numbness/tingling/swelling of the hands/ankles/feet, muscle weakness, trouble breathing, sudden

Can Avonex cause cancer?

People taking Avonex reported more malignant tumors, breast cancer diagnoses, and flu-like symptoms than those taking other drugs, while Betaseron users reported more heart attacks, bacterial infections, and liver problems.

How effective is Avonex?

Avonex is a moderately effective (category 1.1) DMD; in clinical trials people taking Avonex had about 30% fewer relapses than people taking placebo. In clinical trials, MRI scans showed people taking Avonex had fewer, smaller or no new areas of active MS (lesions).

Does Avonex suppress the immune system?

Interferon drugs, such as Avonex, work by modulating the immune system rather than inhibiting its function. That means that they regulate, or normalize, the immune system. Based on available data, the interferon drugs do not reduce the immune system's ability to fight off bacterial, fungal or viral infections.

How often is Avonex given?

One injection, once a week. With relapsing multiple sclerosis (MS), people often wonder what their dosing schedule will look like once they begin treatment. AVONEX® is a once-weekly treatment. That means you have only one injection a week.

How is Avonex made?

It is produced by recombinant DNA technology using genetically engineered Chinese Hamster Ovary cells into which the human interferon beta gene has been introduced. The amino acid sequence of AVONEX is identical to that of natural human interferon beta.

What company makes Avonex?

Biogen

Where do you inject Avonex?

The recommended intramuscular injection site using the AVONEX PEN is the upper, outer thigh muscle. The injection site should be varied each week. For administration of AVONEX via the AVONEX PEN, the instructions in the package leaflet should be followed.

What does Avonex do for MS?

AVONEX® is a once-a-week injectable treatment for relapsing multiple sclerosis (MS). It has been prescribed to over 500,000 people since its approval in 1996. AVONEX decreases the number of relapses, slows the progression of physical disability, and reduces brain lesions on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

Is Avonex a biologic?

BIOLOGIC: Biologics are drugs that are derived from a biological source (blood products, proteins, antibodies, etc.) In the MS community, biologics include: Avonex, Betaseron, Extavia, Rebif, Novantrone, and Tysabri.

How is Betaseron administered?

If patients or caregivers are to administer BETASERON, train them in the proper technique for self-administering subcutaneous injections using the prefilled syringe or the optional injection device. Users should demonstrate competency in all aspects of the BETASERON injection prior to independent use.

How often do you take Gilenya?

In adults and pediatric patients 10 years of age and older weighing more than 40 kg, the recommended dosage of GILENYA is 0.5 mg orally once-daily.

How do you give an interferon injection?

To prepare the injection syringe:
  1. Remove the needle guard from the 1-mL syringe and pull back the plunger to the 1-mL mark.
  2. Insert the needle of the 1-mL syringe through the stopper of the vial of interferon beta-1b solution.
  3. Gently push the plunger all the way down to inject air into the vial.

Where is Tysabri made?

They're made in a laboratory. Tysabri is an intravenous (IV) drug that contains these antibodies. Once you receive the antibodies through an IV, they circulate in your body and bind to immune cells that may be damaging your nerves.

Does Avonex cause heart problems?

AVONEX can cause serious side effects, such as heart problems, including heart failure. While AVONEX is not known to have any direct effects on the heart, a few patients who did not have a history of heart problems developed heart muscle problems or congestive heart failure after taking AVONEX.

How much does Avonex cost with insurance?

The cost for Avonex intramuscular powder for injection 30 mcg is around $7,240 for a supply of 4 powder for injection, depending on the pharmacy you visit. Prices are for cash paying customers only and are not valid with insurance plans.

Does Avonex need to be refrigerated?

After mixing, the AVONEX solution should be used immediately, within 6 hours when stored refrigerated at 36°F to 46°F (2°C to 8°C). If you cannot refrigerate your AVONEX PEN and AVONEX prefilled syringes, you can store your AVONEX PEN and AVONEX prefilled syringes up to 77°F (25°C) for up to 7 days.

How long can Avonex Pen be unrefrigerated?

If refrigeration is not available, Rebif® prefilled syringes and Avonex® powder vials may be kept for up to 30 days at room temperature, away from heat (temperatures above 77 degrees F) and direct light.

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