Generic Name: INTERFERON BETA 1A - INJECTION
Pronounced: (in-ter-FEER-on BAY-tuh)

Avonex IM Precautions

Before using interferon, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to products containing human albumin; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

There is a risk of contracting a virus from using this medication because it contains albumin from human blood. Careful screening of blood donors, special manufacturing methods, and FDA-approved tests are all used to reduce such a risk. For more details, talk to your doctor.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of:

• mental/mood disorders (e.g., depression, psychosis, suicidal thoughts)
• heart disease (e.g., angina, congestive heart failure, arrhythmia)
• seizures
• thyroid disease
• liver disease
• decreased bone marrow function

Limit your intake of alcohol while on this medication. Ask your doctor or pharmacist about the safe use of alcohol while using this drug.

This medication is not recommended for use during pregnancy. Consult your doctor for more details.

It is unknown if this drug passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Avonex IM Side Effects

Pain, swelling, or redness at the injection site may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

Flu-like symptoms such as headache, fatigue, fever, chills, and muscle aches may occur when you first start this medication. These symptoms usually last about a day after the shot and improve or go away after a few months of continued use. You can minimize these side effects by injecting this medicine at bedtime and using fever reducers/pain relievers such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen before each dose. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.

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 weight gain
• gradual change in weight (without a change in diet or exercise)
• cold or heat intolerance
• slow/fast/irregular heartbeat
• easy bleeding or bruising
• signs of infection (e.g., fever, persistent sore throat)
• yellowing eyes or skin
• persistent nausea/vomiting
• stomach/abdominal pain
• dark urine

Get medical help right away if any of these rare but very serious side effects occur:

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