Find out if AVONEX is the best option for you

WHAT EXACTLY IS AVONEX?

The drug (Interferon beta-1a) is identical to the body's own natural human interferon beta. This particular drug gives you the lowest dose of all the interferons (30mcg/week). It is believed that it fights multiple sclerosis (MS) by:

• Regulating immune cells outside the Central Nervous System (CNS)
• Stopping immune cells from crossing the Brain Blood Barrier (BBB)
• Reducing inflammation in the Central Nervous System (CNS)

Lots of newly diagnosed patients with Relapsing Remitting form of MS (RRMS) will pick as their initial treatment choice this particular drug.

That was my case and basically I choose Avonex following my doctor’s advice and convenience aspects. You see, I was still working then and knowing that I could have the weekend to ride off any side effects was important at the time.

Several studies indicate that it can be used indefinitely. It has a comparable safety record to other interferon-based drugs, which are considered safe for long-term use as long as appropriate monitoring for liver function and blood cell count are maintained.

Another aspect that makes it very appealing to lots of MSers is the fact that you will only need one injection per week, as opposed to 3 to 7 injections per week that are required for some of the other drugs. I, as many people using Avonex, used to take my injections on Friday night, giving me the weekend to recover.

Doing a once-per-week injection may not be the only attractive aspect for choosing this treatment option.

For some folks, one intramuscular shot (usually injected into the muscle of the thigh) is not so bad versus the idea of injecting yourself several times per week (even if the other shots are subcutaneous (injected into the fat right under the skin).

THE HISTORY AND CURRENT FACTS

Avonex is manufactured by the pharmaceutical corporation Biogen Idec and it became available for the treatment of Relapsing Remitting MS in 1995.

In 1996, the drug was granted 7-year market exclusivity under the terms of the Orphan Drug Act.

Nowadays, Avonex comes in new, prefilled syringes (called luer lock).

These luer locks can be left unrefrigerated for up to 7 days but if you decide to keep them in the refrigerator for long term storage, they should be brought to room temperature before injecting (take them out of refrigerator 30 to 60 minutes before use.)

The original presentation came in a powder and it can be kept at room temperature for up to 30 days. Once mixed, it must be used within 6 hours.

SOME NECESSARY PRECAUTIONS YOU NEED TO REMEMBER WHEN TAKING THIS MEDICINE

You need to do blood tests every three months during the first year to check white blood cell count and liver function. After 12 months, blood work can be reduced to once every four months.

WHAT ARE PATIENTS SAYING ABOUT THIS TREATMENT OPTION?

The needle is 1.25 inches long, and is 23-gauge (however, a 25-gauge (thinner), 1-inch (shorter) needle can be substituted if a doctor gives the okay).

Red spots or skin reactions at the injection sites, as seen with the other interferon treatments like Rebif and Betaseron , do not usually occur with Avonex since it is injected into the muscle. Most patients using it recommend that the medicine is given on the same day every week, but injections can be as close as 5 days or as long as 10 days apart.

THE MOST FREQUENT SIDE EFFECTS ARE:

The side effects of this medication are similar to those of other interferon-based therapies, however Avonex does not cause as many injection-site reactions as the others.

1. Flu-Like Symptoms: About 61% of folks using Avonex experienced flu-like symptoms. These symptoms include:

   • fever

   • chills

   • sweating

   • muscle aches and

   • fatigue

   This med. will not cause nausea or upset the stomach, and the side effects can last for 24 to 36 hours.

   This side effect is usually the worst after the first injection and gradually lessens with each injection, so that most people do experience it (or it is tolerable) after six months. It is highly recommended taking ibuprofen or acetaminophen a couple of hours before and after to help you with some of these side effects.

2. Problems causing liver damage Hepatitis and elevated levels of liver enzymes, which can cause liver damage, have been reported. Regular monitoring is required to prevent liver damage from occurring or progressing.
3. Blood Counts Avonex can cause a decrease in the numbers of red and white blood cells, as well as a reduction in the number of platelets in the blood.
4. Depression This medication should be used with caution in patients with depression.
5. Allergic Reactions: Are very rare but some folk have experienced difficulty breathing and loss of consciousness after the first dose or after several doses

OTHER IMPORTANT INFORMATION YOU SHOULD KNOW

Contraindications/Precautions: You can use it in conjunction with other drugs.

However, it should be used with care in people with seizure disorders and cardiac problems, as there have been reports of people developing these problems while on Avonex who had no prior history or predisposing risk factors. Some also experienced exacerbations of existing seizure or cardiac problems.

People with a history of depression should be monitored closely while taking this drug.

Pregnancy: This drug has a pregnancy category C, which means that it caused some harm to fetuses in animal studies, but the effect in humans is unknown. It should not be used by women who are pregnant and should be stopped before trying to conceive for some time (usually one to three months) - discuss this with your doctor. This medication should not be used by women who are breastfeeding.

It has a comparable safety record to the other interferon-based drugs, which are considered safe for long-term use, as long as adequate monitoring for liver function and blood cell count are maintained.

YOUR DRUG COST

The cost of this medication is between US $24,000 and US $30,000 a year. (You can check exact prices at DestinationRx.com

This drug is covered by most insurance plans.

For assistance in figuring out reimbursement, patients can call reimbursement specialists at Avonex Services at 1-800-456-2255. According to the Avonex.com “Our specialists can help you with any questions about your health insurance plan and your percentage of coverage, as well as assist in ‘prior-authorization.’ They can also assist with claims denials and find other sources of support for which you may qualify, including the Avonex Access Program, which provides support to qualified uninsured patients.”

Your doctor's office or your local chapter of the National MS Societyshould also be able to assist you in determining financial options for affordable treatment.

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