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AVONEX
Overview
What is AVONEX?
AVONEX is a 166 amino acid glycoprotein with a molecular weight of approximately 22,500 daltons. 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.
Using the World Health Organization (WHO) International Standard for Interferon, AVONEX has a specific activity of approximately 200 million international units of antiviral activity per mg of interferon beta-1a determined specifically by an cytopathic effect bioassay using lung carcinoma cells (A549) and Encephalomyocarditis virus (ECM). AVONEX 30 micrograms contains approximately 6 million international units of antiviral activity using this method. The activity against other standards is not known. Comparison of the activity of AVONEX with other interferon betas is not appropriate, because of differences in the reference standards and assays used to measure activity.
What does AVONEX look like?
What are the available doses of AVONEX?
What should I talk to my health care provider before I take AVONEX?
How should I use AVONEX?
AVONEX (interferon beta-1a) is indicated for the treatment of patients with relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis to slow the accumulation of physical disability and decrease the frequency of clinical exacerbations. Patients with multiple sclerosis in whom efficacy has been demonstrated include patients who have experienced a first clinical episode and have MRI features consistent with multiple sclerosis.
AVONEX is administered intramuscularly.
The recommended dose is 30 micrograms once a week. To reduce the incidence and severity of flu-like symptoms that may occur when initiating AVONEX therapy at a dose of 30 micrograms, AVONEX may be started at a dose of 7.5 micrograms and the dose may be increased by 7.5 micrograms each week for the next three weeks until the recommended dose of 30 micrograms is achieved (see ). An AVOSTARTGRIP™ kit containing 3 titration devices can be used for titration and is to be used only with AVONEX Prefilled Syringes.
What interacts with AVONEX?
Sorry No Records found
What are the warnings of AVONEX?
Sorry No Records found
What are the precautions of AVONEX?
Sorry No Records found
What are the side effects of AVONEX?
Sorry No records found
What should I look out for while using AVONEX?
AVONEX is contraindicated in patients with a history of hypersensitivity to natural or recombinant interferon beta, or any other component of the formulation [see ].
The lyophilized vial formulation of AVONEX is contraindicated in patients with a history of hypersensitivity to albumin (human).
What might happen if I take too much AVONEX?
Sorry No Records found
