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Avonex

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About this Medication
  • Brand Name: Avonex® (U.S. and Canada) (a-vuh-necks)
  • Chemical Name: interferon (in-ter-feer-on) beta-1a
  • Usage in MS: Disease-Modifying Agent
  • Generic Available: No

This medication is taken by injection.

Description

Avonex® is a medication manufactured by a biotechnological process from one of the naturally-occurring interferons (a type of protein). It is made up of exactly the same amino acids (major components of proteins) as the interferon beta found in the human body. In controlled clinical trials in relapsing MS, those taking the medication had a reduced risk of disability progression, experienced fewer exacerbations, and showed a reduction in number and size of active lesions in the brain (as shown on MRI) when compared with the group taking a placebo. In a subsequent study of patients who had experienced a single demyelinating event in the optic nerve, spinal cord, or brainstem, and had lesions typical of MS on brain MRI, Avonex significantly delayed the time to a second exacerbation, and thus to a clinically definite diagnosis of MS.

Avonex is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis, which include clinically isolated syndrome, relapsing-remitting disease (RRMS) and active secondary progressive disease (SPMS with relapses).

Click here to read the FDA prescribing information for healthcare professionals.

Click here to read the FDA Medication Guide for patients.

Support

AVONEX SUPPORT PROGRAM
1-800-456-2255
avonex.com
biogenoptions.com

Financial Assistance Program

Biogen Options
1-800-456-2255
biogenoptions.com



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