History
Avonex has been available since 1995. It is made by Biogen Idec.
Storage
Avonex comes in new, prefilled syringes (called luer lock), which can be left unrefrigerated for up to 7 days. However, Avonex also comes in a powder that must be mixed; it can be kept at room temperature for up to 30 days.
Use
If prefilled syringes are stored in the refrigerator, they should be brought to room temperature before injecting (take them out of refrigerator 30 to 60 minutes before use.) Because it is an intramuscular injection, it does not come with an injecting device.
Cost
Avonex costs between 24,000 and 30,000 dollars a year. (Check exact prices at DestinationRx.com). It 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 company website: “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 local chapter of the MS Society should also be able to assist you in determining financial options for affording treatment.
Safety
Avonex 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.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Avonex is considered to be in "pregnancy category C," meaning that it caused some harm to fetuses in animal studies but the effect in humans is unknown. Avonex should not be used by women who are pregnant and should be stopped for some time before trying to conceive (usually one to three months; discuss this with your doctor). Avonex should not be used by women who are breastfeeding.
Contraindications
Avonex can be used in conjunction with other drugs. However, it should be used with caution 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 on Avonex.
More Information: Avonex is made by Biogen Idec. For more information, visit the Avonex website, or call Avonex Services at 1-800-456-2255.
Sources:
Benatar M. Interferon beta-1a and beta-1b for treatment of multiple sclerosis. Lancet 2002;360:1428; author reply 1428-1429.
Durelli L, Verdun E, Barbero P, et al. Every-other-day interferon beta-1b versus once-weekly interferon beta-1a for multiple sclerosis: results of a 2-year prospective randomised multicentre study (INCOMIN). Lancet 2002;359:1453-1460.
Jacobs LD, Cookfair DL, Rudick RA, et al. Intramuscular interferon beta-1a for disease progression in relapsing multiple sclerosis. Ann Neurol 1996;39:285-294.
PRISMS Study Group. Randomised double-blind placebo-controlled study of interferon beta-1a in relapsing/remitting multiple sclerosis. Lancet 1998;352:1498-1504.
Panitch H, Goodin DS, Francis G, et al. Randomized, comparative study of interferon beta-1a treatment regimens in MS: the EVIDENCE Trial. Neurology 2002;59:1496-1506.
Rudick RA, Goodkin DE, Jacobs LD, et al. Impact of interferon beta-1a on neurologic disability in relapsing multiple sclerosis. The Multiple Sclerosis Collaborative Research Group (MSCRG). Neurology 1997;49:358-363.
