Join the 'Avonex' group to help and get support from people like you. How it works
Avonex Blog
| Tweet |
Early Use of MS Drug May Cut Likelihood of Progression
Posted 19 Apr 2012 by Drugs.com
THURSDAY, April 19 – A new three-year study finds that a multiple sclerosis drug is more likely to prevent patients from progressing to a definite form of MS if it's given early in patients who appear to be ill. The drug, a form of interferon called "interferon beta-1a," is not available in the United States. It is, however, available in countries in the European Union, Canada and elsewhere. "While we've known it's beneficial to start MS drugs as soon as possible, this is the first trial to show a benefit of early injections of interferon beta-1a treatment at three years," Dr. Mark Freedman, of the University of Ottawa in Ontario, Canada, said in a news release from the American Academy of Neurology. The study tracked 517 people who had brain lesions and symptoms – such as tingling, numbness or balance problems – that suggested they might have multiple sclerosis. One-third of the ... Read more
Related support groups: Multiple Sclerosis, Avonex, Rebif, Interferon Beta-1A, Avonex Prefilled Syringe
Autoinjector Version of MS Drug Approved
Posted 28 Feb 2012 by Drugs.com
TUESDAY, Feb. 28 – A pen-delivery version of the multiple sclerosis drug Avonex has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, drug manufacturer Biogen Idec said Tuesday. The self-administering Avonex autoinjector pen is designed to lessen pain and anxiety associated with MS, the Associated Press reported. The drug was first approved in 1996. On Tuesday, the FDA also approved new dosing guidelines to help cut down on flu-like symptoms, a common adverse reaction to the drug, the AP said. Biogen Idec is based in Weston, Mass. More information Medline Plus has more about multiple sclerosis. Read more
Related support groups: Multiple Sclerosis, Avonex, Rebif, Interferon Beta-1A, Avonex Prefilled Syringe
FDA Medwatch Alert: Avonex (interferon beta-1a)
Posted 16 Mar 2005 by Drugs.com
FDA and Biogen notified healthcare professionals of revisions to the WARNINGS, PRECAUTIONS/Drug Interactions and ADVERSE REACTIONS/Post-Marketing Experience sections and Medication Guide. Severe hepatic injury, including cases of hepatic failure, has been reported in patients taking Avonex. Asymptomatic elevation of hepatic transaminases has also been reported, and in some patients has recurred upon rechallenge. In some cases, these events have occurred in the presence of other drugs that have been associated with hepatic injury. The potential risk of Avonex used in combination with known hepatotoxic drugs or other products (e.g. alcohol) should be considered prior to Avonex administration, or when adding new agents to the regimen of patients already on Avonex.[March 2005 - Letter - Biogen][February 2005 - Revised Label - Biogen] Read more
Related support groups: Avonex, Avonex Prefilled Syringe