What is Avonex used to treat?
AVONEX® (interferon beta-1a) is indicated for the treatment of relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis (MS), to include clinically isolated syndrome, relapsing-remitting disease, and active secondary progressive disease, in adults. References: 1. AVONEX Prescribing Information.
What are the risks of using Avonex?
The potential risk of AVONEX used in combination with known hepatotoxic drugs or other products (e.g., alcohol) should be considered prior to starting AVONEX, or before starting hepatotoxic drugs. Patients should be monitored for signs of hepatic injury Anaphylaxis has been reported as a rare complication of AVONEX use.
What happens if Avonex-treated patients develop a new autoimmune disorder?
If AVONEX-treated patients develop a new autoimmune disorder, consider stopping the therapy
How is Avonex dispensed?
AVONEX is administered intramuscularly. The recommended dose is 30 micrograms once a week.
Is Avonex a specialty drug?
Seven of those dozen MS drugs made the study's list of 30 best-selling specialty drugs. (You can see the full list on page 30 of the report.) The drug that jumps out at me from this list is Avonex.
Does Avonex cause weight gain?
But in some cases, weight change can be a symptom of other side effects of Avonex. For example, if you develop heart failure due to Avonex, you may gain weight. Changes in your thyroid is another possible side effect of Avonex. And thyroid changes may cause weight gain or weight loss.
What company makes Avonex?
Biogen' interferon beta-1a product Avonex has been approved for marketing in the USA for the treatment of relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis.
How many years can you take Avonex?
AVONEX has been proven effective in clinical trials for up to three years.
What tier drug is Avonex?
What drug tier is Avonex typically on? Medicare prescription drug plans typically list Avonex on Tier 5 of their formulary. Generally, the higher the tier, the more you have to pay for the medication.
Can you live with MS without medication?
A small number of people with MS have only mild disease and do well without treatment. But many get worse over time. Medicines can reduce the severity of attacks of relapsing-remitting MS and how often you have them. They may also reduce or delay disability.
How much does Avonex cost per month?
How much is Avonex without insurance? Avonex prices without insurance will vary depending on where you buy it. As a guide, Avonex intramuscular powder for injection 30mcg usually costs around $7240. With NiceRx you will pay a flat monthly fee of $49, regardless of the retail price of your medication.
How long can Avonex stay out of fridge?
Official answer. Avonex may be kept unrefrigerated for up to 7 days as long as the room temperature is not more than 25°C (77°F). Avonex is a brand of interferon beta-1a.
Is AVONEX good for MS?
Effectiveness for MS In clinical studies of people with relapsing MS, Avonex was found to slow the progression of disability, reduce the number of relapses, and reduce brain lesions (areas of nerve damage). Avonex treatment was compared with a placebo (a treatment with no active drug).
Is there a generic for AVONEX?
When Will the Generic Be Available? Some or all forms of Avonex may become available as generic interferon beta-1a after September 2026, depending on FDA approval and patent expiration. It is possible that Avonex may become available as generic interferon beta-1a after September 2026.
What is the generic name for AVONEX?
Generic Name: interferon beta-1a This medication is used to treat multiple sclerosis (MS). Interferon is not a cure for MS, but it may help to slow disease worsening and decrease flare-ups of symptoms (such as balance problems, numbness, or weakness).
What is the generic name for AVONEX?
Generic Name: interferon beta-1a This medication is used to treat multiple sclerosis (MS). Interferon is not a cure for MS, but it may help to slow disease worsening and decrease flare-ups of symptoms (such as balance problems, numbness, or weakness).
How much does AVONEX cost per month?
How much is Avonex without insurance? Avonex prices without insurance will vary depending on where you buy it. As a guide, Avonex intramuscular powder for injection 30mcg usually costs around $7240. With NiceRx you will pay a flat monthly fee of $49, regardless of the retail price of your medication.
When was AVONEX approved by the FDA?
This drug was originally approved by the FDA in 1996 for relapsing MS and more recently for individuals with clinically isolated syndrome (CIS). Avonex has been shown to reduce the number of relapses and lesions on MRI, as well as slow the progression of physical disability.
Why is AVONEX prescribed?
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).
What are the autoimmune disorders that are associated with avonex?
Postmarketing reports of autoimmune disorders of multiple target organs in AVONEX-treated patients included idiopathic thrombocytopenia, hyper- and hypothyroidism, and rare cases of autoimmune hepatitis. If AVONEX-treated patients develop a new autoimmune disorder, consider stopping the therapy.
What is the primary outcome assessment?
The primary outcome assessment was time to progression in disability, measured as an increase in the EDSS score of at least 1 point that was sustained for at least 6 months. An increase in EDSS score reflects accumulation of disability. This endpoint was used to help distinguish permanent increase in disability from a transient increase due to an exacerbation.
Is Avonex a placebo?
The clinical effects of AVONEX in patients with relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis (MS) were studied in two randomized, multicenter, double-blind, placebo-controlled studies in patients with MS (Studies 1 and 2). Safety and efficacy of treatment with AVONEX beyond 3 years is not known.
Can interferon be used during pregnancy?
Data from a large population-based cohort study, as well as other published studies over several decades, have not identified a drug-associated risk of major birth defects with the use of interferon beta products during early pregnancy. Findings regarding a potential risk for low birth weight or miscarriage with the use of interferon beta products in pregnancy have been inconsistent (see Data). In a study in pregnant monkeys, administration of interferon beta during pregnancy resulted in an increased rate of abortion at doses greater than those used clinically (see Data).
Can AVONEX be compared to other drugs?
Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of AVONEX cannot be directly compared to rates in clinical trials of other drugs and may not reflect the rates observed in practice.
Can avonex cause hepatic failure?
Severe hepatic injury, including cases of hepatic failure, has been reported rarely in patients taking AVONEX. Asymptomatic elevation of hepatic transaminases has also been reported, and in some patients has recurred upon rechallenge with AVONEX. 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 starting AVONEX, or before starting hepatotoxic drugs. Patients should be monitored for signs of hepatic injury [see Warnings and Precautions (5.9)].
Does Avonex help with heart failure?
Advise patients that worsening of pre-existing congestive heart failure has been reported in patients using AVONEX. Advise patients of symptoms of worsening cardiac condition, and instruct patients to report them immediately to their physician [see Warnings and Precautions
How to enroll in Biogen Idec?
Fill out the program enrollment form located to your right. If you don't see an enrollment form available please call Biogen Idec program directly. After filling out the enrollment form please bring the form to your doctor for proper signatures and procedures. Do not forget a self stamped envelope for them to mail in your application to the program.
What are the requirements to qualify for Medicare?
Eligibility is based off of the following requirements: - You must be a citizen of the United States or its Territories. - You must be uninsured or underinsured. - You must not be enrolled in a Medicare Part D Plan. - You must meet an undisclosed income guideline. - You must be diagnosed with MS.
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