Avonex is administered through injection. Avonex Access Program, a patient assistance program provided by Biogen Idec, offers Avonex at $25 for a 90 day supply to those who are eligible for the program. Eligibility is based off of the following requirements: - You must be a citizen of the United States or its Territories.
Full Answer
What support is available once I’m prescribed Avonex?
As soon as you’re prescribed AVONEX, we can provide support with financial assistance, navigating insurance, learning more about your therapy, and supplemental injection training with a Nurse Educator.* Once you’re prescribed AVONEX, you can get connected to a Biogen Support Coordinator who can help answer questions you may have.
How much does Avonex cost without insurance?
Avonex Prices. The cost for Avonex intramuscular powder for injection 30 mcg is around $7,097 for a supply of 4 powder for injection, depending on the pharmacy you visit. Prices are for cash paying customers only and are not valid with insurance plans.
What is the most important information I should know about Avonex?
What is the most important information I should know about AVONEX? 1 Behavioral health problems including depression, suicidal thoughts or hallucinations. ... 2 Liver problems, or worsening of liver problems including liver failure and death. ... 3 Serious allergic reactions and skin reactions. ...
What happens if you get TMA while taking Avonex?
TMA can also cause injury to your red blood cells (the cells that carry oxygen to your organs and tissues) and your platelets (cells that help your blood clot) and can sometimes lead to death. Your healthcare provider may tell you to stop taking AVONEX if you develop TMA
What is the monthly cost of AVONEX?
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 you take AVONEX?
New Long-Term Data Show That Patients Taking AVONEX(R) for up to 15 Years Experience Reduced Disability Progression and Improved Quality of Life.
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.
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).
Does Avonex make you tired?
Flu-like symptoms such as headache, fatigue, fever, chills, and muscle aches may occur when you first start Avonex.
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.
Can 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.
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 happens if I miss my AVONEX injection?
Missed Dose Avonex®: If you miss a dose, give it as soon as you can. Go back to your regular schedule the following week. Do not use this medicine 2 days in a row. Rebif®: If you miss a dose, give it as soon as you can.
How effective is AVONEX?
At the end of the 2-year clinical trial (Study 1), 78% of people taking AVONEX had no increase in disability, compared with 65% of people taking placebo. People taking AVONEX were 37% less likely to have increased disability at 2 years.
Where do you inject AVONEX?
AVONEX should be injected into the thigh or upper arm (See Figures G and H). Change (rotate) your injection sites for each dose. Do not use the same injection site for each injection. Do not inject into an area of the body where the skin is irritated, reddened, bruised, infected or scarred in any way.
Does Avonex lower your immune system?
This medicine does not suppress the immune system, and patients taking it do not have an increased risk of infection. regularly over long periods of time. It does not improve existing symptoms and is not used to treat acute MS attacks.
How effective is Avonex?
At the end of the 2-year clinical trial (Study 1), 78% of people taking AVONEX had no increase in disability, compared with 65% of people taking placebo. People taking AVONEX were 37% less likely to have increased disability at 2 years.
What happens if I miss my Avonex injection?
Missed Dose Avonex®: If you miss a dose, give it as soon as you can. Go back to your regular schedule the following week. Do not use this medicine 2 days in a row. Rebif®: If you miss a dose, give it as soon as you can.
Can you drink alcohol with beta interferon?
Alcohol (Ethanol) interferon beta-1a Interferon beta-1a may cause liver problems, and using it with other medications that can also affect the liver such as ethanol may increase that risk. You should avoid or limit the use of alcohol while being treated with these medications.
Summary
Biogen Idec was formed in 2003 in Cambridge, Massachusetss through the merger of Biogen, Inc. (founded in 1978 in Geneva, Switzerland) and IDEC Pharmaceuticals Corporation (founded in 1985 San Francisco, California). Since the formation of Biogen Idec, the company has expanded their research centers to San Diego, CA as well.
Eligibility
Avonex Access Program, a patient assistance program provided by Biogen Idec, offers Avonex at $25 for a 90 day supply to those who are eligible for the program. Eligibility is based off of the following requirements:
Other Tips
If you have any questions please call the Biogen Idec program directly.
Our team is here to help you
When you’re living with relapsing MS, know that you’re not alone. Biogen Support Services is here to help along the way. As soon as you’re prescribed AVONEX, we can provide you with financial, insurance, and treatment education and support.
Biogen Support Coordinators
Once you’re prescribed AVONEX, you can get connected to a Biogen Support Coordinator who can help answer questions you may have. They’ll provide one-on-one phone support and are ready to help you throughout treatment. They’ll help you access resources you may need, including:
Nurse Educators
Nurse Educators are registered nurses, working on behalf of Biogen, and many are MS-certified. They understand the challenges you may be facing and are ready to support you throughout your time on AVONEX. They’re available to:
Stay connected
Get the latest information about relapsing MS and AVONEX. Sign up to get a free brochure, our newsletters, and personalized support from Biogen Support Services.
What is Avonex used for?
Avonex (interferon beta-1a) is a member of the interferons drug class and is commonly used for Multiple Sclerosis.
How much does a free drug card save?
The free Drugs.com Discount Card works like a coupon and can save you up to 80% or more off the cost of prescription medicines, over-the-counter drugs and pet prescriptions.
Is Avonex valid with insurance?
Prices are for cash paying customers only and are not valid with insurance plans. This Avonex price guide is based on using the Drugs.com discount card which is accepted at most U.S. pharmacies.
What are secondary outcomes of brain MRI?
Secondary outcomes were brain MRI measures, including the cumulative increase in the number of new or enlarging T2 lesions, T2 lesion volume at baseline compared to results at 18 months, and the number of Gd-enhancing lesions at 6 months. See Table 4 for the MRI results.
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.
What are the three types of interferons?
Three major types of interferons have been defined: type I (IFN-alpha, beta, epsilon, kappa and omega), type II (IFN–gamma) and type III (IFN-lambda). Interferon-beta is a member of the type I subset of interferons. The type I interferons have considerably overlapping but also distinct biologic activities. The bioactivities of all IFNs, including IFN-beta, are induced via their binding to specific receptors on the membranes of human cells. Differences in the bioactivites induced by the three major subtypes of IFNs likely reflect differences in the signal transduction pathways induced by signaling through their cognate receptors.
How is interferon beta-1a produced?
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.
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.
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
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.
Eligibility
Most programs have income, age, and other eligibility requirements. At this current time we don´t have the eligibility information for Elan Pharmaceuticals's program.
Other Tips
If you have any questions please call the Elan Pharmaceuticals program directly.
