This medicine is given by injection for the treatment of relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis to slow the progression of the disease. This medicine may be used for other medical conditions as determined by your doctor. This medicine is usually given once a week by injection (shots) into a large muscle of the upper arm, thigh, or buttocks.

Proper Use

You may be allowed to give yourself these shots. Be sure you understand how, when, and where to give yourself these shots. Read the instruction sheet that is supplied with the product for more information.

Use disposable hypodermic syringes and needles. These are to be used once only and discarded carefully.

Do not change the dosage or the schedule of administration on your own. Consult your doctor.

Please Note

This medicine may make your skin more sensitive to the sun and may cause you to sunburn more easily. While you are taking this medicine, avoid long exposure to the sun and sunlamps. While you are in the sun, wear protective clothing and sunscreen lotion until you know how you will react to the sun. Do not use a sunlamp. If you get a severe sunburn, contact your doctor right away.

If you feel depressed or have thoughts of suicide, contact your doctor right away.

You may have some soreness at the spot on the skin where the injection is given.

Flulike symptoms may occur. Contact your doctor for advice if you have fever, chills, muscle pain, sweating, stuffy or runny nose, or general discomfort.

Your doctor may want to perform various tests to see how this medicine is affecting you. Keep all appointments for these tests.

Females of childbearing age: Tell your doctor if you are pregnant. This medicine should not be taken during pregnancy because it may cause an abortion or harm the baby. Do not breast-feed an infant while taking this medicine.

Keep this medicine refrigerated. Use it within 3 hours of dissolving the powder.

Possible Side Effects

Serious (report these to your doctor right away): Feelings of depression or thoughts of suicide.

Other: Headache, fever, chills, sweating, pain, infection, feeling tired, muscle pain, joint pain, nausea, diarrhea, problems sleeping, dizziness.

Tell your doctor if you have any side effects that continue or get worse.

Possible Drug Interactions

No significant drug interactions have been reported. However, be sure that you tell all doctors who treat you about all medicines you are taking, including nonprescription products.

This educational document includes selected information only and may not include all side effects of this medicine or interactions with other medicines. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more information or if you have any questions.

Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
Other Names For This Medication:

Avonex (interferon beta-1a, injection); interferon beta-1a, injection