Avonex is the brand name of a drug called Interferon beta-1a. It’s one of several treatments for MS. Interferons are proteins that your body produces when it encounters a virus or other foreign invader. When interferons sense something harmful, they activate defense mechanisms to fight off the infection. Avonex and other interferon beta drugs are only available with a doctor’s prescription. Doctors prescribe them as part of a treatment plan for people with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS). These medications aren’t cures, but they may slow down the disease in some people. There are several different types of interferon beta drugs: Avonex, Betaseron, and Extavia. All three belong to a group of drugs called “interferon beta-1a subcutaneous injections”
What is the Purpose of Avonex?
Interferons are proteins that your body produces when it encounters a virus or other foreign invader. When interferons sense something harmful, they activate defense mechanisms to fight off the infection. Avonex and other interferon beta drugs are only available with a doctor’s prescription. Doctors prescribe them as part of a treatment plan for people with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS). These medications aren’t cures, but they may slow down the disease in some people.
There are several different types of interferon beta drugs: Avonex, Betaseron, and Extavia. All three belong to a group of drugs called “interferon beta-1a subcutaneous injections”.
How does Avonex Work?
The exact mechanism of action is not fully understood; however, it is believed that the drug initiates an immune response to reduce the degeneration of neurons (nerve cells) in the central nervous system (CNS) by limiting the inflammatory response that damages neurons in people with MS. The drug is produced by Biogen, Inc. and is the first FDA approved drug derived from human proteins. The drug is a synthetic (man-made) form of a protein called beta IFN-alpha 2 that is naturally made by the human immune system in response to infections.
The most common side effects include flu-like symptoms which may last for a few days after the first injection. Other common side effects may include injection site reactions (including redness and swelling), fatigue, headache, upper respiratory tract infections, joint pain, and muscle pain. Patients with MS who receive Avonex may experience the intermittent or continuous paralysis of muscles. If you experience any of these symptoms, discontinue use and consult a physician immediately.
The Bottom Line: Importance of Avonex
The exact mechanism of action is not fully understood; however, it is accepted that the drug initiates an immune response to decrease the degeneration of neurons (nerve cells) in the central nervous system (CNS) by restricting the inflammatory response that damages neurons in people with MS.
The drug is produced by Biogen, Inc. and is the first FDA approved drug derived from human proteins. Patients with MS who receive Avonex may experience the intermittent or continuous paralysis of muscles.
If you experience any of these symptoms, discontinue use and consult a physician immediately. If you have MS and are interested in starting treatment with Avonex, consult with your physician about the potential benefits and risks associated with this medication. The physician will consider your age, health, and various aspects of your MS diagnosis. No two patients with MS will have the same treatment plan.