During the start of your treatment, your healthcare provider may recommend you build up to a full dose of AVONEX gradually over the first month. This is a process called titration and can be done using the AVONEX PEN® and AVONEX prefilled syringe.
The recommended dose of AVONEX is 30 micrograms (30 mcg) once a week. To reduce the incidence and severity of flu-like symptoms that may occur at this dosing level, you may start taking AVONEX at a dose of 7.5 mcg. You may subsequently increase the dose by 7.5 mcg each week for the next 3 weeks until you reach the recommended dose of 30 mcg.
The AVOSTARTGRIP® Titration Kit is used with AVONEX prefilled syringes to help you get started with titration. Once you have achieved the 30 mcg per week recommended dose you may opt to transition to the single-dose AVONEX PEN: a prefilled, single-dose autoinjector with a needle that is half the length of the AVONEX prefilled syringe.
The following tips may help to manage flu-like symptoms:
Stay well hydrated
Ask your healthcare provider about using over-the-counter pain and fever reducers on treatment days
Experiment with different times of day for your injection. Symptoms may peak at different times depending on the individual
Keep a journal to note how long after your injection any side effects occur, how much water you drink, and any pain relievers you take
Remember, it’s important to talk to a healthcare provider about any side effects you experience.
These are not all of the possible side effects of AVONEX. Call your healthcare provider for medical advice about side effects.
Store AVONEX in the refrigerator between 36 to 46°F (2 to 8°C)
Do not freeze AVONEX. Do not use AVONEX that has been frozen
If you cannot refrigerate your AVONEX PEN and AVONEX prefilled syringes, you can store your AVONEX PEN and AVONEX prefilled syringes at room temperature up to 77°F (25°C) for up to 7 days
Do not store AVONEX above 77°F (25°C). Do not use AVONEX that is stored at temperatures higher than 77°F (25°C).
Throw AVONEX away in an FDA-cleared sharps disposal container if it has not been stored as stated above
Keep AVONEX in the original carton to protect it from light
Do not use AVONEX past the expiration date
Keep AVONEX prefilled syringes, pens, and all other medicines out of the reach of children
Have a trip coming up? Consider these storage requirements when you travel and talk to your doctor about traveling while on AVONEX
Taking AVONEX
What should I do before I start taking AVONEX?
First, you and your healthcare provider should have an open conversation about your medical history. Before taking AVONEX, tell your healthcare provider about all of your medical conditions and about all the medicines you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements
Take a closer look into which conditions are especially important to discuss.
How should I take AVONEX?
AVONEX is given 1 time each week by injection into the muscle (intramuscular injection). Inject AVONEX exactly as your healthcare provider tells you.
Change (rotate) your injection site you choose with each injection. This will help decrease the chance that you will have an injection site reaction.
Do not inject into an area of the body where the skin is irritated, reddened, bruised, infected or scarred in any way. Read more about AVONEX dosing.
Should I take AVONEX if I’m pregnant?
Before you use AVONEX, tell your healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known if AVONEX can harm your unborn baby.
Can I take AVONEX while I’m breastfeeding?
Before you use AVONEX, tell your healthcare provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. AVONEX may pass into your breastmilk. Talk to your healthcare provider about the best way to feed your baby if you use AVONEX.
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