Interferon Beta-1A (Injection) (Avonex; Rebif) - Drugs Information, Side Effects, & Interactions

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Interferon Beta-1a (in-ter-FEER-on BAY-ta-1a)

Reduces frequency of flare-ups (relapses) in people who have multiple sclerosis (MS). Also delays some of the physical disabilities caused by MS.

Rebif, Avonex
There may be other brand names for this medicine.

You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to interferon or human albumin.

Injectable

Your doctor will prescribe your exact dose and tell you how often it should be given. This medicine is given as a shot under your skin or into a muscle.
A nurse or other trained health professional will give you this medicine.
You may be taught how to give your medicine at home. Make sure you understand all instructions before giving yourself an injection. Do not use more medicine or use it more often than your doctor tells you to.
Rebif® works best if you use it at the same time on the same days each week.
Avonex® comes as a powder that must be mixed with sterile water before it is given. Use the medicine as soon as possible after mixing. If you can't give your shot right away, you can keep the syringe in the refrigerator for up to 6 hours. After 6 hours, mix a new dose of the medicine.
You will be shown the body areas where this shot can be given. Use a different body area each time you give yourself a shot. Keep track of where you give each shot to make sure you rotate body areas.
Use a new needle and syringe each time you inject your medicine.

If a dose is missed:

If you miss a dose or forget to use your medicine, use it as soon as you can. This will then change the time for your next dose. After using the missed dose, use your next regular dose of Rebif® 48 hours later and go back to your regular schedule the following week. For Avonex®, if your next regular dose is less than 2 days away, call your doctor. For either brand, do not use extra medicine to make up for a missed dose and do not use this medicine two days in a row.

After you have used 1 dose of Rebif®, throw away any medicine left in the syringe.
Throw away used needles in a hard, closed container that the needles cannot poke through. Keep this container away from children and pets.
If you store this medicine at home, keep it in the refrigerator. Do not freeze. You may let the medicine warm to room temperature for about half an hour on the counter just before injecting, but do not heat it in a microwave oven.
Keep all medicine away from children and never share your medicine with anyone.

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

Make sure your doctor knows if you are also using any other medicine that may cause bleeding problems or increase your risk of infection, or if you drink alcohol.

Using this medicine while you are pregnant may cause you to have a miscarriage. Use an effective form of birth control to keep from getting pregnant. If you think you have become pregnant while using the medicine, tell your doctor right away.
Make sure your doctor knows if you are breastfeeding, or if you have heart disease, liver disease, seizures, thyroid problems, bone marrow depression, bleeding problems, or if you have a history of depression or other emotional problems.
This medicine may make you bleed or get infections more easily. Avoid being near people who are sick or have infections. Wash your hands often. Avoid rough sports or other situations where you could be bruised, cut, or injured.
Your doctor will need to check your blood at regular visits while you are using this medicine. Be sure to keep all appointments.

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in face or hands, swelling or tingling in the mouth or throat, tightness in chest, trouble breathing
Dark-colored urine, yellow skin or eyes
Depressed mood, thoughts of hurting yourself or others
Fever, chills, cough, sore throat, body aches
Severe or ongoing pain, redness, or swelling where the shot is given
Unusual bleeding or bruising

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

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