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Indication
AVONEX is approved by FDA to treat relapsing forms of
multiple sclerosis (MS) to decrease the number of flare-ups and slow the occurrence of some of the physical
disability that is common in people with MS. AVONEX is
approved for use in people who have experienced a first
attack and have lesions consistent with MS on their MRI.
Important Safety Information
˛; Before beginning treatment, patients should discuss with
their doctor the potential benefits and risks associated
with AVONEX. Let your doctor know if you have a
history of or currently experience depression or other
mood disorders, seizures, liver disease, thyroid, heart, or
blood cell count or bleeding problems, or if you have had
previous allergic reactions to interferon beta.
˛; Potential serious side effects of AVONEX include
depression, mood disorders, allergic reactions, seizures,
and liver, blood, thyroid, or heart problems. If you
experience any of these symptoms: feeling sad, easy
bruising or bleeding; yellowing of the skin and/or eyes,
difficulty breathing, hives, rashes or itching; feeling tired
or swelling of the mouth, tongue, or ankles call your
doctor immediately.
;
˛; The most common side effects with AVONEX are
flu-like symptoms (fever, chills, sweating, muscle
aches, and tiredness) early during the course of
therapy. Usually, these symptoms last for a day after
the injection. Talk to your doctor if these symptoms
continue longer than the first few months of therapy,
or if they are difficult to manage.
˛; AVONEX is not recommended for women who are or plan
to become pregnant. If you become pregnant while taking
AVONEX, you should stop taking AVONEX immediately,
tell your doctor, and consider enrolling in the AVONEX
Pregnancy Registry by calling 1-800-456-2255.
You are encouraged to report negative side effects
to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch, or call
1-800-FDA-1088.
For additional important safety information,
please refer to the Medication Guide. This information is
not intended to replace discussions with your doctor.
Please see brief summary of the Medication Guide on
the following page for more safety information about
AVONEX.
AVONEX, BIOGEN IDEC and the BIOGEN IDEC logo are registered trademarks of Biogen Idec.
© 2011 Biogen Idec. All rights reserved. Printed in U.S.A. 06/11 1-3869-01
