Momentum - Summer 2013

For people with relapsing MS
Indication
AVONEX® (interferon beta-1a) 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.
healthcare provider regularly and have regular blood
tests to check for side effects.
˛; Serious allergic reactions and skin reactions.
Symptoms may include itching, swelling of the
face, eyes, lips, tongue or throat, trouble breathing,
anxiousness, feeling faint, and skin rash, hives, sores
in your mouth, or your skin blisters and peels.
AVONEX will not cure your MS but may decrease
the number of flare-ups of the disease and slow the
occurrence of some of the physical disability that is
common in people with MS. MS is a life-long disease that
affects your nervous system by destroying the protective
covering (myelin) that surrounds your nerve fibers.
The way AVONEX works in MS is not known. It is not
known if AVONEX is safe and effective in children.
Do not take AVONEX if you are allergic to
interferon beta, albumin (human), or any of the
ingredients in AVONEX.
Before taking AVONEX, tell your healthcare
provider if you:
˛; are being treated for a mental illness, or had
treatment in the past for any mental illness, including
depression and suicidal behavior
(Continued on the following pages.)
Important Safety Information
Before beginning treatment, you should discuss with
your healthcare provider the potential benefits and
risks associated with AVONEX.
AVONEX can cause serious side effects. Tell
your healthcare provider right away if you have any of
the symptoms listed below while taking AVONEX.
 Behavioral health problems including
depression, suicidal thoughts or hallucinations.
Some people taking AVONEX may develop mood
or behavior problems including irritability (getting
upset easily), depression (feeling hopeless or feeling
bad about yourself), nervousness, anxiety, aggressive
behavior, thoughts of hurting yourself or suicide, and
hearing or seeing things that others do not hear or
see (hallucinations).
˛Liver problems, or worsening of liver problems
including liver failure and death. Symptoms
may include nausea, loss of appetite, tiredness, dark
colored urine and pale stools, yellowing of your skin
or the white part of your eye, bleeding more easily
than normal, confusion, and sleepiness. During your
treatment with AVONEX you will need to see your
Please see the following pages and brief
summary of the Medication Guide for
additional important safety information.
This information is not intended to replace
discussions with your healthcare provider.