Momentum - Summer 2013

˛; have or had bleeding problems or blood clots, have
or had low blood cell counts, have or had liver
problems, have or had seizures (epilepsy), have or
had heart problems, have or had thyroid problems,
have or had any kind of autoimmune disease
(where the body’s immune system attacks the
body’s own cells), such as psoriasis, systemic lupus
erythematosus, or rheumatoid arthritis
˛; drink alcohol
˛; are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not
known if AVONEX will harm your unborn baby. Tell
your healthcare provider if you become pregnant
during your treatment with AVONEX.
˛; are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. It is not
known if AVONEX passes into your breast milk. You
and your healthcare provider should decide if you will
use AVONEX or breastfeed. You should not do both.
Tell your healthcare provider about all the
medicines you take, including prescription
and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and
herbal supplements.
AVONEX can cause serious side effects
including:
˛; Heart problems, including heart failure.

While AVONEX is not known to have any direct effects on the heart, a few patients who did not have a history of heart problems developed heart muscle problems or congestive heart failure after taking AVONEX. If you already have heart failure, AVONEX may cause your heart failure to get worse. Call your healthcare provider right away if you have worsening symptoms of heart failure such as shortness of breath or swelling of your lower legs or feet while using AVONEX.

—Some people using AVONEX may have other
heart problems including low blood pressure, fast
or abnormal heart beat, chest pain, and heart
attack or heart muscle problem (cardiomyopathy).
Important Safety Information (cont’d)
˛; Blood problems. AVONEX can affect your bone
marrow and cause low red and white blood cell,

and platelet counts. In some people, these blood
cell counts may fall to dangerously low levels. If your
blood cell counts become very low, you can get
infections and problems with bleeding and bruising.
˛; Seizures. Some patients have had seizures while
taking AVONEX, including patients who have never
had seizures before.
˛; Infections. Some people who take AVONEX may
get an infection. Symptoms of an infection may include
fever, chills, pain or burning with urination, urinating
often, bloody diarrhea, and coughing up mucus.

˛; Thyroid problems. Some people taking AVONEX
develop changes in their thyroid function. Symptoms
of thyroid changes include problems concentrating,
feeling cold or hot all the time, weight changes,
and skin changes.
Tell your healthcare provider right away if
you have any of the symptoms listed above.
The most common side effects of AVONEX include:
˛; Flu-like symptoms. Most people who take
AVONEX have flu-like symptoms early during the
course of therapy. Usually, these symptoms last for a
day after the injection. You may be able to manage
these flu-like symptoms by taking over-the-counter
pain and fever reducers. For many people, these
symptoms lessen or go away over time. Symptoms
may include muscle aches, fever, tiredness, and chills.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side
effects. You may report side effects to FDA at
1-800-FDA-1088.
Please see the next page and brief summary of
the Medication Guide for additional important
safety information. This information is not
intended to replace discussions with your
healthcare provider.