• Multiple sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is the nerve damage in the brain and spinal cord. In this condition, the body's immune system mistakenly attacks its myelin, the protective covering around nerve fibers. When myelin is damaged, the link between the brain and other body parts is disrupted, leading to MS symptoms. Avonex 30mcg injection operates by inhibiting the immune system's attack on myelin. By doing so, it diminishes the frequency and intensity of relapses and hinders the progression of disability in individuals with multiple sclerosis.

Inform your doctor about any prescribed medications, over-the-counter medicines, nutritional or vitamin supplements, and herbal products you take or have taken before the treatment. Certain medications may interact with Avonex 30mcg injection and cause undesirable side effects, particularly those for epilepsy or depression. Avonex 30mcg injection could interact with or be influenced by other drugs, including those obtained without a prescription.

• Store in original sealed packaging to shield from light.
• Keep in the refrigerator between 2°C and eight °C; do not freeze.
• Do not use it if the syringe is broken.

You can inject Avonex 30mcg injection yourself without the help of your doctor if they have trained you to do this. Perform the first injection under the supervision of an appropriately qualified healthcare professional. If you have trouble handling the syringe, ask your doctor, who may be able to help. Your physician will decide the dosage and frequency based on the severity. Inject at a different site each time to avoid the risk of skin and muscle irritation. Please do not use it on a bruised, sore, infected, or wounded part of the skin. The injection should be kept at room temperature for half an hour before use. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water and dry them. Keep sticking plasters and alcohol wipes handy in case you need them. Your doctor will tell you how long you must keep using Avonex 30mcg injection.

Side effects are unwanted symptoms caused by medicines. Even though all medicines cause side effects, not everyone gets them.

Serious

• Serious allergic reactions like-Swelling of the face, lips, or tongue, difficulty breathing)
• Depression
• Liver problems like yellowing of your skin or the whites of your eyes (jaundice) - Itching all over - Feeling sick, being sick (nausea and vomiting) - Easy skin bruising.

Common

• Flu-like symptoms – headache, muscle aches, chills or a fever
• Loss of appetite
• Feeling weak and tired
• Difficulty sleeping
• Runny nose
• Diarrhea
• Numbness or tingling of the skin
• Increased sweating, night sweats
• Pain in your muscles, joints, arms, legs or neck
• Injection site pain
• Changes in the laboratory values of blood cells (RBC, WBC, Platelets) and liver functions.

During Avonex 30mcg injection treatment, your doctor may initiate a low dose in the first week to manage potential flu-like symptoms. Subsequently, your doctor will recommend a gradual dose increase. It is crucial to adhere to your doctor's advice, taking Avonex 30mcg injection consistently without skipping any doses, even if you start feeling better. If you accidentally take more than prescribed, consult your doctor or pharmacist immediately. If you miss a dose, inject it as soon as possible, wait a week before the next dose, and consult your doctor to adjust your schedule. Do not double doses to replace a missed injection.

Your doctor will regularly monitor your liver, thyroid, and blood cell counts while you're on this medication. If you observe sudden mood changes or experience suicidal thoughts, promptly discuss them with your doctor for appropriate guidance and support.

1. FUJIFILM Diosynth Biotechnologies, Electronic medicines compendium (EMC), [Revised on Jun 2023] [Accessed on 30th Sept 2023] https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/product/886/pil
2. US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), [Revised on Feb 2012] [Accessed on 28th Sep 2023] https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2012/103628s5189lbl.pdf