Avonex for Multiple Sclerosis
Interferon Beta-1A is a Major MS Disease-Modifying Drug
Avonex has been around for more than 10 years, and it is one of the leading disease-modifying drugs to fight MS. Learn about the pros and cons of taking Avonex.
Avonex, or interferon beta -1a, is yet another disease-modifying drug for multiple sclerosis. Chemically, it is the same consistency as Rebif, but it is administered in smaller dosages less often. People taking Avonex administer the injection intramuscularly (into the muscle) once a week. This drug has been proven to reduce MS relapses and slow disease progression. Because it is a weaker formula, it is generally recommended for early cases or for those with milder progression. Avonex is available in pre-mixed syringes or in a powder form which requires mixing but no refrigeration.
Benefits/ Side Effects of Avonex
(+) Avonex reduces the number of MS attacks
(-) It is the weakest interferon available
(+) Avonex is administered just once a week
(-) Intramuscular injections are deeper than subcutaneous injections
(+) Avonex is one of the older, more established medications
(-) Avonex can cause flu-like side effects, depression, and/or injection site reactions
(+) This medication is a step towards fighting your MS
***For further reference: www.nmss.org. Please visit the MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS SUITE for more articles about multiple sclerosis.
***For related information, check out the Neurological ARTICLE INDEX and Blog.
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