Avonex Drug Interactions

When theophylline or zidovudine is taken together with Avonex, drug interactions may occur that could increase your risk of developing side effects. Since certain other medications can also lead to negative Avonex interactions, be sure to talk to your healthcare provider before taking any other drugs during multiple sclerosis treatment.

 

An Introduction to Avonex Drug Interactions

Avonex® (interferon beta-1a) can potentially interact with a few other medicines. Some of these medicines that may lead to Avonex interactions include:
 

Avonex Interactions Explained

The following sections explain in detail the potentially negative interactions that can occur when Avonex is combined with any of the drugs listed above.
 
Theophylline (Elizophyllin, Theo-24, TheoCap, Theochron, Uniphyl)
Interferons (such as Avonex) may increase the level of theophylline in your blood, increasing the risk of side effects. Your healthcare provider may need to monitor your theophylline blood levels and adjust your theophylline dosage as necessary.
 
Zidovudine (Retrovir, Combivir, Trizivir)
Avonex may increase the level of zidovudine in your blood, increasing your risk for side effects of zidovudine. Talk with your healthcare provider before using these medications together.
 

Final Thoughts on Avonex Drug Interactions

It is possible that not every drug interaction with Avonex was discussed in this article.
 Therefore, you should talk with your pharmacist or healthcare provider about the Avonex drug interactions that may apply to you.
 
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;