Avonex is a medication that is often prescribed for treating multiple sclerosis. This page from the eMedTV Web site explores how Avonex works, describes the effects of the drug, and explains what you should know before starting treatment.
Weakness, nausea, and headache are some of the most commonly reported Avonex side effects. This eMedTV article lists other possible side effects of Avonex, including other common problems as well as serious side effects that require medical attention.
It is possible to develop depression while taking Avonex. This segment from the eMedTV archives provides more detailed information on Avonex and depression, and offers suggestions on what you should do if depression symptoms develop.
Hair loss is a potential side effect of Avonex. This eMedTV resource provides more information on Avonex and hair loss, including an explanation of how common this side effect appears to be and suggestions on what you can do if hair loss occurs.
Avonex is used for the treatment of multiple sclerosis in people over the age of 18. This article on the eMedTV site further explores how Avonex works, explains whether it can be used in children, and discusses possible off-label Avonex uses.
There is only one standard Avonex dosage -- 30 mcg injected intramuscularly once a week. This part of the eMedTV library contains other important Avonex dosing information and includes precautions and tips for injecting the medication.
Theophylline and zidovudine may cause negative Avonex drug interactions. This eMedTV resource lists specific theophylline and zidovudine products that may interact negatively with Avonex and describes the possible effects of these interactions.
Before taking Avonex, let your doctor know if you have depression, epilepsy, or any allergies. This eMedTV resource offers other Avonex warnings and precautions, and describes possible side effects or complications that may occur with the drug.
An Avonex overdose is unlikely to occur because each vial or syringe holds only enough Avonex for one dose. This eMedTV article discusses the possible effects of an Avonex overdose and describes the treatment options that are available.
Avonex may cause problems when used during pregnancy. As this section of the eMedTV Web site explains, animal studies on Avonex and pregnancy show that the drug increased the risk for side effects when it was given to pregnant monkeys.
At this time, it is not known whether Avonex passes through breast milk. This eMedTV Web page offers more information on Avonex and breastfeeding, and explains why the drug is not likely to cause problems even if it does pass through breast milk.
At this time, it is not known whether generic Avonex products will ever be available. As this eMedTV segment explains, Avonex is a "biologic" medicine that is under certain laws that prevent any generic versions of the drug from being manufactured.
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