What type of interferon is Avonex?
Avonex (interferon beta-1a) is an injectable biologic used for the treatment of relapsing multiple sclerosis (MS). However, it can cause uncomfortable flu-like symptoms as a side effect.
Is Avonex an immunosuppressant?
This medicine does not suppress the immune system, and patients taking it do not have an increased risk of infection. regularly over long periods of time. It does not improve existing symptoms and is not used to treat acute MS attacks.
What MS drugs are interferons?
Five beta interferon drugs have been developed to treat relapsing multiple sclerosis:
- Avonex (interferon beta 1a)
- Rebif (interferon beta 1a)
- Plegridy (peginterferon beta 1a)
- Betaferon (interferon beta 1b)
- Extavia (interferon beta 1b)
How does interferon beta help MS?
How do beta interferons work? Your body makes its own interferons (a protein) to dampen down inflammation. These drugs are manmade versions. They can reduce (and might prevent) the inflammation that damages nerves in MS.
Is AVONEX subcutaneous?
Subcutaneous administration of AVONEX® should not be substituted for intramuscular administration. Subcutaneous and intramuscular administration have been observed to have non-equivalent pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic parameters following administration to healthy volunteers.
What are the ingredients in AVONEX?
The active substance is: Interferon beta-1a 30 micrograms/0.5 ml The other ingredients are: Sodium acetate, trihydrate; acetic acid glacial, arginine hydrochloride, polysorbate 20 and water for injections. Each individual pack contains one Avonex Pen, one needle and one pen cover.
What are the ingredients in Avonex?
When was interferon MS approved?
In 1993, interferon beta-1b (IFNbeta-1b) became the first therapy proven to be effective in altering the natural history of relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS). This was followed by successful trials with IFNbeta-1a and glatiramer acetate.
Is interferon an immunosuppressant?
Interferon proteins are normally considered virus-fighters, but scientists at The Scripps Research Institute (TSRI) have found evidence that one of them, interferon beta (IFNβ), has an immune-suppressing effect that can help some viruses establish persistent infections.
Does interferon weaken immune system?
There are at least two types of interferon. Along with their antiviral properties, they have recently been shown to exert a suppressive effect on the humoral and cellular immune response; they affect both B and T lymphocytes.
