MS Active Source

Treatment

• Introduction
• Introduction to MS
• MS treatments
  • Intro to MS treatments
  • Interferons
  • Avonex
  • Betaferon
  • Rebif
  • Glatiramer acetate
  • Copaxone
  • Natalizumab
  • Tysabri
  • Treatment of relapses
  • Risk-sharing scheme
  • Progressive MS
• Positive approach
• Newly diagnosed?
• Relative with MS
• Links
• Principles of treatment

Avonex (Interferon Beta-1a) ( refT6 )

Avonex is used to treat relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS). It has been shown to be effective in slowing the progression of the disease and reducing the frequency of clinical relapses. Avonex is given as an intramuscular injection, once a week.

Avonex is a suitable treatment for people with RRMS who are able to walk, who have had at least two relapses in the preceding 3 years, and who do not have evidence of progressive disease.

Avonex may also be given to people who have had a single, severe episode of demyelination and inflammation in the CNS. In this case, however, Avonex is suitable only if other diagnoses have been excluded and there is a high risk of developing MS.

At the present time, it is not unknown for how long patients should be treated. Patients should be clinically evaluated after two years of treatment and longer-term treatment should be decided on an individual basis by the treating physician.

Licensed for the treatment of MS in 1997, Avonex is marketed by Biogen Idec Ltd.

Use of this product will be determind by your neurologist according to guidance layed out in the risk-sharing scheme. More information can be found by going to www.mstrust.org.uk

More detailed prescribing information on Avonex can be found by going to www.medicines.org.uk. Typing Avonex in the search box and pressing Go will bring you to a patient information leaflet on Avonex.

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