Who manufactures Avonex?

Who manufactures Avonex?

Biogen’ interferon beta-1a product Avonex has been approved for marketing in the USA for the treatment of relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis.

Is there a generic for Avonex?

Avonex (interferon beta-1a) helps to decrease the number of multiple sclerosis attacks and to slow physical disability in people with relapsing forms of the disease. The medicine does not cure multiple sclerosis. Avonex is more popular than comparable drugs. There are currently no generic alternatives for Avonex.

What type of drug is Avonex?

Avonex (interferon beta-1a) is a biologic medication. Interferons typically attach to certain proteins and affect cell processes. It’s not known exacty how Avonex (interferon beta-1a) helps treat multiple sclerosis.

What is the monthly cost of Avonex?

Current Cash Prices for a One-Month Supply of MS Medication

When was Avonex FDA approved?

This drug was originally approved by the FDA in 1996 for relapsing MS and more recently for individuals with clinically isolated syndrome (CIS). Avonex has been shown to reduce the number of relapses and lesions on MRI, as well as slow the progression of physical disability.

Is AVONEX an immunosuppressant drug?

Three therapies are interferon betas (IFNß), including Betaseron® (IFNß-1b), along with Avonex® and Rebif® (IFNß-1a). Copaxone® (glatiramer acetate (GA)) is also immunomodulating, but is not an interferon. Novantrone® (mitoxantrone), an anti-neoplastic drug, is the only approved immunosuppressive agent in MS.

Can AVONEX cause depression?

Depression. Changes in mood or behavior can occur while taking Avonex. Some people have experienced depression, suicidal thoughts, and other psychiatric symptoms. In clinical studies, depression occurred in 18% of people who took Avonex, compared with 14% of people who took a placebo (a treatment with no active drug).

Are MS drugs expensive?

On average, the medicines cost $70,000 per year, according to a 2017 study. Some prices have increased fivefold from when the drugs were first approved by the Food and Drug Administration. Even with insurance, says Ewing-Wilson, patients can be left on the hook for anywhere from $3,000 to more than $50,000 a year.

Where do you inject Avonex?

AVONEX is injected into the muscle (intramuscularly). AVONEX should be injected into the thigh or upper arm (See Figures G and H). Change (rotate) your injection sites for each dose. Do not use the same injection site for each injection.