Drug: Avonex
AVONEX is a 166 amino acid glycoprotein with a molecular weight of approximately 22,500 daltons. It is produced by recombinant DNA technology using genetically engineered Chinese Hamster Ovary cells into which the human interferon beta gene has been introduced. The amino acid sequence of AVONEX is identical to that of natural human interferon beta. Using the World Health Organization (WHO) International Standard for Interferon, AVONEX has a specific activity of approximately 200 million international units of antiviral activity per mg of interferon beta-1a determined specifically by an in vitro cytopathic effect bioassay using lung carcinoma cells (A549) and Encephalomyocarditis virus (ECM). AVONEX 30 micrograms contains approximately 6 million international units of antiviral activity using this method. The activity against other standards is not known. Comparison of the activity of AVONEX with other interferon betas is not appropriate, because of differences in the reference standards and assays used to measure activity. AVONEX Lyophilized Powder Vial A vial of AVONEX is a sterile, white to off-white lyophilized powder for intramuscular injection after reconstitution with supplied diluent (Sterile Water for Injection, USP). Each vial of reconstituted AVONEX contains 30 micrograms of interferon beta-1a; 15 mg Albumin (Human), USP; 5.8 mg Sodium Chloride, USP; 5.7 mg Dibasic Sodium Phosphate, USP; and 1.2 mg Monobasic Sodium Phosphate, USP, in 1.0 mL at a pH of approximately 7.3. AVONEX Single-Use Prefilled Syringe A prefilled syringe of AVONEX is a sterile liquid for intramuscular injection. Each 0.5 Ml (30 microgram dose) of AVONEX in a prefilled glass syringe contains 30 micrograms of interferon beta-1a, 0.79 mg Sodium Acetate Trihydrate, USP; 0.25 mg Glacial Acetic Acid, USP; 15.8 mg Arginine Hydrochloride, USP; and 0.025 mg Polysorbate 20 in Water for Injection, USP at a pH of approximately 4.8. AVONEX PEN Single-Use Prefilled Autoinjector AVONEX PEN is a sterile liquid for intramuscular injection in a prefilled glass syringe surrounded by an autoinjector. Each 0.5 mL (30 microgram dose) in the AVONEX PEN contains 30 micrograms of interferon beta-1a, 0.79 mg Sodium Acetate Trihydrate, USP; 0.25 mg Glacial Acetic Acid, USP; 15.8 mg Arginine Hydrochloride, USP; and 0.025 mg Polysorbate 20 in Water for Injection, USP at a pH of approximately 4.8.
Source: http://www.rxlist.com
The following serious adverse reactions are discussed in more detail in other sections of labeling:
Adverse Reaction Placebo
(N = 333) AVONEX
(N = 351) Body as a Whole Headache 55% 58% Flu-like symptoms (otherwise unspecified) 29% 49% Pain 21% 23% Asthenia 18% 24% Fever 9% 20% Chills 5% 19% Abdominal pain 6% 8% Injection site pain 6% 8% Infection 4% 7% Injection site inflammation 2% 6% Chest pain 2% 5% Injection site reaction 1% 3% Toothache 1% 3% Nervous System Depression 1 4% 1 8% Dizziness 1 2% 1 4% Respiratory System Upper respiratory tract infection 12% 14% Sinusitis 1 2% 1 4% Bronchitis 5% 8% Digestive System Nausea 1 9% 23% Musculoskeletal System Myalgia 22% 29% Arthralgia 6% 9% Urogenital Urinary tract infection 15% 17% Urine constituents abnormal 0% 3% Skin and Appendages Alopecia 2% 4% Special Senses Eye disorder 2% 4% Hemic and Lymphatic System Injection site ecchymosis 4% 6% Anemia 1% 4% Cardiovascular System Migraine 3% 5% Vasodilation 0% 2% Immunogenicity Anaphylaxis and other allergic reactions have occurred in AVONEX-treated patients [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS]. As with all therapeutic proteins, there is a potential for immunogenicity. In studies assessing immunogenicity in multiple sclerosis patients administered AVONEX for at least 1 year, 5% (21 of 390 patients) showed the presence of neutralizing antibodies at one or more times. These data reflect the percentage of patients whose test results were considered positive for antibodies to AVONEX using a two-tiered assay (ELISA binding assay followed by an antiviral cytopathic effect assay), and are highly dependent on the sensitivity and specificity of the assay. Additionally, the observed incidence of neutralizing activity in an assay may be influenced by several factors including sample handling, timing of sample collection, concomitant medications, and underlying disease. For these reasons, comparison of the incidence of antibodies to AVONEX with the incidence of antibodies to other products may be misleading. Postmarketing Experience The following additional adverse reactions have been identified during post-approval use of AVONEX. Because these reactions are reported voluntarily from a population of uncertain size, it is not always possible to reliably estimate their frequency or establish a causal relationship to drug exposure.
- Depression, Suicide, and Psychotic Disorders [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS]
- Hepatic Injury [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS]
- Anaphylaxis and Other Allergic-Reactions [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS]
- Congestive Heart Failure [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS]
- Decreased Peripheral Blood Counts [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS]
- Seizures [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS]
- Autoimmune Disorders [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS]
- Laboratory Tests [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS]
Adverse Reaction Placebo
(N = 333) AVONEX
(N = 351) Body as a Whole Headache 55% 58% Flu-like symptoms (otherwise unspecified) 29% 49% Pain 21% 23% Asthenia 18% 24% Fever 9% 20% Chills 5% 19% Abdominal pain 6% 8% Injection site pain 6% 8% Infection 4% 7% Injection site inflammation 2% 6% Chest pain 2% 5% Injection site reaction 1% 3% Toothache 1% 3% Nervous System Depression 1 4% 1 8% Dizziness 1 2% 1 4% Respiratory System Upper respiratory tract infection 12% 14% Sinusitis 1 2% 1 4% Bronchitis 5% 8% Digestive System Nausea 1 9% 23% Musculoskeletal System Myalgia 22% 29% Arthralgia 6% 9% Urogenital Urinary tract infection 15% 17% Urine constituents abnormal 0% 3% Skin and Appendages Alopecia 2% 4% Special Senses Eye disorder 2% 4% Hemic and Lymphatic System Injection site ecchymosis 4% 6% Anemia 1% 4% Cardiovascular System Migraine 3% 5% Vasodilation 0% 2% Immunogenicity Anaphylaxis and other allergic reactions have occurred in AVONEX-treated patients [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS]. As with all therapeutic proteins, there is a potential for immunogenicity. In studies assessing immunogenicity in multiple sclerosis patients administered AVONEX for at least 1 year, 5% (21 of 390 patients) showed the presence of neutralizing antibodies at one or more times. These data reflect the percentage of patients whose test results were considered positive for antibodies to AVONEX using a two-tiered assay (ELISA binding assay followed by an antiviral cytopathic effect assay), and are highly dependent on the sensitivity and specificity of the assay. Additionally, the observed incidence of neutralizing activity in an assay may be influenced by several factors including sample handling, timing of sample collection, concomitant medications, and underlying disease. For these reasons, comparison of the incidence of antibodies to AVONEX with the incidence of antibodies to other products may be misleading. Postmarketing Experience The following additional adverse reactions have been identified during post-approval use of AVONEX. Because these reactions are reported voluntarily from a population of uncertain size, it is not always possible to reliably estimate their frequency or establish a causal relationship to drug exposure.
- Menorrhagia and metrorrhagia
- Rash (including vesicular rash)
- Rare cases of injection site abscess or cellulitis requiring surgical intervention
Source: http://www.rxlist.com
Dosing Information AVONEX is administered intramuscularly. The recommended dose is 30 micrograms once a week. To reduce the incidence and severity of flu-like symptoms that may occur when initiating AVONEX therapy at a dose of 30 micrograms, AVONEX may be started at a dose of 7.5 micrograms and the dose may be increased by 7.5 micrograms each week for the next three weeks until the recommended dose of 30 micrograms is achieved (see Table 1). An AVOSTARTGRIP™ kit containing 3 titration devices can be used for titration and is to be used only with AVONEX Prefilled Syringes. Table 1: Schedule for Dose Titration
AVONEX Dose1 Recommended Dose Week 1 7.5 micrograms 1/4 dose Week 2 15 micrograms ½ dose Week 3 22.5 micrograms 3/4 dose Week 4+ 30 micrograms full dose 1 Dosed once a week, intramuscularly Important Administration Instructions (All Dosage Forms) All AVONEX dosage forms are single-use (injection of reconstituted solution, prefilled syringe, and prefilled autoinjector). See Patient's Instructions for Use for complete administration instructions. The first AVONEX injection should be performed under the supervision of an appropriately qualified health care professional. If patients or caregivers are to administer AVONEX, train them in the proper intramuscular injection technique and assess their ability to inject intramuscularly to ensure the proper administration of AVONEX. Advise patients and caregivers to
AVONEX Dose1 Recommended Dose Week 1 7.5 micrograms 1/4 dose Week 2 15 micrograms ½ dose Week 3 22.5 micrograms 3/4 dose Week 4+ 30 micrograms full dose 1 Dosed once a week, intramuscularly Important Administration Instructions (All Dosage Forms) All AVONEX dosage forms are single-use (injection of reconstituted solution, prefilled syringe, and prefilled autoinjector). See Patient's Instructions for Use for complete administration instructions. The first AVONEX injection should be performed under the supervision of an appropriately qualified health care professional. If patients or caregivers are to administer AVONEX, train them in the proper intramuscular injection technique and assess their ability to inject intramuscularly to ensure the proper administration of AVONEX. Advise patients and caregivers to
- rotate sites for intramuscular injections with each injection to minimize the likelihood of injection site reactions
- NOT inject into an area of the body where the skin is irritated, reddened, bruised, infected or scarred in any way
- Check the injection site after 2 hours for redness, swelling, or tenderness
- Contact their doctor or nurse if they have a skin reaction and it does not clear up in a few days
Source: http://www.rxlist.com
No information provided. Last reviewed on RxList: 3/27/2013
This monograph has been modified to include the generic and brand name in many instances.
This monograph has been modified to include the generic and brand name in many instances.
Source: http://www.rxlist.com
AVONEX (interferon beta-1a) is indicated for the treatment of patients with relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis to slow the accumulation of physical disability and decrease the frequency of clinical exacerbations. Patients with multiple sclerosis in whom efficacy has been demonstrated include patients who have experienced a first clinical episode and have MRI features consistent with multiple sclerosis.
Source: http://www.rxlist.com
AVONEX is contraindicated in patients with a history of hypersensitivity to natural or recombinant interferon beta, or any other component of the formulation [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS]. The lyophilized vial formulation of AVONEX is contraindicated in patients with a history of hypersensitivity to albumin (human). Last reviewed on RxList: 3/27/2013
This monograph has been modified to include the generic and brand name in many instances.
This monograph has been modified to include the generic and brand name in many instances.
Source: http://www.rxlist.com
No information provided.
Source: http://www.rxlist.com
Dosage Forms And Strengths For injection: 30 micrograms lyophilized powder in a single-use vial
This monograph has been modified to include the generic and brand name in many instances.
- Injection: 30 micrograms per 0.5 mL solution in a single-use prefilled syringe
- Injection: 30 micrograms per 0.5 mL solution in a single-use prefilled autoinjector
This monograph has been modified to include the generic and brand name in many instances.
Source: http://www.rxlist.com
Depression, Suicide, and Psychotic Disorders Patients treated with AVONEX and their caregivers should be advised to report immediately any symptoms of depression, suicidal ideation, and/or psychosis to their prescribing physicians. If a patient develops depression or other severe psychiatric symptoms, cessation of AVONEX therapy should be considered. Depression and suicide have been reported to occur with increased frequency in patients receiving AVONEX. In Study 1, the incidence of depression was similar in placebo-treated and in AVONEX-treated patients, but suicidal tendency was seen more frequently in AVONEXtreated patients (4% in AVONEX group vs. 1% in placebo group). In Study 2, there was a greater incidence of depression in AVONEX-treated patients than in placebo-treated patients (20% in AVONEX group vs. 13% in placebo group) [see Clinical Studies]. Additionally, there have been post-marketing reports of depression, suicidal ideation, and/or development of new or worsening of other pre-existing psychiatric disorders, including psychosis. For some of these patients, symptoms of depression improved upon cessation of AVONEX. Hepatic Injury Severe hepatic injury, including cases of hepatic failure, has been reported rarely in patients taking AVONEX. Asymptomatic elevation of hepatic transaminases has also been reported, and in some patients has recurred upon rechallenge with AVONEX. In some cases, these events have occurred in the presence of other drugs that have been associated with hepatic injury. The potential risk of AVONEX used in combination with known hepatotoxic drugs or other products (e.g., alcohol) should be considered prior to starting AVONEX, or before starting hepatotoxic drugs. Patients should be monitored for signs of hepatic injury. Anaphylaxis and Other Allergic-Reactions Anaphylaxis has been reported as a rare complication of AVONEX use. Other allergic reactions have included dyspnea, orolingual edema, skin rash and urticaria. Discontinue AVONEX if anaphylaxis or other allergic reactions occur. Congestive Heart Failure Patients with pre-existing congestive heart failure should be monitored for worsening of their cardiac condition during initiation of and continued treatment with AVONEX. While beta interferons do not have any known direct cardiac toxicity, during the post-marketing period cases of congestive heart failure, cardiomyopathy, and cardiomyopathy with congestive heart failure have been reported in patients without known predisposition to these events, and without other etiologies being established. In some cases, these events have been temporally related to the administration of AVONEX. In some of these instances recurrence upon rechallenge was observed. Decreased Peripheral Blood Counts Decreased peripheral blood counts in all cell lines, including rare pancytopenia and thrombocytopenia, have been reported from postmarketing experience in AVONEX-treated patients [see ADVERSE REACTIONS]. In some cases, platelet counts were below 10,000/microliter. Some cases recurred with rechallenge [see ADVERSE REACTIONS]. Patients should be monitored for symptoms or signs of decreased blood counts. Seizures Seizures have been temporally associated with the use of beta interferons in clinical trials and postmarketing safety surveillance. In the two placebo-controlled studies in multiple sclerosis (Studies 1 and 2), 4 patients receiving AVONEX experienced seizures, while no seizures occurred in the placebo group [see Clinical Studies]. Three of these 4 patients had no prior history of seizure [see ADVERSE REACTIONS]. It is not known whether these events were related to the effects of multiple sclerosis alone, to AVONEX, or to a combination of both. Autoimmune Disorders Post-marketing reports of autoimmune disorders of multiple target organs in AVONEX-treated patients included idiopathic thrombocytopenia, hyper- and hypothyroidism, and rare cases of autoimmune hepatitis. If AVONEX-treated patients develop a new autoimmune disorder, consider stopping the therapy. Laboratory Tests In addition to those laboratory tests normally required for monitoring patients with multiple sclerosis, complete blood and differential white blood cell counts, platelet counts, and blood chemistries, including liver function tests, are recommended during AVONEX therapy. Patients with myelosuppression may require more intensive monitoring of complete blood cell counts, with differential and platelet counts. Thyroid function should be monitored periodically. If patients have or develop symptoms of thyroid dysfunction (hypo- or hyperthyroidism), thyroid function tests should be performed according to standard medical practice. Patient Counseling Information See FDA-approved patient labeling (Medication Guide and Patient's Instructions for Use). Instruct patients to carefully read the supplied AVONEX Medication Guide and caution patients not to change the AVONEX dose or schedule of administration without medical consultation. Instruction on Self-injection Technique and Procedures Provide appropriate instruction for reconstitution of AVONEX and methods of self-injection, including careful review of the AVONEX Medication Guide. Instruct patients in the use of aseptic technique when administering AVONEX. Inform patients that their healthcare provider should show them or their caregiver how to prepare and inject AVONEX before administering the first dose. Their healthcare provider should watch the first AVONEX injection given. Tell patients not to re-use needles or syringes and instruct patients on safe disposal procedures. Inform patients to dispose of used needles and syringes in a puncture-resistant container and instruct the patient regarding safe disposal of full containers. Advise patients:
This monograph has been modified to include the generic and brand name in many instances.
- of the importance of rotating areas of injection with each dose to minimize the likelihood of injection site reactions. [see Choose an Injection Site section of the Medication Guide].
- NOT to inject area of the body where the skin is irritated, reddened, bruised, infected or scarred in any way
- to check the injection site after 2 hours for redness, swelling, or tenderness
- contact their doctor or nurse if they have a skin reaction and it does not clear up in a few days
This monograph has been modified to include the generic and brand name in many instances.
Source: http://www.rxlist.com
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