By Biogen
The introduction of disease-modifying treatments transformed what it means to receive a multiple sclerosis (MS) diagnosis, having an incredible impact on patient care.
Just three decades ago, treating multiple sclerosis (MS) was limited to reducing the severity of symptoms and shortening the duration of relapses, with no effect on the progression of the disease itself.1
The arrival of interferons like AVONEX® (interferon beta-1a), the first disease-modifying therapies for MS, helped reshape the treatment trajectory for people diagnosed with this chronic disease. Today, with more than 595,000 people treated with AVONEX6 worldwide since its approval, it remains the No. 1 prescribed interferon7 and continues to be a valuable option for patients. Please see below for Important Safety Information.
A paradigm shift in the treatment of MS
Where initial MS treatments focused only on managing symptoms, the AVONEX clinical development program and other interferon studies demonstrated that the course of MS could be modified therapeutically. For neurologists, this meant they could treat the underlying disease instead of just symptoms. For those living with MS, it meant the possibility of slowing down the progression of their disease.
Interferons play an important role in regulating the immune system.2 MS occurs when a person’s immune cells attack their central nervous system, causing inflammation in the body that leads to nerve damage. Interferon beta keeps this inflammation in check.3 The structure of the AVONEX molecule is identical to the natural human interferon beta,4 so it works naturally with the body’s immune system.
Dr. Scott recalls how these breakthroughs finally gave the MS community hope that the disease was treatable and forged a new path for the future.
A mainstay of MS treatment over 25 years
AVONEX continues to be widely considered by physicians when treating people living with relapsing MS. AVONEX is a once-a-week injectable treatment for adults with relapsing MS and was the first interferon beta therapy to slow impairment caused by the disease, showing a reduction in disability progression in clinical trials. It remains a valuable choice for both physicians and patients, with consistent long-term data supporting its favorable benefit/risk profile.5 The possible risks and serious side effects of AVONEX include heart problems, such as heart failure, blood problems, seizures, thrombotic microangiopathy and autoimmune diseases. The most common side effects associated with AVONEX are flu-like symptoms. Please see below or click here for Important Safety Information and full Prescribing Information, including Medication Guide for AVONEX in the U.S. It is not known if AVONEX is safe and effective in children.
In all chronic conditions, a person’s treatment preference is an essential factor in care. As more options become available that can be administered in different ways, it’s possible to make MS treatment more individualized to the needs of each patient.
When discussing your MS treatment with your doctor, ask whether AVONEX might be an option for you. Learn more at AVONEX.com.
About AVONEX® (interferon beta-1a)
AVONEX is a prescription medicine used to treat relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis (MS), to include clinically isolated syndrome, relapsing-remitting disease, and active secondary progressive disease, in adults.
It is not known if AVONEX is safe and effective in children.
Important Safety Information
Who should not use AVONEX® (interferon beta-1a)?
Before beginning treatment, you should discuss with your healthcare provider the potential benefits and risks associated with AVONEX.
What is the most important information I should know about AVONEX?
AVONEX can cause serious side effects. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the symptoms listed below while taking AVONEX.
If you have any of these mood or behavior problems, your healthcare provider may tell you to stop taking AVONEX.
Get emergency help right away if you have any of these symptoms. Talk to your healthcare provider before taking another dose of AVONEX.
Before taking AVONEX, tell your healthcare provider about all of your medical conditions, including if you:
Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
What are the possible side effects of AVONEX?
AVONEX can cause serious side effects, including:
The most common side effects of AVONEX include:
You may be able to manage these flu-like symptoms by taking over-the-counter pain and fever reducers.
Talk with your healthcare provider about ways to help if you develop flu-like symptoms while taking AVONEX.
These are not all of the possible side effects of AVONEX.
Call your healthcare provider for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Please see full Prescribing Information and Medication Guide.
This information does not take the place of talking with your healthcare provider about your medical condition or your treatment.
References:
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