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Pronunciation |
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(in
ter FEER on BAY ta won
aye) |
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U.S. Brand
Names |
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Avonex™ |
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Generic
Available |
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No |
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Synonyms |
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rIFN-b |
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Pharmacological Index |
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Biological Response Modulator |
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Use |
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Treatment of relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis (MS); to slow the
accumulation of physical disability and decrease the frequency of clinical
exacerbations |
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Pregnancy Risk
Factor |
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C |
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Contraindications |
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History of hypersensitivity to natural or recombinant interferon beta, human
albumin, or any other component of the formulation |
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Warnings/Precautions |
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Interferon beta-1a should be used with caution in patients with a history of
depression, seizures, or cardiac disease; because its use has not been evaluated
during lactation, its use in breast-feeding mothers may not be safe and should
be warned against |
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Adverse
Reactions |
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1% to 10%:
Central nervous system: Headache, lethargy, depression, emotional lability,
anxiety, suicidal ideations, somnolence, agitation, confusion
Dermatologic: Alopecia (rare)
Endocrine & metabolic: Hypocalcemia
Gastrointestinal: Nausea, anorexia, vomiting, diarrhea, chronic weight loss
Hematologic: Leukopenia, thrombocytopenia, anemia (frequent, dose-related,
but not usually severe)
Hepatic: Elevated liver enzymes (mild, transient)
Local: Pain/redness at injection site (80%)
Neuromuscular & skeletal: Weakness
Ocular: Retinal toxicity/visual changes
Renal: Elevated BUN and Scr
Miscellaneous: Flu-like syndrome (fever, nausea, malaise, myalgia) occurs in
most patients, but is usually controlled by acetaminophen or NSAIDs; dose
related abortifacient activity was reported in Rhesus monkeys
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Overdosage/Toxicology |
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Symptoms of overdose include CNS depression, obtundation, flu-like symptoms,
myelosuppression
Treatment is supportive |
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Drug
Interactions |
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Decreases clearance of zidovudine thus increasing zidovudine
toxicity |
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Stability |
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The reconstituted product contains no preservative and is for single use
only; discard unused portion; store unreconstituted vial or reconstituted vial
at 2°C to 8°C
(36°F to 46°F); use the
reconstituted product within 6 hours |
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Mechanism of
Action |
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Interferon beta differs from naturally occurring human protein by a single
amino acid substitution and the lack of carbohydrate side chains; alters the
expression and response to surface antigens and can enhance immune cell
activities. Properties of interferon beta that modify biologic responses are
mediated by cell surface receptor interactions; mechanism in the treatment of MS
is unknown. |
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Pharmacodynamics/Kinetics |
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Limited data due to small doses used
Time to peak serum concentration: 3-15 hours |
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Usual Dosage |
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Adults >18 years: I.M.: 30 mcg once weekly |
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Administration |
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Reconstitute with 1.1 mL of diluent and swirl gently to
dissolve |
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Monitoring
Parameters |
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Hemoglobin, liver function, and blood chemistries |
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Mental Health: Effects
on Mental Status |
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May cause sedation, depression, suicidal ideation, anxiety, agitation, or
confusion |
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Mental Health:
Effects on Psychiatric
Treatment |
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May cause leukopenia; use caution with clozapine and carbamazepine;
concurrent use with psychotropics may produce additive
sedation |
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Dental Health: Local
Anesthetic/Vasoconstrictor
Precautions |
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No information available to require special precautions |
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Dental Health:
Effects on Dental Treatment |
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No effects or complications reported |
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Patient
Information |
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This is not a cure for MS; you will continue to receive regular treatment and
follow-up for MS. Use as directed; do not change dosage or schedule of
administration without consulting prescriber. Maintain adequate hydration (2-3
L/day of fluids unless instructed to restrict fluid intake). You may experience
flu-like syndrome (acetaminophen may help); nausea, vomiting, or loss of
appetite (frequent small meals, frequent mouth care, sucking lozenges, or
chewing gum may help); drowsiness, dizziness, agitation, or abnormal thinking
(use caution when driving or engaging in tasks requiring alertness until
response to drug is known). Report unusual bruising or bleeding; persistent
abdominal disturbances; unusual fatigue; muscle pain or tremors; chest pain or
palpitations, swelling of extremities; visual disturbances; pain, swelling, or
redness at injection site; or other unusual symptoms.
Pregnancy/breast-feeding precautions: Inform prescriber if you are or intend
to be pregnant. Do not breast-feed. |
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Nursing
Implications |
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Patient should be informed of possible side effects, especially depression,
suicidal ideations, and the risk of abortion; flu-like symptoms such as chills,
fever, malaise, diaphoresis, and myalgia are common |
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Dosage Forms |
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Powder for injection, lyophilized: 33 mcg [6.6 million
units] |
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Copyright © 1978-2000 Lexi-Comp Inc. All Rights Reserved
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