The users guide
to prescription drugs
and supplements
Finding the right
medication is important
Let RateADrug help.
Evaluate your current medication
Compare conventional and alternative therapies
Get information without drug company bias
Follow Us
On Twitter,
Click here
Sign In
Create Account
PreMed PREP
FAQs
About Us
Contact Us
|
Compare Treatments
|
Evaluate Your Treatment
|
Symptom Feedback
|
Drugs A to Z
|
Supplements A to Z
|
More Tools
Celebrity Health
Health Tips
Bizarre Treatments
Medical Tourism
Health Tips for Depression
Health Tips for Hypertension
Health Tips for Respiratory Illnesses
Health Tips for Low Libido
Search for a Treatment
Find Treatments by Condition
Acid Reflux & Heartburn
Acne
Addison's des
Alcoholism
Allergic Reaction
Allergies
Alopecia Areata
Altitude Sickness / Mountain Sickness
Alzheimer's
Amblyopia
Anemia
Anesthetic Reversal
Anesthetics
Angina (Chest Pain)
Angioedema
Ankylosing Spondylitis
Anti-Aging & Cell Health
Anti-Inflammatory
Antioxidant
Anxiety
Apotic Dermatitis
Arrhythmia (Irregular Heartbeat)
Arteriosclerosis
Arthritis
Asthma & Breathing Difficulty
Astigmatism
Atherosclerosis & Arterial Disease
Attention Deficit Disorder (ADHD)
Autism
Autoimmune Urticaria
Bacterial Infection
Bacterial Infections
Barratt osophergous
Benign Tumors / Cysts
Bipolar Disorder / Manic-Depression
Birth Control
Bladder Disorder
Bleeding disorder
Brain Trauma
Breast Cancer
Bronchitis
Burn Injury
Cancer
Celiac Disease
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
Chronic Kidney Disease
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
Circulation
Cirrhosis of the liver
Cold
Cold
Constipation
Crohn's Disease
Cushing's Syndrome
Cystic Fibrosis
Depression
Dermatomyositis
Detoxification
Diabetes Type 1
Diabetes Type 2
Diarrhea & Bowel Disorder
Digestive Aids
Displasia
Drug Addiction
Ear Infection
Eating Disorder
Eczema
Edema
Enlarged Prostate (BHP)
Epilepsy
Epilepsy, Seizure & Spasm
Erectile Dysfunction (ED)
Eye & Vision Problem
Fever
Fibromyalgia
Flu
Fungal Infection
Gastrius
Gastrointestinal & Stomach Problem
Gastroparesis
Gingivitis
Glaucoma
Gliomas
Gout
Hair Loss / Thinning
Harth pain
Hashimoto's Hypothyroidism
Hay Fever
Headache
Heart Attack
Heart Disease
Hemorrhage (Blood Loss)
Hemorrhoids
Hepatitis B
Hepatitis C
Herpes
High blood pressure
High Blood Pressure (Hypertension)
High Cholesterol
HIV / AIDS
Hormone Imbalance
Hperkemia
Hughes syndrome
Human Papillomavirus (HPV)
Huntington's Disease
Hyperparathyroid hypercalcemia
Hyperthyroidism
Hypothyroidism
Immune System Support
Incontinence
Insomnia & Sleeping Disorder
Insonmia
Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Joint Support
Kidney Disorder
Labor & Childbirth
Leprosy
Lichan planus
Lichen sclerosus
Liver Disorder
Lou Gehrig's Disease
Low Blood Pressure (Hypotension)
Lung Cancer
Lung Disease
Lupus
Malaria
Male Enhancement
Mcardle's Disease
Medicine / Fluid Absorption
Meniere's disease
Meniere's Disease & Vertigo
Meningitis
Menopause
Mental Health
Microscopic colitis
Migraine
Mild splenomegaly
Motion Sickness
Mouth & Gum Disorder
MRSA
Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
Muscle Building
Muscle Sprains & Strains
Muscle Strength
Muscular Dystrophy
Myasthenia Gravis
Narcolepsy
Nausea
Nerve Damage
Neuralgia
Nutrient Deficiency
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
Osteoarthritis
Osteoporosis & Bone Disease
Ovarian Cysts
Pain Relief
Pancreatic Cancer
Parasites
Parkinson
Parkinsons
Parkinson's Disease
Perioral parasthesia
Pneumonia
Poison & Overdose
Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) & Menstruation
Prostate Cancer
Protrusion of the disc
Psoriasis
Raynaud's Disease
Reproductive Health & Fertility
Respiratory Tract Infection
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rickets
Rosacea
Sarcoidosis
Schizophrenia & Psychotic Disorders
Scleroderma
Severe headache
Sexual Dysfunction
Sexually Transmitted Illness (STI)
Shojrens syndrome
Sinusitis (Sinus Infection)
Sjogren's Syndrome / Dry Mouth
Skin and Soft Tissue Infections
Skin Disorder
Skin Rash
Smoking Cessation
Social Anxiety Disorder
Staphylococcal Infections
Stress
Stroke
Surgical Recovery
Swellinghands
Swine Flu (H1N1)
Syringomyeli
Tay-Sachs Disease
Thrombosis (Blood Clot)
Transplant Rejection & Recovery
Trauma Recovery
Tuberculosis
Ulcer
Ulcerative Colitis
Ulcerative proctitus
Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)
Urticarial vaculitis
Vasculitis
Vomiting
Warts
Weight Loss & Metabolism
Wolff Parkinson White Syndrome (WPW)
Wrinkles
Yeast & Vaginal Infection
Browse by name:
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
J
K
L
M
N
O
P
Q
R
S
T
U
V
W
X
Y
Z
Aa-Ab
|
Ac
|
Ad-Ak
|
Al
|
Am
|
An-Ap
|
Aq-Ar
|
As-Az
Ba-Bd
|
Be-Bh
|
Bi-Bo
|
Bp-Br
|
Bs-Bz
Ca
|
Cb-Ce
|
Cf-Ch
|
Ci
|
Cj-Cl
|
Cm-Co
|
Cp-Cz
Da-Dd
|
De
|
Df-Di
|
Dj-Do
|
Dp-Dz
Ea-El
|
Em-Ep
|
Eq-Es
|
Et
|
Eu-Ez
Fa-Fd
|
Fe-Fh
|
Fi-Fk
|
Fl
|
Fm-Ft
|
Fu-Fz
Ha-He
|
Hf-Hz
Ia-Il
|
Im-In
|
Io-Ip
|
Iq-Iz
La-Ld
|
Le
|
Lf-Ln
|
Lo
|
Lp-Lz
Ma-Md
|
Me-Meo
|
Mep-Mes
|
Met
|
Meu-Mi
|
Mj-Mo
|
Mp-Mz
Na
|
Nb-Nh
|
Ni
|
Nj-Nz
Oa-Op
|
Oq-Ow
|
Ox-Oz
Pa
|
Pb-Pe
|
Pf-Ph
|
Pi
|
Pj-Pr
|
Ps-Pz
Ra-Rd
|
Re
|
Rf-Rz
Sa-Sd
|
Se-Sh
|
Si
|
Sj-So
|
Sp-Sub
|
Suc-Sul
|
Sum-Sz
Ta-Td
|
Te
|
Tf-Th
|
Ti
|
Tj-Tq
|
Tra-Tri
|
Trj-Tz
Avonex
Interferon beta-1a
View / Add User Comments
(4)
User Ratings
Out of 10
Satisfaction
7.5
4
Effectiveness
6.8
Side Effects
3.5
Holistic Benefits
RateADrug users have reported 11 Avonex side effects and 2 Avonex benefits.
Be better informed.
Are you taking Avonex?
Yes
|
No
Get Help
Evaluate Your Treatment
Drug Information
Compare Treatments
Symptom Feedback
Health Tips
User Comments
Treatment Information
Description
|
Uses & Side Effects
|
Warnings
The generic name of this medication is interferon beta-1a and brand names are Avonex, Avonex Prefilled Syringe, Rebif.
The active ingredient of this medication is interferon beta-1a.
Used in the treatment of relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis and it functions by slowing down the accumulation of physical disability.
Common Uses:
Used in the treatment of relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis and it functions by slowing down the accumulation of physical disability.
Off Label Uses:
None noted currently.
Side Effects:
Depressed mood, anxiety, trouble sleeping, restlessness, or thoughts of suicide or hurting oneself;
Easy bruising or bleeding, weakness;
Fever, chills, body aches, flu symptoms.
Numbness or tingling in the upper and lower extremities;
Pain, swelling, or skin changes where the injection was given;
Seizure (convulsions);
Urinary discomfort.
Cautions / Warnings:
Not recommended in people with:
Allergic reactions to this medication or any of its ingredients;
Liver disorder;
Thyroid disorder;
Epilepsy or other seizure disorders;
Cardiovascular conditions, chest pain (angina), congestive heart failure, or heart rhythm disorders.
It is also not recommended in pregnant women; women that are planning on becoming pregnant and nursing mothers.
Drug Interactions:
Acetaminophen (Tylenol);
An ACE inhibitor such as benazepril (Lotensin), captopril (Capoten), lisinopril (Prinivil, Zestril), and others.
An antibiotic;
Arthritis medications such as auranofin (Ridaura);
Birth control pills or hormone replacement therapy;
Cancer medications;
Cholesterol medications such atorvastatin (Lipitor), simvastatin (Zocor), and others;
HIV/AIDS medications;
Methotrexate (Rheumatrex, Trexall);
Tuberculosis medications.
Thank you for contribution; We will review your submission and post content after approval.
View / Add User Comments
(4)
Suggest changes to this description
Close
You can suggest changes to the above desctiption.
Your Email Address
Enter your Email
Enter Valid Email
-Enter your suggestion
What drug or supplement are you looking for?
Is your medication putting you at risk?
Find out in under 5 minutes
Identify possible side effects
Compare treatment options
Track changes in effectiveness ratings
Start here:
Find the best treatment for
your condition.
Explore traditional and alternative therapies
available to you
See how each treatment has been rated by
other users
To get started, select your condition
--Select One--
Acid Reflux & Heartburn
Acne
Addison's des
Alcoholism
Allergic Reaction
Allergies
Alopecia Areata
Altitude Sickness / Mountain Sickness
Alzheimer's
Amblyopia
Anemia
Anesthetic Reversal
Anesthetics
Angina (Chest Pain)
Angioedema
Ankylosing Spondylitis
Anti-Aging & Cell Health
Anti-Inflammatory
Antioxidant
Anxiety
Apotic Dermatitis
Arrhythmia (Irregular Heartbeat)
Arteriosclerosis
Arthritis
Asthma & Breathing Difficulty
Astigmatism
Atherosclerosis & Arterial Disease
Attention Deficit Disorder (ADHD)
Autism
Autoimmune Urticaria
Bacterial Infection
Bacterial Infections
Barratt osophergous
Benign Tumors / Cysts
Bipolar Disorder / Manic-Depression
Birth Control
Bladder Disorder
Bleeding disorder
Brain Trauma
Breast Cancer
Bronchitis
Burn Injury
Cancer
Celiac Disease
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
Chronic Kidney Disease
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
Circulation
Cirrhosis of the liver
Cold
Cold
Constipation
Crohn's Disease
Cushing's Syndrome
Cystic Fibrosis
Depression
Dermatomyositis
Detoxification
Diabetes Type 1
Diabetes Type 2
Diarrhea & Bowel Disorder
Digestive Aids
Displasia
Drug Addiction
Ear Infection
Eating Disorder
Eczema
Edema
Enlarged Prostate (BHP)
Epilepsy
Epilepsy, Seizure & Spasm
Erectile Dysfunction (ED)
Eye & Vision Problem
Fever
Fibromyalgia
Flu
Fungal Infection
Gastrius
Gastrointestinal & Stomach Problem
Gastroparesis
Gingivitis
Glaucoma
Gliomas
Gout
Hair Loss / Thinning
Harth pain
Hashimoto's Hypothyroidism
Hay Fever
Headache
Heart Attack
Heart Disease
Hemorrhage (Blood Loss)
Hemorrhoids
Hepatitis B
Hepatitis C
Herpes
High blood pressure
High Blood Pressure (Hypertension)
High Cholesterol
HIV / AIDS
Hormone Imbalance
Hperkemia
Hughes syndrome
Human Papillomavirus (HPV)
Huntington's Disease
Hyperparathyroid hypercalcemia
Hyperthyroidism
Hypothyroidism
Immune System Support
Incontinence
Insomnia & Sleeping Disorder
Insonmia
Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Joint Support
Kidney Disorder
Labor & Childbirth
Leprosy
Lichan planus
Lichen sclerosus
Liver Disorder
Lou Gehrig's Disease
Low Blood Pressure (Hypotension)
Lung Cancer
Lung Disease
Lupus
Malaria
Male Enhancement
Mcardle's Disease
Medicine / Fluid Absorption
Meniere's disease
Meniere's Disease & Vertigo
Meningitis
Menopause
Mental Health
Microscopic colitis
Migraine
Mild splenomegaly
Motion Sickness
Mouth & Gum Disorder
MRSA
Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
Muscle Building
Muscle Sprains & Strains
Muscle Strength
Muscular Dystrophy
Myasthenia Gravis
Narcolepsy
Nausea
Nerve Damage
Neuralgia
Nutrient Deficiency
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
Osteoarthritis
Osteoporosis & Bone Disease
Ovarian Cysts
Pain Relief
Pancreatic Cancer
Parasites
Parkinson
Parkinsons
Parkinson's Disease
Perioral parasthesia
Pneumonia
Poison & Overdose
Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) & Menstruation
Prostate Cancer
Protrusion of the disc
Psoriasis
Raynaud's Disease
Reproductive Health & Fertility
Respiratory Tract Infection
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rickets
Rosacea
Sarcoidosis
Schizophrenia & Psychotic Disorders
Scleroderma
Severe headache
Sexual Dysfunction
Sexually Transmitted Illness (STI)
Shojrens syndrome
Sinusitis (Sinus Infection)
Sjogren's Syndrome / Dry Mouth
Skin and Soft Tissue Infections
Skin Disorder
Skin Rash
Smoking Cessation
Social Anxiety Disorder
Staphylococcal Infections
Stress
Stroke
Surgical Recovery
Swellinghands
Swine Flu (H1N1)
Syringomyeli
Tay-Sachs Disease
Thrombosis (Blood Clot)
Transplant Rejection & Recovery
Trauma Recovery
Tuberculosis
Ulcer
Ulcerative Colitis
Ulcerative proctitus
Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)
Urticarial vaculitis
Vasculitis
Vomiting
Warts
Weight Loss & Metabolism
Wolff Parkinson White Syndrome (WPW)
Wrinkles
Yeast & Vaginal Infection
Get feedback on your symptoms or
ask a medical question.
Can You Help? See Requests for Feedback
Try adding more purple to your diet!
Purple foods such as concord grapes, blueberries, plums, pomegranates, acai berries, red wine, and even eggplants are very high in antioxidants. Purple foods have been shown to protect your heart and vision, promote mental focus, and increase longevity. Research has indicated that purple foods may even be used to prevent or cure cancer.
- Mark
Share your favorite health tip
View more health tips
Avonex Comments
08 Jan 2012
It is great that Avonex is only once a week. But for me it has really been a challenge. It took my body 18 months instead of 8 months to adjust. The flu symptoms were bad as when I chilled my skin also was burning. Then I only had a short time frame where side effects were mild. I experience interaction with pre-medication and Avonex dropping body temp too low. I have to pre-medicate 3 hours ahead to keep it from happening. Now the side effects are getting worse and I had an allergic reaction to it. My face was red, hot and swollen. My hands were swollen also. I been using benadryl before injection and after injection to see if that helps. I also experience site reactions with rashes, bruising and knotting. I only have two sites left.. the side of my thighs. I am running out of room. If I have another allergic reaction, I will choose to go off Avonex and not go on any MS medications. I choose to go with an organic diet and meditation.
—Posted by Anonymous
03 Oct 2011
If i take it once a week on the same day and almost the same time I rarely get sick
—Posted by Anonymous
03 Aug 2010
I have been taking Avonex for about 15 years. I credit Avonex for my ability to keep walking and to continue living a fairly normal life, with a family and a 20-hour job. I think I would be in a wheelchair if I never took Avonex. The times I have tried to do without my weekly injection, I would start having spastic movements while walking that risked some very painful falls/sprains, and I would walk with a more pronounced limp which never fully recovered even when I began taking the drug again. So my husband and daughter always told me they thought I was better off taking the drug, and, though I very much dislike the unjection and side effects, I tend to agree it is better to keep on the Avonex. However, after so many years of Avonex, the side effects are still awful. For at least 24 hours after the shot I am totally out of it ~ sometimes not able to do much but lie down and watch tv. What may make it worse is that I get very bad heartburn ~ so I often have a sleepless night or two around the time of my injection because of the heartburn ~ and I hate wasting at least a day each week in this misery. Like going through childbirth, though, I tend to forget that miserable time period the rest of the week because I feel good, though I limp and do display M.S. I wish I could get rid of the heartburn (could it be the interaction with Tylenol that I've been told to take to keep the flu symptoms down?) and I also wish the Avonex needle would be smaller! Then I wouldn't dread my injection so much after all these years!
—Posted by Megan W. in California
View / Add User Comments
(4)
View complaints against doctors and businesses for free
See complaints near:
Exclusive Features
New
Celebrity Health Stories
Medical Tourism Saves A Bundle
Bizarre Treatments That Save Lives
Health Tips for Hypertension
Health Tips for Depression
Health Tips for Respiratory Illnesses
Health Tips for Low Libido
Famous People with Multiple Sclerosis
Teri Garr
Montel Williams
Tamia Hill
Clayton (Clay) Walker
Jacqueline du Pré
SmallTeri Garr LRS-024662.jpg
Teri Garr
In 2002 Teri Garr announced that she had had Multiple Sclerosis for 25 years.
SmallMontel Williams SGG-046184.jpg
Montel Williams
Williams was first diagnosed with MS in 1999, although he'd been having episodes on and off for many years.
SmallTamia Hill DLL-087963.jpg
Tamia Hill
In 2003 Tamia announced that she has Multiple Sclerosis.
SmallClay Walker & wife PRN-020703.jpg
Clayton (Clay) Walker
Clay produced one country music hit after another until he was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis in 1996.
Small395035303.jpg
Jacqueline du Pré
When du Pré was still only 28, her doctors reached the conclusion that she was suffering from MS.
Evaluate This Treatment
User Ratings
Comments
(4)
More About This Treatment
Share Your Experiences with
Avonex
How has
Avonex
affected you?
Describe your experience with this treatment.
Create a display name
(optional):
Notify me when someone adds a new comment
I would like to upload a video with this comment
I have read and agree to the RateADrug.com
Terms of Use
.
Required!
Email Address:
(will remain absolutely private)
Enter Email
Enter Valid Email
Upload Video:
Max file size:
100 MB
. Max length:
10 min
.
File Format: (.AVI, .3GP, .MOV, .MP4, .FLV, .MPEG, .SWF, .MKV )
User Comments and videos for
Avonex
Share your views and experiences, and ger feedback from others.
08 Jan 2012
It is great that Avonex is only once a week. But for me it has really been a challenge. It took my body 18 months instead of 8 months to adjust. The flu symptoms were bad as when I chilled my skin also was burning. Then I only had a short time frame where side effects were mild. I experience interaction with pre-medication and Avonex dropping body temp too low. I have to pre-medicate 3 hours ahead to keep it from happening. Now the side effects are getting worse and I had an allergic reaction to it. My face was red, hot and swollen. My hands were swollen also. I been using benadryl before injection and after injection to see if that helps. I also experience site reactions with rashes, bruising and knotting. I only have two sites left.. the side of my thighs. I am running out of room. If I have another allergic reaction, I will choose to go off Avonex and not go on any MS medications. I choose to go with an organic diet and meditation.
—Posted by Anonymous
Respond
Display Name:
Email:
(Required)
Notify me of new comments
Email me monthly survey results
Sending...
I agree to the
Terms of Use
03 Oct 2011
If i take it once a week on the same day and almost the same time I rarely get sick
—Posted by Anonymous
Respond
Display Name:
Email:
(Required)
Notify me of new comments
Email me monthly survey results
Sending...
I agree to the
Terms of Use
03 Aug 2010
I have been taking Avonex for about 15 years. I credit Avonex for my ability to keep walking and to continue living a fairly normal life, with a family and a 20-hour job. I think I would be in a wheelchair if I never took Avonex. The times I have tried to do without my weekly injection, I would start having spastic movements while walking that risked some very painful falls/sprains, and I would walk with a more pronounced limp which never fully recovered even when I began taking the drug again. So my husband and daughter always told me they thought I was better off taking the drug, and, though I very much dislike the unjection and side effects, I tend to agree it is better to keep on the Avonex. However, after so many years of Avonex, the side effects are still awful. For at least 24 hours after the shot I am totally out of it ~ sometimes not able to do much but lie down and watch tv. What may make it worse is that I get very bad heartburn ~ so I often have a sleepless night or two around the time of my injection because of the heartburn ~ and I hate wasting at least a day each week in this misery. Like going through childbirth, though, I tend to forget that miserable time period the rest of the week because I feel good, though I limp and do display M.S. I wish I could get rid of the heartburn (could it be the interaction with Tylenol that I've been told to take to keep the flu symptoms down?) and I also wish the Avonex needle would be smaller! Then I wouldn't dread my injection so much after all these years!
—Posted by Megan W. in California
Respond
Display Name:
Email:
(Required)
Notify me of new comments
Email me monthly survey results
Sending...
I agree to the
Terms of Use
12 Sep 2009
I don't know yet (as of today) if Avonex has helped with the demyelination of my spinal cord as I have yet to take an MRI since being on Avonex (Nov 1, 2008). I will the second week of October. I do know that my history with MS has been what is now known as relapsing episodes for three years prior to my diagnosis October 2008. I have been experiencing worsening symptoms since my diagnosis and treatment.
—Posted by Apple
Respond
Display Name:
Email:
(Required)
Notify me of new comments
Email me monthly survey results
Sending...
I agree to the
Terms of Use
Health begins with knowledge. Share your
experience and see how you compare with others:
Rate
Avonex
:
How Effective has it been for you?
-10
0
10
Worse
Better
Click to select rating
Have you experienced Side Effects?
0
10
None
Severe
Click to select rating
Would you recommend it to others?
0
10
No
Yes
Click to select rating
For Your Health
Celebrity Health
Learn how your favorite celebrities cope with illnesses
Medical Tourism
Save money with medical procedures over seas
Bizarre Treatments
What are the weirdest treatments in the world? Find out.
Hypertension
Health tips for high blood pressure
Depression
Health tips for depression
Respiratory Illness
Tips for healthy respiration
Birth Control
Birth control methods reviewed
Affiliates
click here
Directory of Sponsored Services
Health begins with Knowledge. Visit our sponsors on your journey to a healthier, happier life.
Patient Resources
Legal / Regulatory Notices
Health Practitioners
Wellness Products
Clinical Trials / Research
Lifestyle
Medication Name:
© 2009 RateADrug.com All rights reserved.