How much does AVONEX cost?
Tecfidera, the newest pill treatment to enter the market, is also priced in the range of $62,000 per year….Current Cash Prices for a One-Month Supply of MS Medication.
| Drug Name (Manufacturer) | Avonex (Biogen Idec) |
|---|---|
| Dose | Prefill 30MCG/0.5ML Kit |
| Walmart | $4,877.08 |
| Walgreen’s | $5,058.19 |
What does AVONEX do for MS?
Avonex is a disease modifying drug for relapsing remitting MS. You self-inject Avonex into a muscle once a week to reduce the number and severity of relapses. It reduces the number of relapses by about one third (30%). Common side effects include flu-like symptoms and injection site reactions.
Is there a generic for AVONEX?
There is not a generic version of Avonex. It is the brand name for the generic medication interferon beta-1a. In 2009, the patent on Avonex was extended through 2026, when generic versions may become available.
Where is AVONEX injected?
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. Do not inject into an area of the body where the skin is irritated, reddened, bruised, infected or scarred in any way.
How expensive are MS medications?
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.
Can AVONEX cause weight gain?
But in some cases, weight change can be a symptom of other side effects of Avonex. For example, if you develop heart failure due to Avonex, you may gain weight. Changes in your thyroid is another possible side effect of Avonex. And thyroid changes may cause weight gain or weight loss.
How long should you take Avonex?
You’ll usually inject Avonex once weekly. The dosing schedule for the drug increases over the course of a 4-week period. Your doctor will discuss your specific dosing frequency with you before your first dose.
Is Avonex good for MS patients?
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.
How long does Avonex stay in your system?
Answer: Following a 30 mcg intramuscular injection, peak levels are reached in 15 hours (in some as early as 6 hours) and then decline thereafter with an elimination half life of 19 hours. We typical consider a drug fully eliminated after 5 half lives or, in this case within 4 to 5 days after the injection.
What are the side effects of Avonex?
AVONEX can cause serious side effects.
- Depression, suicidal thoughts, hallucinations, or other behavioral health problems.
- Liver problems, or worsening of liver problems including liver failure and death.
- Serious allergic reactions and skin reactions.
- Injection site reactions.
- Heart problems, including heart failure.
How long should you take AVONEX?
Does AVONEX lower your immune system?
This medicine does not suppress the immune system, and patients taking it do not have an increased risk of infection. regularly over long periods of time. It does not improve existing symptoms and is not used to treat acute MS attacks.