Avonex Questions

1. Do you have to take Avonex if you have benign MS?

   It is best to talk to your doctor first if you have benign MS and you are questioning taking Avonex. It is a very strong drug that can carry some serious side effects. I read of a woman whose hair was falling out on Avonex. There is also a warning if you are sensitive toward heat...
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2. Does Avonex cause hair loss?

   Hair loss could be a possible side effect. In Avonex studies hair loss was reported in 4% of people taking it. The normal side effects are: Flu-like symptoms, liver damage, decrease blood count and depression. However, given how common hair loss is in general, is difficult to say whether hair loss is caused by Avonex...
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3. Does Avonex cause weight gain?

   Avonex is the brand name for a drug called Interferon Beta-1A and it is used for patients with multiple sclerosis by reducing the number of attacks and slowing the progression of the disease. According to the website www.medicinenet.com, sudden weight gain is one possible side effect of the medication...
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4. Does Avonex cause weight loss?

   It is not a common occurrence to lose or gain weight when taking Avonex. It is not a listed side effect. If you or someone you know is taking Avonex and, experiencing weight loss it should be reported to a doctor immediately.
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5. Does Avonex cause yeast infections?

   No avonex does not cause yeast infections. Avonex is a medication prescribed to decrease the number of episodes of symptoms and slow the development of disability in patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis. It's side effects have been likened to the flu...
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6. Does Avonex work?

   Avonex works. However some people experience side effects as with any drug you might have to take. If you feel it is not working for you, than you need to discuss with your doctor other alternative routes you can take.
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7. How does Avonex work?

   It works by reducing the amount of damage the immune system does to the nerves protective coating. It does this by mimicking the interferon proteins that are naturally occurring in our bodies. It is not know exactly how the drug works - MS is not fully understood itself- but it is an autoimmune disease...
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8. How much does Avonex cost?

   Avonex, a drug that provides a low dose of interferons for patients with Multiple Sclerosis, costs between $24,000 and $30,000 a year. According to About.com, Avonex is usually covered by insurance and exact prices can be pinpointed at DestinationRx.com.
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9. Is Avonex covered by Medicare?

   While Medicare typically covers routine medical visits and hospital stays, coverage of perscription drugs like Avonex does exist. Avonex is a perscription used in the treatment of Multiple Sclerosis (MS). This according to the Avonex drug website. It is specifically covered under Part B and Part D of the Medicare drug plan...
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10. Is it safe to take Avonex while pregnant?

    According to drugs.com and eMedTV Avonex should not be taken while pregnant. In test studies with Monkeys it has been shown to cause miscarages. The FDA has given it a rating of C. There has not been a lot of studies done in pregnant women but it is not reconmended that you take Avonex while pregnant due to the high risk of miscarages...
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11. Is it safe to take Copaxone and Avonex together?

    While some doctors may have their patients choose one drug or the other, it appears that it is safe to take Copaxone and Avonex together. Copaxone and Avonex are prescription medications used in the treatment of Multiple Sclerosis (MS). This research has been ongoing. In October of 2001, the website Mult-Sclerosis...
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12. What are common complaints about Avonex?

    The main complaints of Avonex are flu-like symptoms. Headache and muscle pain are the most common side effects reported. Other complaints include abdominal pain, aching teeth and dizziness. Most side effects don't require treatment of it's own and sometimes they are short lived...
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13. What are the side effects of Avonex?

    As with any drug each individual taking Avonex will experience different side effects unique to thier body. A recent clinical study showed that the most common side effect of the drug Avonex is headaches. In this study 58% of the test group showed signs of some type of headache...
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14. What year did Avonex become available?

    Avonex was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and released to the American general public by its manufacturer, Biogen Idec, in May of 1996.
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15. When was Avonex FDA approved?

    On February 7th 2003, the FDA approved Avonex(interferon beta-1a). It's use was approved in Europe in 2002.
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16. Why does Avonex therapy stop working?

    Avonex therapy stops working because body gets used to to the drug and doesnt utilize the drug like it did when the patient started taking the medication
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