Healthdirect Free Australian health advice you can count on.

Medical problem? Call 1800 022 222. If you need urgent medical help, call triple zero immediately

healthdirect Australia is a free service where you can talk to a nurse or doctor who can help you know what to do.

beginning of content

Brand name: Avonex TM

Active ingredients: interferon beta-1a

What it is used for

AVONEX is indicated for the treatment of patients with relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis (MS). AVONEX is indicated in patients who have experienced a single demyelinating event and are at risk of developing clinically definite MS based on the presence of brain MRI abnormalities characteristic of MS. AVONEX 60 mcg is indicated for the treatment of secondary progressive MS in patients in whom relapse is still a feature of disease. AVONEX 60 mcg should not be initiated in patients with secondary progressive MS who have not experienced relapse in the previous 12 months.

How to take it

The way to take this medicine is: Intramuscular. This medicine is given through a needle inserted into the muscle beneath the skin.

  • Store at 2 to 8 degrees Celsius
  • Protect from Light
  • Do not Freeze
  • Shelf lifetime is 3 Years.

You should seek medical advice in relation to medicines and use only as directed by a healthcare professional.

Always read the label. If symptoms persist see your healthcare professional.

Visual appearance

Clear colourless solution in a type I glass syringe barrel with ceramic coated tip, grey elastomeric stopper and grey ribbed plastic cap, a blue 23G 1 1/4 needle and a plunger rod, sealed in a blister tray.

Do I need a prescription?

This medicine is available from a pharmacist and requires a prescription. It is Schedule 4 : Prescription Only Medicine.

Pregnant or planning a pregnancy?

For the active ingredient interferon beta-1a

You should seek advice from your doctor or pharmacist about taking this medicine. They can help you balance the risks and the benefits of this medicine during pregnancy.

Consumer Medicines Information (CMI)

For side effects, taking other medicines and more

Print the CMI.

Listen to the CMI.


Reporting side effects

You can help ensure medicines are safe by reporting the side effects you experience.

You can report side effects to your doctor, or directly at www.tga.gov.au/reporting-problems

Back to top back to top

Need more information?

These trusted information partners have more on this topic.

Healthdirect 24hr 7 days a week hotline

24 hour health advice you can count on

1800 022 222

Government Accredited with over 140 information partners

We are a government-funded service, providing quality, approved health information and advice

Australian Government, health department logo ACT Government logo New South Wales government, health department logo Northen Territory Government logo Queensland Government logo Government of South Australia, health department logo Tasmanian government logo Victorian government logo Government of Western Australia, health department logo

Healthdirect Australia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia and their continuing connection to land, sea and community. We pay our respects to the Traditional Owners and to Elders both past and present.