Taking AVONEX

By taking AVONEX, you have chosen to declare your independence over multiple sclerosis (MS). You have chosen to take action and fight your MS. Everyone has different life goals and reasons for going on therapy. Wanting to maintain a sense of freedom. Raising a family. Achieving a successful career. Whatever your specific goals are, staying committed to once-a-week AVONEX therapy may help empower you to pursue them.

What did you do today that you want to be able to do tomorrow?
AVONEX delays the natural course of MS. In studies it has been shown to reduce the number of relapses and slows the progression of physical disability. That means AVONEX treats the underlying disease so you can hold on to the important things in life. AVONEX may help protect your ability to do the things that make you "you."

Seize the day,and the day after.
The best thing you can do for yourself is to stay 100% committed to therapy.

• Stay focused
• Stay positive
• Stay with it

AVONEX takes it from there.

• Slows down physical disability to help you stay active and able
• Reduces the number of flare-ups so you can go on with your daily life
• Reduces brain lesions and the rate of brain shrinkage
• Works around your schedule with once-a-week dosing
• Gives you access to a full network of support services, created with you in mind

Keeping all the reasons in mind why you chose AVONEX will help you stay committed.

AVONEX Options To help you stay committed to therapy, AVONEX offers multiple options. There are 2 needle sizes available for AVONEX. One size is 20% shorter and thinner than the other. Talk to your health care provider if it is right for you. And traveling with AVONEX easy. When refrigeration (36-46ºF) is unavailable, AVONEX prefilled syringes can be stored for up to 7 days at room temperature (up to 77ºF). AVONEX also comes in a powder form that can be stored even longer at room temperature-up to 30 days. AVONEX should never be frozen or exposed to extreme temperatures. Ask your healthcare provider or nurse about all the options that therapy with AVONEX offers.

Paying for Your AVONEX Don't let frustration with claims keep you from staying on treatment. Get support and information in handling insurance claims for AVONEX, including Medicare at Paying for Your AVONEX.

Overcoming treatment challenges

At one point or another you may face a treatment challenge and be tempted to stop taking your AVONEX injections. It's important during these times that you remember that you are not alone and that we are here to help you. Below we have included answers to some common questions from people taking AVONEX.

"I haven't had a flare-up, so I want to go off the medication."

You may be feeling better, but MS can still be active. Until there is a cure, healthcare providers generally recommend continuing your MS treatment to help prevent flare-ups (relapses) and slow the progression of the physical disability.

"I had a flare-up. Is AVONEX still working?"

Unfortunately there is not an MS therapy out there that can completely stop flare-ups. Having a flare-up or symptoms does not necessarily mean AVONEX stopped working. AVONEX slows down the progression of physical disability and reduces your frequency of flare-ups, but does not relieve symptoms.

"I'm experiencing side effects, how long will they last?"

All medicines have possible side effects. If you are having side effects from AVONEX, talk with your healthcare provider about how to manage your common side effects. Many people find that the most common side effects from AVONEX go away with time. There are tips available for managing common AVONEX side effects.

"I just don't see or feel the benefits of this treatment."

While you may not notice the day-to-day effects, AVONEX is hard at work. AVONEX fights the silent progression of disability, working to prevent the underlying nerve damage caused by MS.

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