Question 1

what's the difference between the ms drugs avonex (interferon beta 1a) and copaxone?

Accepted Answer

# OF INJECTIONS: Both Avonex and Copaxone are drugs of the 90's, and have helped numerous pts.  Copaxone is injected daily, does have injection rxtns, yet is considered safer for pregnancy.  Avonex is injected once weekly, but can cause flu rxtns, depression, thyroid and liver issues, and is not safe for pregnancy.  Both are modestly effective, but many newer agents have better outcomes (tysabri, gilenya, (fingolimod) etc).

Question 2

how are the ms drugs avonex (interferon beta 1a) and copaxone distinguished from each other?

Accepted Answer

Multiple: Avonex (interferon beta 1a) is an interferon, given into the muscle once weekly, and copaxone, injected under skin daily, is a polymer.  But why use needles, as we have 3 oral agents, and all are as potent or more potent than Avonex (interferon beta 1a) and copaxone.

Question 3

need info on interferon alfa-2b?

Accepted Answer

Google it: Since i don't know what specific information you need, it is difficult to answer in a concise manner given the limitation of our responses. Honestly i would "google it" as there are a lot of medical and non medical topics that might help you. If you have further specific questions, i would be happy to answer.

Question 4

what is interferon?

Accepted Answer

Immune booster: Interferons are proteins released from host cells in response to the presence of pathogens to stimulate the immune system to allow for the defense against pathogens or tumors. It has been manufactured by recombinant dna technology and has been used in the treatment of autoimmune diseases, infections and tumors.

Question 5

what is benefit of interferon?

Accepted Answer

See below: Interferon-beta1a, when used in the treatment of relapsing-remitting MS has been show to reduce the annualized relapse frequency, reduce disease progression and improve quality of life.

Question 6

what is interferon used to treat?

Accepted Answer

Interferon(s): Are used alone or in combination with other drugs to treat different diseases. Multiple sclerosis and hepatitis C are examples of such diseases

Question 7

what to avoid while using interferon?

Accepted Answer

Drugs: Clearly any thing that would cause furtehr damage to theliver-alcohol being the prime thing.  Nausea and vomiting are side effects so should limit any food that cuses this in you.

Question 8

what does high level of interferon mean?

Accepted Answer

Liver failure: Interferon acts on the liver.  If taking a normal dose and your level is high should check liver enzymes to see if the liver has failed.

Question 9

are interferon and peg-interferon different?

Accepted Answer

PEG interferone: Peg (pegylated) interferon is a long acting interferon, used to treat hepatitis b and c. Interferons are proteins released in the body in response to viral infections. Interferons are important for fighting viruses in the body, for regulating reproduction of cells, and for regulating the immune system.

Question 10

what food should i avoid while using interferon?

Accepted Answer

Food: I assume you are taking interferon for hepatitis c infection. There is really nothing special to avoid while using interferon. But make sure you are well hydrated, drink plenty of fluids. Try to avoid any spicy food, since it can cause upset stomach (interferon  can also cause upset stomach). Avoid alcohol completely.

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Doctor answers about:

Interferon medication

A member asked:

What's the difference between the ms drugs avonex (interferon beta 1a) and copaxone?

A member asked:

How are the ms drugs avonex (interferon beta 1a) and copaxone distinguished from each other?

A member asked:

Need info on interferon alfa-2b?

A member asked:

What is interferon?

A member asked:

What is benefit of interferon?

A member asked:

What is interferon used to treat?

A member asked:

What to avoid while using interferon?

A member asked:

What does high level of interferon mean?

A member asked:

Are interferon and peg-interferon different?

A member asked:

What food should i avoid while using interferon?

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