Avonex
Avonex is a medication prescribed to people with multiple sclerosis. While there is no cure for multiple sclerosis, Avonex can help relieve some symptoms. Avonex fights infections in the body and helps regulate the immune system. However, Avonex can also cause severe depression, anxiety, seizure disorder, liver disease and heart conditions.
Multiple sclerosis is a disease that is still being extensively researched. It is believed to be an autoimmune disease (a disease in which the body’s immune system attacks itself) that affects the central nervous system, including the brain, spinal cord and optic nerves.
People with multiple sclerosis will experience periods of flare-ups, when the disease gets worse, and periods of remission, when conditions do not progress. Although no one is sure why multiple sclerosis occurs, factors like genetics and environmental triggers like viruses, trauma and harmful toxins may contribute to the disease.
Avonex slows the development of physical disability and decreases the frequency of flare-ups. Avonex is a muscle injection given once a week, always on the same day. However, Avonex also has a number of serious side effects, including:
- seizure
- epilepsy
- liver disease
- depression
- anxiety
- heart conditions
- miscarriage or spontaneous abortions
- allergic reactions
- blood conditions like anemia
There have been cases in which people have committed suicide while taking Avonex. Talk to your doctor immediately if you become depressed, experience flu-like symptoms, fatigue, yellow or jaundiced skin, change in your weight, shortness of breath, chest pain or tightness and an irregular or increased heartbeat. Also, tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan on becoming pregnant.
Contact a personal injury attorney immediately if you are injured because of Avonex.
