AVONEX is indicated for the treatment of
- Patients diagnosed with relapsing multiple sclerosis (MS). In clinical trials, this was characterised by two
or more acute exacerbations (relapses) in the previous three-years without evidence of continuous
progression between relapses; AVONEX slows the progression of disability and decreases the frequency
of relapses.
- Patients with a single demyelinating event with an active inflammatory process, if it is severe enough to
warrant treatment with intravenous corticosteroids, if alternative diagnoses have been excluded, and if
they are determined to be at high risk of developing clinically definite multiple sclerosis (see section 5.1).
AVONEX should be discontinued in patients who develop progressive MS.

Treatment should be initiated under supervision of a physician experienced in the treatment of the disease.
Posology
Adults: The recommended dosage for the treatment of relapsing MS is 30 micrograms (0.5 ml solution),
administered by intramuscular (IM) injection once a week (see section 6.6). No additional benefit has been
shown by administering a higher dose (60 micrograms) once a week.

Titration: To help patients reduce the incidence and severity of flu-like symptoms (see section 4.8), titration
can be performed at the initiation of treatment. Titration using the pre-filled syringe can be achieved by
initiating therapy on ¼ dose increments per week reaching the full dose (30 micrograms/week) by the fourth
week.
An alternative titration schedule can be achieved by initiating therapy on approximately a ½ dose of
AVONEX once a week before increasing to the full dose. In order to obtain adequate efficacy, a dose of 30
micrograms once a week should be reached and maintained after the initial titration period.
Once a full dose is achieved patients may begin using AVONEX PEN.
Prior to injection and for an additional 24 hours after each injection, an antipyretic analgesic is advised to
decrease flu-like symptoms associated with AVONEX administration. These symptoms are usually present
during the first few months of treatment.
Paediatric population: The safety and efficacy of AVONEX in adolescents aged 12 to 16 years have not yet
been established. Currently available data are described in section 4.8 and 5.1 but no recommendation on a
posology can be made.
The safety and efficacy of AVONEX in children below 12 years of age have not yet been established. No data
are available.
Elderly: Clinical studies did not include a sufficient number of patients aged 65 and over to determine
whether they respond differently than younger patients. However, based on the mode of clearance of the
active substance there are no theoretical reasons for any requirement for dose adjustments in the elderly.

Method of administration
At the present time, it is not known for how long patients should be treated. Patients should be clinically
evaluated after two years of treatment and longer-term treatment should be decided on an individual basis by
the treating physician. Treatment should be discontinued if the patient develops chronic progressive MS.
AVONEX PEN is a pre-filled pen, intended for single use, and should only be used following adequate
training.
The recommended intramuscular injection site using the AVONEX PEN is the upper, outer thigh muscle. The
injection site should be varied each week.
For administration of AVONEX via the AVONEX PEN, the instructions in the package leaflet should be
followed.

Traceability

In order to improve the traceability of biological medicinal products, the name and the batch number
of the administered product should be clearly recorded.
AVONEX should be administered with caution to patients with previous or current depressive disorders, in
particular to those with antecedents of suicidal ideation (see section 4.3). Depression and suicidal ideation are
known to occur in increased frequency in the multiple sclerosis population and in association with interferon
use. Patients should be advised to immediately report any symptoms of depression and/or suicidal ideation to
their prescribing physician.
Patients exhibiting depression should be monitored closely during therapy and treated appropriately.
Cessation of therapy with AVONEX should be considered (see also sections 4.3 and 4.8).
AVONEX should be administered with caution to patients with a history of seizures, to those receiving
treatment with anti-epileptics, particularly if their epilepsy is not adequately controlled with anti-epileptics
(see sections 4.5 and 4.8).
Caution should be used and close monitoring considered when administering AVONEX to patients with
severe renal and hepatic failure and to patients with severe myelosuppression.

Thrombotic microangiopathy (TMA): Cases of thrombotic microangiopathy, manifested as thrombotic
thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) or haemolytic uraemic syndrome (HUS), including fatal cases, have been
reported with interferon beta products. Events were reported at various time points during treatment and may
occur several weeks to several years after starting treatment with interferon beta. Early clinical features
include thrombocytopenia, new onset hypertension, fever, central nervous system symptoms (e.g. confusion,
paresis) and impaired renal function. Laboratory findings suggestive of TMA include decreased platelet
counts, increased serum lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) due to haemolysis and schistocytes (erythrocyte
fragmentation) on a blood film. Therefore, if clinical features of TMA are observed, further testing of blood
platelet levels, serum LDH, blood films and renal function is recommended. If TMA is diagnosed, prompt
treatment is required (considering plasma exchange) and immediate discontinuation of AVONEX is
recommended.
Nephrotic Syndrome: Cases of nephrotic syndrome with different underlying nephropathies including
collapsing focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS), minimal change disease (MCD),
membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis (MPGN) and membranous glomerulopathy (MGN) have been
reported during treatment with interferon-beta products. Events were reported at various time points during
treatment and may occur after several years of treatment with interferon beta. Periodic monitoring of early
signs or symptoms, e.g. oedema, proteinuria and impaired renal function is recommended, especially in
patients at higher risk of renal disease. Prompt treatment of nephrotic syndrome is required and
discontinuation of treatment with AVONEX should be considered.

Hepatic injury including elevated serum hepatic enzyme levels, hepatitis, autoimmune hepatitis and hepatic
failure has been reported with interferon beta in post-marketing (see section 4.8). In some cases, these
reactions have occurred in the presence of other medicinal products that have been associated with hepatic
injury. The potential of additive effects from multiple medicinal products or other hepatotoxic agents (e.g.
alcohol) has not been determined. Patients should be monitored for signs of hepatic injury and caution
exercised when interferons are used concomitantly with other medicinal products associated with hepatic
injury.
Patients with cardiac disease, such as angina, congestive heart failure or arrhythmia, should be closely
monitored for worsening of their clinical condition during treatment with AVONEX. Flu-like symptoms
associated with AVONEX therapy may prove stressful to patients with underlying cardiac conditions.

Laboratory abnormalities are associated with the use of interferons. Therefore, in addition to those laboratory
tests normally required for monitoring patients with MS, complete and differential white blood cell counts,
platelet counts, and blood chemistry, including liver function tests, are recommended during AVONEX
therapy. Patients with myelosuppression may require more intensive monitoring of complete blood cell
counts, with differential and platelet counts.
Patients may develop antibodies to AVONEX. The antibodies of some of those patients reduce the activity of
interferon beta-1a in vitro (neutralising antibodies). Neutralising antibodies are associated with a reduction in
the in vivo biological effects of AVONEX and may potentially be associated with a reduction of clinical
efficacy. It is estimated that the plateau for the incidence of neutralising antibody formation is reached after
12 months of treatment. Recent clinical studies with patients treated up to three years with AVONEX suggest
that approximately 5% to 8% develop neutralising antibodies.
The use of various assays to detect serum antibodies to interferons limits the ability to compare antigenicity
among different products.
In post marketing experience, decreased peripheral blood counts in all cell lines, including very rare
pancytopenia and profound thrombocytopenia have been reported.

No formal interaction studies have been performed in humans.
The interaction of AVONEX with corticosteroids or adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) has not been
studied systematically. The clinical studies indicate that MS patients can receive AVONEX and
corticosteroids or ACTH during relapses.
Interferons have been reported to reduce the activity of hepatic cytochrome P450-dependent enzymes in
humans and animals. The effect of high-dose AVONEX administration on P450-dependent metabolism in
monkeys was evaluated and no changes in liver metabolising capabilities were observed. Caution should be
exercised when AVONEX is administered in combination with medicinal products that have a narrow
therapeutic index and are largely dependent on the hepatic cytochrome P450 system for clearance, e.g. some
classes of antiepileptics and antidepressants.

Pregnancy
Pregnancy Category C.
A large amount of data (more than 1000 pregnancy outcomes) from registries and post-marketing experience
indicates no increased risk of major congenital anomalies after pre-conception exposure to interferon beta or
such exposure during the first trimester of pregnancy. However, the duration of exposure during the first
trimester is uncertain, because data were collected when interferon beta use was contraindicated during
pregnancy, and treatment likely interrupted when pregnancy was detected and/or confirmed. Experience with
exposure during the second and third trimester is very limited.
Based on animal data (see section 5.3), there is a possibly increased risk for spontaneous abortion. The risk of
spontaneous abortions in pregnant women exposed to interferon beta cannot adequately be evaluated based on
the currently available data, but the data do not suggest an increased risk so far.

If clinically needed, the use of Avonex may be considered during pregnancy.

Breast-feeding
Limited information available on the transfer of interferon beta-1a into breast milk, together with the chemical
/ physiological characteristics of interferon beta, suggests that levels of interferon beta-1a excreted in human
milk are negligible. No harmful effects on the breastfed newborn/infant are anticipated.
Avonex can be used during breast-feeding.
Fertility
Fertility and developmental studies in rhesus monkeys have been carried out with a related form of interferon
beta-1a. At very high doses, anovulatory and abortifacient effects in test animals were observed (see section
5.3).
No information is available on the effects of interferon beta-1a on male fertility.

No studies on the effects of AVONEX on the ability to drive and use machines have been performed. Central
nervous system-related adverse reactions may have a minor influence on the ability to drive and use machines
in susceptible patients (see section 4.8).

The highest incidence of adverse reactions associated with AVONEX therapy is related to flu-like symptoms.
The most commonly reported flu-like symptoms are myalgia, fever, chills, sweating, asthenia, headache and
nausea. Titrating AVONEX at the initiation of therapy has demonstrated a reduction in the severity and
incidence of flu-like symptoms. Flu-like symptoms tend to be most prominent at the initiation of therapy and
decrease in frequency with continued treatment.
Transient neurological symptoms that may mimic MS exacerbations may occur following injections.
Transient episodes of hypertonia and/or severe muscular weakness that prevent voluntary movements may
occur at any time during treatment. These episodes are of limited duration, temporally related to the injections
and may recur after subsequent injections. In some cases, these symptoms are associated with flu-like
symptoms.
The frequencies of adverse reactions are expressed in patient-years, according to the following categories:
Very common (≥1/10 patient-years);
Common (≥1/100 to <1/10 patient-years);
Uncommon (≥1/1, 000 to <1/100 patient-years);
Rare (≥1/10, 000 to <1/1,000 patient-years);
Very rare (<1/10,000 patient-years);
Not known (cannot be estimated from the available data).

Patient-time is the sum of individual units of time that the patient in the study has been exposed to AVONEX
before experiencing the adverse reaction. For example, 100 person-years could be observed in 100 patients
who were on treatment for one year or in 200 patients who were on treatment for half a year.
Adverse reactions identified from studies (clinical trials and observational studies, with a period of follow-up
ranging from two years to six years) and other adverse reactions identified through spontaneous reporting
from the market, with unknown frequency, are provided in the table below.
Within each frequency grouping, undesirable effects are presented in order of decreasing seriousness.

* Class label for interferon beta products (see section 4.4).

^┼ Class label for interferon products, see below Pulmonary arterial hypertension.

¹ Injection site reactions including pain, inflammation and very rare cases of abscess or cellulitis that may require surgical intervention have been reported.

² The frequency of occurrence is higher at the beginning of treatment.

³ A syncope episode may occur after AVONEX injection, it is normally a single episode that usually appears at the beginning of the treatment and does not recur with subsequent injections.

Pulmonary arterial hypertension
Cases of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) have been reported with interferon beta products. Events
were reported at various time points including up to several years after starting treatment with interferon beta.

Paediatric population
Limited published data suggest that the safety profile in adolescents from 12 to 16 years of age receiving AVONEX 30 micrograms IM once per week is similar to that seen in adults.

Reporting of suspected adverse reactions
Reporting suspected adverse reactions after authorisation of the medicinal product is important. It allows continued monitoring of the benefit/risk balance of the medicinal product. Healthcare professionals are asked to report any suspected adverse reactions via the national reporting system.

To report any side effect (s):
• Saudi Arabia National Pharmacovigilance Centre (NPC)
- Fax: +966-11-205-7662
- Call NPC at +966-11-2038222, Exts: 2317-2356-2340.
- SFDA Call Center: 19999
- E-mail: npc.drug@sfda.gov.sa
- Website: https://ade.sfda.gov.sa

No case of overdose has been reported. However, in case of overdose, patients should be hospitalised for
observation and appropriate supportive treatment given.

Pharmacotherapeutic Group: Interferons, ATC code: L03 AB07.
Interferons are a family of naturally occurring proteins that are produced by eukaryotic cells in response to
viral infection and other biological inducers. Interferons are cytokines that mediate antiviral, antiproliferative,
and immunomodulatory activities. Three major forms of interferons have been distinguished: alpha, beta, and
gamma. Interferons alpha and beta are classified as Type I interferons, and interferon gamma is a Type II
interferon. These interferons have overlapping but clearly distinguishable biological activities. They can also
differ with respect to their cellular sites of synthesis.
Interferon beta is produced by various cell types including fibroblasts and macrophages. Natural interferon
beta and AVONEX (interferon beta-1a) are glycosylated and have a single N-linked complex carbohydrate
moiety. Glycosylation of other proteins is known to affect their stability, activity, biodistribution, and half-life
in blood. However, the effects of interferon beta that are dependent on glycosylation are not fully defined.

Mechanism of action
AVONEX exerts its biological effects by binding to specific receptors on the surface of human cells. This
binding initiates a complex cascade of intracellular events that leads to the expression of numerous interferoninduced
gene products and markers. These include MHC Class I, Mx protein, 2’ / 5’-oligoadenylate
synthetase, 2-microglobulin, and neopterin. Some of these products have been measured in the serum and
cellular fractions of blood collected from patients treated with AVONEX. After a single intramuscular dose of
AVONEX, serum levels of these products remain elevated for at least four days and up to one week.
Whether the mechanism of action of AVONEX in MS is mediated by the same pathway as the biological
effects described above is not known because the pathophysiology of MS is not well established.

Clinical efficacy and safety
The effects of lyophilised AVONEX in the treatment of MS were demonstrated in a placebo-controlled study
of 301 patients (AVONEX n=158, placebo n=143) with relapsing MS characterised by at least 2
exacerbations in the previous 3 years or at least one exacerbation per year prior to entry when the duration of
the disease was less than 3 years. Patients with an EDSS of 1.0 to 3.5 at entry were included in the clinical
trial. Due to the design of the study, patients were followed for variable lengths of time. 150
AVONEX-treated patients completed one year on study and 85 completed two years on study. In the study,
the cumulative percentage of patients who developed disability progression (by Kaplan-Meier life table
analysis) by the end of two years was 35% for placebo-treated patients and 22% for AVONEX-treated
patients. Disability progression was measured as an increase in the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS)
of 1.0 point, sustained for at least six months. It was also shown that there was a one-third reduction in annual
relapse rate. This latter clinical effect was observed after more than one year of treatment.
A double-blind randomised dose comparison study of 802 relapsing MS patients (AVONEX 30 micrograms
n=402, AVONEX 60 micrograms n=400) has shown no statistically significant differences or trends between
the 30 micrograms and the 60 micrograms doses of AVONEX in clinical and general MRI parameters.
The effects of AVONEX in the treatment of MS were also demonstrated in a randomised double-blind study
performed with 383 patients (AVONEX n=193, placebo n=190) with a single demyelinating event associated
with at least two compatible brain MRI lesions. A reduction of the risk of experiencing a second event was
noted in the AVONEX treatment group. An effect on MRI parameters was also seen. The estimated risk of a
second event was 50% in three years and 39% in two years in the placebo group and 35% (three years) and
21% (two years) in the AVONEX group. In a post-hoc analysis, those patients with a baseline MRI with at
least one Gd-enhancing lesion and nine T2 lesions had a two-year risk of suffering a second event of 56% in
the placebo group and 21% in the AVONEX treatment group. However, the impact of early treatment with
AVONEX is unknown even in this high-risk subgroup as the study was mainly designed to assess the time to
the second event rather than the long-term evolution of the disease. Furthermore, for the time-being there is no
well established definition of a high risk patient although a more conservative approach is to accept at least
nine T2 hyperintense lesions on the initial scan and at least one new T2 or one new Gd-enhancing lesion on a
follow-up scan taken at least three months after the initial scan. In any case, treatment should only be
considered for patients classified at high risk.

Paediatric population
Limited data of the efficacy/safety of AVONEX 15 micrograms IM once per week (n=8) as compared to no
treatment (n=8) with follow up for 4 years showed results in line to those seen in adults, although the EDSS
scores increased in the treated group over the 4 year follow-up thus indicating disease progression.

No direct comparison with the dose currently recommended in adults is available.

The pharmacokinetic profile of AVONEX has been investigated indirectly with an assay that measures
interferon antiviral activity. This assay is limited in that it is sensitive for interferon but lacks specificity for
interferon beta. Alternative assay techniques are not sufficiently sensitive.
Following intramuscular administration of AVONEX, serum antiviral activity levels peak between 5 and 15
hours post-dose and decline with a half-life of approximately 10 hours. With appropriate adjustment for the
rate of absorption from the injection site, the calculated bioavailability is approximately 40%. The calculated
bioavailability is greater without such adjustments. Subcutaneous administration cannot be substituted for
intramuscular administration.

Carcinogenesis: No carcinogenicity data for interferon beta-1a are available in animals or humans.
Chronic Toxicity: In a 26-week repeated dose toxicity study in rhesus monkeys by intramuscular route once
per week, administered in combination with another immunomodulating agent, an anti CD40 ligand
monoclonal antibody, no immune response toward interferon beta-1a and no signs of toxicity were
demonstrated.
Local Tolerance: Intramuscular irritation has not been evaluated in animals following repeated administration
to the same injection site.
Mutagenesis: Limited but relevant mutagenesis tests have been carried out. The results have been negative.
Impairment of Fertility: Fertility and developmental studies in rhesus monkeys have been carried out with a
related form of interferon beta-1a. At very high doses, anovulatory and abortifacient effects in test animals
were observed. Similar reproductive dose-related effects have also been observed with other forms of alpha
and beta interferons. No teratogenic effects or effects on foetal development have been observed, but the
available information on the effects of Iinterferon beta-1a in the peri- and postnatal periods is limited.
No information is available on the effects of interferon beta-1a on male fertility.

Sodium acetate trihydrate,
Acetic acid, glacial,
Arginine hydrochloride,
Polysorbate 20,
Water for injections.

Not applicable.

Store in a refrigerator (2°C - 8°C).
DO NOT FREEZE.
The AVONEX PEN contains a pre-filled syringe of AVONEX and must be stored in the refrigerator.
Should refrigeration be unavailable, AVONEX PEN can be stored at room temperature (between 15°C and
30°C) for up to one week.
Store the AVONEX PEN in the inner carton in order to protect from light (see section 6.5).

A pre-filled syringe of AVONEX is contained within a single-use, disposable, spring-powered pen injector
called AVONEX PEN. The syringe inside the pen is a 1 ml pre-filled syringe made of glass (Type I) with a
tamper evident cap and plunger stopper (bromobutyl) containing 0.5 ml of solution.
Pack size: Each single-use AVONEX PEN is packed in an individual carton, with one injection needle and a
pen cover. AVONEX PEN is available in pack sizes of four or twelve.
Not all pack sizes may be marketed.

For single-use only: The solution for injection in a pre-filled syringe is contained within the AVONEX PEN.
Once removed from the refrigerator, the AVONEX PEN should be allowed to warm to room temperature
(15°C to 30°C) for about 30 minutes.
Do not use external heat sources such as hot water to warm AVONEX 30 micrograms solution for injection.
Each single-use, disposable, pre-filled pen contains a single dose of AVONEX. The solution for injection can
be observed through an oval medication display window on the AVONEX PEN. If the solution for injection
contains particulate matter or if it is any colour other than clear colourless, the pre-filled pen must not be used.
The injection needle is provided. The formulation does not contain a preservative.
Any unused medicinal product or waste material should be disposed of in accordance with local requirements.