Interferon Beta-1a Dosing

There are different interferon beta-1a dosing guidelines, depending on which product you use. The recommended dose of Avonex is 30 mcg, injected into a muscle once weekly. For Rebif, the suggested dosage is 22 or 44 mcg, injected three times a week. Since flu-like symptoms may occur, you can try taking your interferon beta-1a dose with a pain reliever/fever reducer.

 

Interferon Beta-1a Dosing: An Introduction

The dose of interferon beta-1a (Avonex®, Rebif®) that your healthcare provider recommends will vary, depending on a number of factors, including:
 
  • Which interferon beta-1a product you take (Avonex or Rebif)
  • How you respond to interferon beta-1a
  • Other medical conditions you may have
  • Other medications you may be currently taking.
     
As always, do not adjust your dose unless your healthcare provider specifically instructs you to do so.
 

Avonex Dosing for Multiple Sclerosis

The recommended dose of Avonex for treating multiple sclerosis (MS) is 30 mcg, injected into a muscle once weekly. Because flu-like symptoms are common Avonex side effects, many healthcare providers recommend taking a non-prescription pain reliever/fever reducer on the days you inject Avonex. Tylenol® (acetaminophen) is often recommended for this use.
 

Rebif Dosing for Multiple Sclerosis

The recommended dose of Rebif for treating multiple sclerosis is 22 or 44 mcg, injected three times a week. Both doses are safe and effective. You will probably start at a lower dose and slowly work up to the full dose over a four-week period. Your healthcare provider will instruct you on how to increase your dose.
 
Your healthcare provider may recommend taking a non-prescription pain reliever, such as Tylenol (acetaminophen) before, at the same time, or after each Rebif injection. This can help prevent some of the flu-like symptoms (such as fever, chills, and muscle aches) that are common with Rebif.
 
(Interferon Beta-1a Dosing Continued: Page 2)
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;