CinnoVex (interferon beta-1a)
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What is it?
What is CinnoVex?
CinnoVex (interferon beta-1a) is made from human proteins. Interferons help the body fight viral infections.
Indications
What is CinnoVex used for?
CinnoVex is used to treat relapsing multiple sclerosis (MS). This medication will not cure MS, it will only decrease the frequency of relapse symptoms.
Contraindications
Who should not use CinnoVex?
You should not use CinnoVex if you are allergic to interferons or human albumin.
Important information
What should you know about taking CinnoVex?
Before using CinnoVex, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have liver disease, a thyroid disorder, epilepsy or other seizure disorder, heart disease, chest pain (angina), congestive heart failure, a heart rhythm disorder, or a history of depression or suicidal behavior.
CinnoVex may be harmful to an unborn baby, or may cause a miscarriage. Do not use CinnoVex if you are pregnant. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment.
Some patients using interferon medications have become very depressed or had thoughts of suicide. Stop using CinnoVex if you have symptoms of depression (sadness, crying, loss of interest in things you once liked) or if you have any thoughts of hurting yourself.
To make sure CinnoVex is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:
-liver disease;
-epilepsy or other seizure disorder;
-heart disease, chest pain (angina);
-a bleeding disorder or history of blood clots;
-a thyroid disorder; or
-a history of depression or suicidal behavior.
What other drugs could affect CinnoVex?
If you take other medicines, supplements and herbal products or herbs consult with your doctor or pharmacist.
How to use CinnoVex?
Use CinnoVex exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Follow all directions on your prescription label. Do not use this medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.
CinnoVex is injected into a muscle. It is usually given once weekly at bedtime, on the same day each week (such as every Monday). Follow your doctor’s instructions.
You may be shown how to use injections at home. Do not self-inject this medicine if you do not fully understand how to give the injection and properly dispose of used needles and syringes.
CinnoVex comes with patient instructions for safe and effective use. Follow these directions carefully. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.
Use a different place on your body each time you give the injection. Your care provider will show you the best places on your body to inject the medication. Do not inject into the same place two times in a row.
The powder form of CinnoVex must be mixed with a liquid (diluent) in the medicine vial. Gently swirl but do not shake the vial after mixing the medicine. The mixture should be clear or light yellow. Do not use the mixture if it has changed colors or has any particles in it. Mix a new dose or call your doctor for a new prescription.
Do not draw your dose into a syringe until you are ready to give yourself an injection.
Each prefilled syringe or single use vial (bottle) of this medicine is for one use only. Throw away after one use, even if there is still some medicine left after injecting your dose.
Use a disposable needle only once, then throw away in a puncture-proof container (ask your pharmacist where you can get one and how to dispose of it). Keep this container out of the reach of children and pets.
CinnoVex can lower blood cells that help your body fight infections and help your blood to clot. This can make it easier for you to bleed from an injury or get sick from being around others who are ill. Your blood may need to be tested often. Your liver or thyroid function may also need to be tested.
Is CinnoVex safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding?
CinnoVex may be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while using this medication.
It is not known whether interferon beta-1a passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
What happens if you miss a dose?
Call your doctor for instructions if you miss a dose of this medication.
What happens if you overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention.
Side Effects
What are some side effects of CinnoVex?
Get emergency medical help if you have any signs of an allergic reaction to CinnoVex®: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Call your doctor at once if you have:
fever, chills, body aches, chest pain, flu symptoms; pale skin, easy bruising, unusual bleeding (nose, mouth, vagina, or rectum), purple or red pinpoint spots under your skin; severe pain, swelling, bruising, redness, oozing, or skin changes where the injection was given; changes in your vision; seizure (convulsions); feeling hot or cold, unexplained weight changes; kidney problems – blood in your urine, swelling or rapid weight gain, little or no urination; signs of a serious blood cell disorder – confusion, feeling tired or irritable, stomach pain, bloody diarrhea, vomiting; liver problems – nausea, upper stomach pain, itching, tired feeling, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes); or severe skin reaction – fever, sore throat, swelling in your face or tongue, burning in your eyes, skin pain, followed by a red or purple skin rash that spreads (especially in the face or upper body) and causes blistering and peeling.
Common CinnoVex side effects may include:
-stomach pain;
-flu symptoms;
-headache, drowsiness;
-abnormal liver function tests; or
-minor irritation where the injection was given.
Storage
How to store CinnoVex
Store CinnoVex in a refrigerator. Do not freeze. You may take the CinnoVex prefilled syringe out of the refrigerator and allow it to reach room temperature before giving the injection. Do not heat the medicine before using.
CinnoVex may be kept at room temperature for short periods if protected from light. CinnoVex powder can be stored at room temperature for up to 30 days. CinnoVex prefilled syringes can be stored at room temperature for only 7 days.
After mixing CinnoVex powder with a diluent, store in the refrigerator and use it within 6 hours.
Throw away any CinnoVex that has become frozen or has been exposed to light or high heat.
