Avonex Training

Multiple sclerosis, or MS, is a chronic disease characterized by lesions in the brain and spinal cord. Avonex is an FDA-approved MS treatment used to decrease the number of disease flare-ups and slow the occurrence of some of the physical disability that accompanies the disease. It acts as an injectable medication that properly trained patients can administer themselves.

Purpose

• Avonex training teaches patients or their caregivers how to properly prepare and inject the once-a-week medication. You can usually obtain instructions from the patient's healthcare provider. Biogen, the maker of Avonex, also has nurses available for in-home training at no cost to the patient. Information regarding such services appears at Avonex.com.

Benefits

• In addition to teaching proper injection technique, Avonex training helps patients avoid injection site reactions and provides patients with suggestions for reducing drug side effects. It helps reduce patient anxiety and contributes to feelings of independence and control. Training also eliminates the need for weekly visits to a healthcare professional for the purpose of receiving injections.

Recommendations

• According to U.S. News and World Report Health in conjunction with the Cleveland Clinic, patients should fully comprehend and be comfortable with injection techniques before attempting self-injection. Patients often benefit from having a family member or friend with them when they train and administer their first shot. Meeting with a therapist who specializes in cognitive-behavioral therapy may benefit patients experiencing self-injection anxiety.