Avonex Patient Counseling Information

How to inject AVONEX PEN: You should have had training in how to use your Avonex Pen.
These notes are reminders. If there's anything you're not sure about or you have a problem, check with your doctor or pharmacist.
Where to inject: Avonex is injected into a muscle, the best area is the upper, outer thigh muscle. Injection of Avonex into the buttocks is not recommended.
Use a different injection site each week. Alternate the left and right thighs. Keep a note of where you have injected each week. This means less risk of irritation to your skin and muscle.
Do not use any area of skin that is bruised, sore, or infected, or if there is an open wound.
Getting ready: 1) Take one Avonex Pen out of the refrigerator.
Check if the pack contains one Avonex Pen, one needle and one pen cover.
Do not shake Avonex Pen.
Check the expiry date on the Avonex Pen label. Do not use if it is out-of-date.
2) Leave Avonex Pen to warm up. Leave it at room temperature for half an hour. This makes the injection more comfortable than using straight from the refrigerator.
Tip: Do not use external heat sources such as hot water to warm Avonex Pen.
3) Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water and dry them.
4) Prepare alcohol wipes and sticking plasters (not supplied) if you need them.
5) Find a clean, hard surface to lay out the items needed for your injection.
Preparing Avonex Pen: 1) Remove the tamper-evident cap: Make sure the cap is intact and has not been opened. If it looks like it has been opened, do not use that Avonex Pen.
Hold Avonex Pen so that the cap is pointing up.
Bend the cap at a right angle until it snaps off.
Do not touch the exposed glass tip.
Tip: Place the pen down on the table before beginning step 2.
2) Fit the needle: Avonex Pen has been designed to function only with the supplied needle.
Peel off the foil from the base of the needle cover.
Attach the needle by pressing it onto the glass pen tip. Keep the pen upright.
Do not remove the needle cover.
Gently, turn the needle clockwise until it is firmly attached, otherwise the needle may leak. You may not get the full dose if it leaks.
Tip: The needle cover will come off automatically during step 3, as follows.
3) Extend the injector shield: Hold the body of the pen firmly with one hand. Point the needle cover away from you and anyone else.
Use your other hand, and with one quick motion pull up the injector shield (grooved area) over the needle until the needle is fully covered.
The plastic needle cover will "pop" off.
Tip: Do not press the blue activation button at the same time.
4) Check the injector shield is extended correctly: Check if the injector shield is fully extended. A small rectangular area will be visible next to the oval display window. This is the safety lock.
5) Check the liquid: Look through the oval display window. The liquid should be clear and colourless. If the solution is cloudy, coloured or contains any floating particles, do not use this pen. Air bubble(s) are normal.
Using Avonex Pen: 1) Clean the injection site: If you need to, use an alcohol wipe to clean the skin at the injection site you've chosen. Allow the skin to dry.
Tip: The best area is the upper, outer thigh.
2) Place Avonex Pen on the skin: Hold the body of the pen at a right angle to the injection site with one hand. Make sure the windows of the pen are visible.
Tip: Take care not to press the blue activation button too early.
Firmly press the body of the pen down onto the skin to release the safety lock.
Check the safety lock is released. The small rectangular window area will disappear. Avonex Pen is now ready to inject.
Tip: Continue to hold the pen firmly on the skin.
3) Give the injection: Press the blue activation button with your thumb to start the injection. You will hear a "click" indicating the injection process has begun. Do not lift the pen away from your skin.
Continue to hold the pen on your skin and count slowly for a full 10 seconds.
After 10 seconds pull the pen straight out to remove the needle from the injection site.
Apply pressure to the injection site for a few seconds. If there is any blood at the site, wipe it off.
4) Confirm injection delivery: Check the circular display window. The window will now appear yellow when the full dose has been delivered.
Do not re-use the Avonex Pen. It is for a single use only.
5) Disposal: Place the pen cover on a flat, hard surface.
Tip: Do not hold the pen cover. You may get a needle injury.
Insert needle directly into the pen cover.
Firmly press until you hear a "click" to seal the needle. You may need to use both hands. Once the pen is sealed there is no risk of injury.
Dispose of rubbish properly. Your doctor, nurse or pharmacist should provide you with instructions on how to dispose of your used Avonex Pen, for example into a sharps bin. Always follow your local guidelines.