What should I do if I'm about to run out of Avonex and Copaxone?

  • Q: I inject both Avonex and Copaxone weekly/daily respectively. I have been separated from my supply of Avonex and Copaxone, and due to circumstances beyond my control I can't get back just yet. I may be running out of both and unable to obtain more for 4 to 6 months. Would you recommend finishing current doses or increasing days between injection to 10 to 21+ days to make it last longer? Also, if my supply is about to expire and I can inject, is it okay to take 1 to 3 months after expiration? Would you know the half-life of Avonex? How long does the drug linger, and will it be like starting over after 3 to 6 months?
  • A: Your question regards running out of your medications Avonex (interferon beta-1a) http://www.everydayhealth.com/drugs/avonex and Copaxone (glatiramer acetate). http://www.everydayhealth.com/drugs/copaxone. Unfortunately, this is a difficult situation and a difficult question to answer. It is not recommended to use these medications in any way except for their approved dosage. I would recommend getting your medication back in any way possible - shipping it, getting medication from a different pharmacy, etc. If you are going to be changing your dosage or stopping the medication, then you need to contact your health care provider and ask for a recommendation. I would not recommend using expired medication. If the cost of the medication is the issue, contact the drug companies to see if you would be eligible for patient assistance programs. The half-life of Avonex is 10 hours. The onset of action is 12 hours and the duration of action is 4 days. Jen Marsico, RPh
This question was answered on October 26, 2010.


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