Avonex and Plegridy

Question:
Here is your answer to my question about comparing the sides effects of Avonex versus Plegridy: 

"This has positive and negative effects; on the positive side you can take the drug less often and with more consistent and prolonged biological effects. There also seems to be less neutralizing antibody formation; on the negative side, side effects tend to be more prolonged and sometimes delayed in onset. I have had patients report flu like side effects lasting up to 4 days after injection, which can be managed by prolonging the use of ibuprofen or acetaminophen. This problem decreases over time, much like the flu like side effects decrease over time with Avonex. Titration of the dose over the first 4 weeks is also helpful. In my experience the injection site reactions are a little more problematic. These are often delayed in onset, beginning a day after injection, and then can worsen over several days. This requires icing and steroid creams until this improves over time." 

My question is...Knowing this and having no problems with my intramuscular injections every week (AVONEX) would I be able to continue with Avonex instead of starting Plegridy or will Avonex not be available anymore? Thank you.

Answer:
There are no reports that Biogen plans to stop production of Avonex.  Avonex or a biosimilar drug should be available for a long time.

Revere (Rip) Kinkel MD
Director of the Multiple Sclerosis Program
Professor of Clinical Neurosciences
University of California San Diego