To: Judy Phillips Re: Avonex Avonex is interferon Beta-1A. Below is from my next edition for interferon beta-1b which is another variant but similar. I just finished a project measuring Interferon alpha N-3 in a mom who received 30 million units daily for 5 days. No interferon above the normal background levels was found in human milk even after massive doses. Interferon: --------------------------------------------- Interferon Beta-1B is a glycoprotein with antiviral, antiproliferative, and immunomodulatory activity presently used for treatment of multiple sclerosis. Very little is known about the secretion of interferons in human milk, although some interferons are known to be secreted and may contribute to the antiviral properties of human milk. However, interferons are large in molecular weight, generally containing 165 amino acids, which would limit their transfer into human milk. Their oral absorption is controversial, but is believed to be minimal. However, interferons are relatively nontoxic unless extraordinarly large doses are administered parenterally. Interferons are sometimes used in infants and children to treat idiopathic thromboplastinemia (ITP) in huge doses. See Interferon Alpha. ------------------------------------------------- Regards Tom Hale, Ph.D. http://neonatal.ttuhsc.edu/lact/