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        From:   Nice, Frank
        Sent:   Thursday, February 19, 1998 9:12 AM
        To:     [log in to unmask]
        Subject:        Avonex

        RE: Avonex
        Avonex is Interferon beta-1a.
        The manufacturer states "it is not known whether Interferon beta-1a is
excreted in human milk.  Because of the potential of serious adverse reactions
in nursing infants, a decision should be made to either discontinue nursing or
to discontinue Avonex.
        Now, with that out of the way, I refer you to a Lactnet posting by Tom
Hale on December 2, 1998 where he states that he assayed alpha interferon levels
in milk and found that a dose 30 million units resulted in none being
transferred into milk.  Iterferon is a rather large molecule and almost
instantly removed from the plasma by the liver, kidney, and other tissues.
        He stated, "Interferon use in breastfeeding moms should not be
problematic."
        Frank J. Nice, DPA, CPHP