Question 1

What is Interferon Beta-1A used for?

Accepted Answer

Interferon Beta-1A is a Interferon beta medication tracked in Medicare Part D.

Question 2

Is there a generic for Interferon Beta-1A?

Accepted Answer

No. Interferon Beta-1A is brand-only with no generic equivalents currently in market.

Question 3

How much does my plan pay for Interferon Beta-1A?

Accepted Answer

Across 329 Part D plans, Interferon Beta-1A averages $6498.44/unit (NADAC). Lowest available: $1848.67/unit. Highest in distribution: $8827.29/unit.

Question 4

Is Interferon Beta-1A on the FDA shortage list?

Accepted Answer

No. Interferon Beta-1A is not currently on the FDA Drug Shortage Database.

Question 5

What drug class is Interferon Beta-1A in?

Accepted Answer

Interferon Beta-1A is in the Interferon beta class. See related drugs in this class at /class/interferon-beta.

Question 6

What is the brand name for Interferon Beta-1A?

Accepted Answer

Interferon Beta-1A is sold under brand names: AVONEX, Avonex Pen, REBIF, REBIF REBIDOSE.

Question 7

Is AVONEX the same as Interferon Beta-1A?

Accepted Answer

Yes. AVONEX is a brand name for Interferon Beta-1A. The generic version is identical in active ingredient, dose, and FDA-approved indications. Pricing differs substantially: generic Interferon Beta-1A typically prices well below brand AVONEX.

Question 8

How much does Medicare spend on Interferon Beta-1A per year?

Accepted Answer

Medicare Part D spent $468.4M on Interferon Beta-1A in CY2024, across 50K prescriptions and 8K unique beneficiaries.

Question 9

Why is there a spread between low and average NADAC for Interferon Beta-1A?

Accepted Answer

The 4× spread between lowest NADAC ($1848.67/unit on generic NDCs) and average NADAC ($6498.44/unit across all NDCs) reflects that brand-tier NDCs are still in distribution at higher prices. Most plans haven't migrated utilization toward the generic NDCs yet. For plans, this is the structural source of within-molecule savings opportunity.

Question 10

What can I switch to instead of Interferon Beta-1A?

Accepted Answer

Same-class alternatives include: Peginterferon Beta-1A. Whether substitution is clinically appropriate depends on patient indication, dose schedule, and contraindications — that is a P&T committee decision. The federal data shows cost and competition; clinical equivalence is not asserted here.

Question 11

When was Interferon Beta-1A first FDA approved?

Accepted Answer

Interferon Beta-1A received its first FDA approval on 2002-03-07.

Interferon Beta-1A (AVONEX)

$468.4M in CY2024 Part D spend50K claims · 8K beneficiaries · 329 plans surveyed

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