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Avonex anyone??

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    Avonex anyone??

    Hello there, I'm looking into medications. 0 my doctor wants me to go on Tysabri, but it just makes me way to nervous. I have been off of meds for a while now and I have only ever tried copaxone. So after reading a lot about my choices I am thinking about starting Avonex. Can anyone tell me about their experiences and if it helped them. I know everyone's different, but sometimes it's nice to know what to expect.

    Thanks ahead
    hope everyone is doing well today

    #2
    I am only on shot #3 of Avonex myself, so I don't know the long term effects and am in no way an expert on the drug yet. But there are a couple people here that have really seem to like Avonex.

    My MS Specialist said she wanted me on the new pill or Avonex. The new pill made me nervous so I chose the interferon and I was happy with the one shot a week thing.

    First shot gave me the flu-like symptoms for like 3-hours, had a headache and then I felt like I had a hangover. After getting some advice from fellow members here, I was much more prepared for shot #2. Well hydrated, high-protein diet, and pre-medicated. So with shot two, I only had slight aches and pains for about 1-hour and then was a little tired the next day. I think it takes some adjustments as to what you need to do, especially when it comes to what pre-med to take Aleve, Advil, or Tylenol.

    The big issue with me was the needle. But my doc ordered the smaller needles for me, gave me a prescription cream called EMLA and I do not feel the shot. Seriously...no pain whatsoever. However some people are allergic to EMLA. One of these days I am going to try the ice and see if that is as effective as they say.

    Good luck with your decision and hopefully some of the long-term Avonex users will share their experiences with you. I did an earlier post, because I did not like the experience with the first shot and receive lots of encouragement and shot two went much better. Shot three is tomorrow.

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      #3
      Avonex has worked for me


      Avonex has worked very well for me. I have remained stable with no attacks after all the years on it. Only had some drug reactions early mainly fatique as I remember it. I no longer have any reactions. I do take the powdered form as I did experience some reactions to the prefilled when I once tried it.
      Some don't liked the long needle every week. I once was apprehensive, but that apprehension has dwindled. Now I look at it as little more than a minor inconvenience.
      Been taking Avonex since June 96
      For me Interferon therapy is essential in slowing MS down.
      Will continue with the weekly injections and take my disease one day at a time...

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        #4
        My neuro recommended Beta or Rebif, but I knew that I could stick with Avonex long term for a few reasons. Weekly shot, no site reactions, less probability of developing neutralizing antibodies. The large needle seems to cause alot of anxiety, but I have to say that if you let the alcohol dry and have a relaxed muscle, it is tolerable. I get a seperate prescription for 1", 25 guage needles that are way less intimidating.

        I've injected for 8 years, all in my thighs, no problems.
        I am very sensitive to side effects and it was tough to get used to. Using Aleve and prednisone worked for me, plus staying well hydrated.

        Avonex does not relieve symptoms, it will hopefully prevent frequent flares, and that can slow progression.
        I have no more mobility disability now than when I started, but that is me, very lucky.

        Good luck with your decision, you can always try a med and change if it doesn't work out. Looking forward to more alternatives in the near future!

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          #5
          I did Beta for 5 yeas, the site reactions were what finally made me stop in August. I have now switched to Avonex. I was worried about the intra-muscular, but it actually hurts LESS than the Beta did. I have to admit it feels like I am cheating now, 1 shot a week as opposed to every other day. I really like that also! lol

          Debbie

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            #6
            Thank you

            Thank you sooo much for all of your posts. That really makes me feel better about going on it. I really dont want to take the pill or tysabri. So I will talk to my doctor about this. I am nervous about the needle but if this doesnt cause site reactions I will deal with the needle. I was going nuts with copaxone. Thanks again everyone.

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              #7
              I have been on Avonex since March and really have not had any problems. I have always premedicated and for some reason both my legs feel a bit achey the next day but no more than that.
              I changed about 2 months ago to the new Avonex pen, which is absolutely brilliant. Tiny needle, that you don't even see when injecting, and a pushbutton auto inject. If you can get hold of that formulation it is really brilliant.
              The once weekly formulation is what sold Avonex to me in the first place. I still work, so I take it on a Friday. I imagined that if I had side effects then I would not have a problem that way.
              Good Luck!

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