how long do your side effects last?

[michelelise]

I was on Rebif for 8 months with no major problems and easily managable side effects. Went off to get pregnant with my son, and went back on after he was born. The second time I was on it the side effects were much worse (flu symptoms) and got progressively worse, too. I finally went off it at the end of June and by then felt like I was living ibuprofen to ibuprofen because the flu-like symptoms were constant. I just started on Avonex hoping for a different experience, and admittedly I've only done 1 shot, but this is now over 48 hours past the shot and I'm still feeling flu-ish. It's weird because it will come and go, I felt fine today until about 2 in the afternoon, then started feeling lousy. Thoughts? Similar experiences? Suggestions?!

[CrazyCatLady]

I have only been dx'd since June so I dont have a lot of experience but here is my story.

Started on Avonex for 2 months. Every shot (once a week) made me sick for 2 days. I would be in bed with flu symptoms, achy, sore skin, slight fever, it was just bad.

I stopped the Avonex and started on Betaseron a month ago. So far not one symptom other then a slight headache after the 4th injection. They do a step up to your full dose so you get used to it. My neuro had me step up twice as fast as the average person but still no side effects.

I think it is great. I don't know why I am feeling better on the Betaseron, believe me I would rather do a shot once a week then every other day but maybe it is the every other day shot that is keeping me from flu symptoms?

[wriser]

avonex sucks. every sunday i feel like crap. no side effects but i feel drained. i see dr monday so hope i can do something differ.

i was on rebif before he wanted me to switch and now i wish i didnt. rebif was the shiznit compared to avonex. only thing good about it is cheaper.

[terbear]

Sorry all I have ever been on is Avonex and only had three injections...wish I could tell you more..yea it makes me sick..but I am hoping they will go away after a few months..i hope you get things sorted out!!

[michelelise]

Thanks guys, I actually started feeling better Saturday and have felt fine since. After living painkiller to painkiller on Rebif, I'll take 2 days a week of Motrin and make sure I stay hydrated. Here's hoping it gets better, not worse. For those of you just starting, I find that drinking water like mad tends to help--I'm peeing every 5 minutes but being extra hydrated makes the difference. I also worked out Saturday morning--wodering if maybe it helped move the meds through my system more quickly?