Starting Betaseron soon...

[RachyRae104]

I have taken Rebif and Copaxone...now going to be starting Beta. Any tips anyone has or hows they feel on it. I am waiting on a call from the nurse to get started. I am a busy 23 year old! Is beta going to be simialar to the others? Not looking forward to "flu symptoms" again.

Rachel

[susieqj]

Initially you may have some flu-like symptoms, but in time, they do go away. I know they are no fun to deal with.

I've been on Betaseron for almost 5 years now. I haven't had flu-like symptoms for most of that time. I do get red spots/bruises at the injection sites, but they go away.

Good luck with it!

[zilphia01]

all preventable, usually

As far as the flu symptoms, I have been able to prevent them with premedicating with tylenol or ibuprofen.

I now (after 10 months on it) only take one tylenol, where before I took 2. I did try to go without one night, and don't think I will do that again for awhile. Chills and shaking so bad I thought I was having a seizure. With meds, nothing.

I also got bruising and redness, mostly in thighs, so stopped injecting there, and have stopped getting welts or reactions anywhere. I wonder it the thigh welt made my immune system hyper react, or something.

good luck. I know I am feeling better since I have been on it for the 7 months.

[Bob698]

You may get the "flu", you may not.
Since you've done injectables (interferons) before, a lot of this will be "old hat". Just be aware that you want to aim for fat- not muscle. Prep might be easier than your old meds, I can't really say since I've only used Beta.
The needle is probably thinner than you're used to.
BetaPlus is a really good resource, feel free to use them. Be sure you keep your shots documented. The only long-term "downside" I've experienced with Beta is the every-other-day dosing. If you deal with fog at all, it can become confusing which day is shot day.
Beta is also Rx'd based on a 28 day month. This isn't a big deal, just be aware when you'll need to re-order. I can usually wait to re-order until I have 4 kits left, my delivery is pretty good.

[metwo]

generic Betaseron?

Is there a generic Betaseron availbable in the United States or anywhere yet?

[Toomnyhats]

The best advice I can give you is: do what the Beta nurse tells you do, take her advice on the shots.

[Bob698]

Is there a generic Betaseron availbable in the United States or anywhere yet?

Kinda?
Search for threads about Extavia (from Norvartis).
Keep in mind we're talking about cloned material. I asked the docs at the VA about it, but nothing happened. The VA is one of the largest buyers of prescription meds in the US, so they might have had a contract or two in place on some meds.
Its supposed to be very similar to Beta (same limb of the family tree) but cheaper.

[Thomas Jackson]

HAVE ONLY BEEN ON BETA 7 MONTHS. I HAD NO FLU SYMTMONS. AIM FOR FAT IS GOOD ADVICE. I HAD SHAKY HANDS UNTIL I GOT ON GABAPENTIN. NOW SHOTS ARE PAIN FREE AND I DON'T BEND NEEDLES. HAVE SOMEONE ELSE GIVE YOU THE SHOTS ON BACK OF YOUR BODY UNLESS YOU HAVE MORE GRACE THAN ME.(EVERYONE DOES). REDNESS MY ONLY SIDE EFFECT.

[RoyaleMSer]

Hi RachyRae!

If you need someone to talk to about it or to just share experiences: Beta, MS, or whatever, feel free to email me! My addy is in my profile!