Rebif vs Avonex? I need your help!

[momof4boys]

Good Morning~ I hoping for anyone to give their experience, adivise or thoughts on Rebif vs Anovex. I was sent home from the doctors yesterday with information on both and feel completely overwhelmed.
*I'm leaning towards Rebif because I don't want to have to give the shots intramuscularly.
* I'm so afraid of the flu- like symptoms side effects, are they really that bad?
* I read that Rebif is free for new patients for a year then a $50 co-pay monthly for as long as you are on the drug.. True?

I was just diagnosied January 11~I'm so glad I found this forum.

[jessiesmom]

My Rebif Experience

Hi Amy,

I have been on Rebif since I was diagnosed with RRMS 6 years ago. I have had no relapses/flares in that entire time. My last 2 MRIs have shown no new lesions. I would call that a success for the drug.

If you decide on Rebif you will need to contact MS Lifelines and speak to a reimbursement specialist. Their newest patient assistance program includes no cost for the 1st three months of the drug and then $50/month thereafter. To qualify is much easier than it used to be. I have always found them very easy to work with.

Once all the financials are worked out a nurse will come out to your home and give you injection training. Some people do it manually and others (myself included) use the Rebiject injection device they give you. The whole idea of giving yourself an injection is not exactly pleasant but I think of it as something I just have to do and really have no choice in the matter. The needle really is teeny tiny and the depth of the injection can be adjusted within certain parameters. I do my shots right before I go to bed.

Side effects: I have almost none. I take 2 Aleve or Tylenol about 30 min. before shot time. Occasionally I get "the chills" but they are gone in a couple of hours at the most. Sometimes I get a red spot or a bruise at the injection site but that too goes away. Beyond that - nothing. I realize that I have been very fortunate in that regard. The experiences of others on Rebif will differ.

If you have any more questions please post again. I will be happy to answer as will others I am sure.

Good luck and welcome to a club no one wanted to join.

IRENE

[TLC_31]

I understand how you feel overwhelmed. I didn’t have the luxury of an online forum when I was diagnosed eight years ago, so you’re already a step ahead by coming in and asking questions.

No matter which you choose, or if you choose another, it’s not a lifetime contract. Give one a few months, and if it’s intolerable, you can change.

I use Avonex, but I believe the side effects are similar for both drugs. For me, they were most severe, in the first few doses before my body acclimated to the drug. They have never been disabling. There are several steps you can take to mitigate those side effects, such as hydration, timing of injection, use of OTC medications, etc. Some people never acclimate and have to switch, but I believe they are the minority.

All of the drug companies have programs to reduce or eliminate costs to you, if you qualify.

Ask questions anytime!

My personal choice was, even though I love the idea of one shot per week, but I didn't want to do IM, so I went with Rebif, since it has the fewest shots out of all the rest. Its been working for me.

[jmfmwc]

I was given a choice between Rebif and Betaserone. I chose the Rebif because there were fewer injections and am doing fine so far. I'm only in my seventh week of shots though. The cost of Rebif can vary based on where you live - I live in Massachusetts and you can't receive prescriptions as part of a promotion here. My copay is only $30 a month and the folks at MSLifelines have been fantastic. Best of luck with your decision ~ you can always change it up if it's not working for you.

[momof4boys]

Thank you all for your Feedback

The information each of you passed on has been very insightful and helpful. I have a couple of days but have to say I'm anxious to get started.
@Irene~ I love the line "Welcome to the club no one wanted to join" it made be both smile and tear up.

[maximumlite]

I also do Rebif and the only side effect is a fever the next day and a couple of Aleve and I'm good to go. I lost my funding for Rebif and MS Lifelines just sent me papers for another program, so hopefully I will be back on Rebif soon, just always remember to premed, I have some friends on Rebif and they have no side effects at all, lucky dogs. Good luck on what you chose

[Ami]

AVONEX

I take avonex and decided that once a week would fit best into my life. I just started 1/2/12. I have self-injected from the beginning and have done it 4 times now! It was not that hard after the first time. Also, don't worry about it being intramuscular because you DO NOT feel it. Read the literatures on the difference between IM and subcutaneous because the nerves are only the surface so you do not feel the difference of it being deeper. Actually it helps significantly reduce site reactions with IM because the medication should not touch the skin. Avonex has the lowest occurrence of site reactions for that reason and I have not had any. The flu-like symptoms only last up to 48 hours and mine have only lasted up to 12 hours with only a few hours being bothersome. It is not fun but it is manageable. I hope that helps. YOU will make the right decision for the drug you think will work best for YOU. You can always switch, if needed. Please trust me that the injection is not that bad, though I know it seems like it will be. I just went through that first injection and I was crying until I actually did it. The idea of it is much worse than the actual experience. Mind over matter, just take deep breaths and it will be okay...relax.

[Rainey]

Avonex

Hi! I was dx'd in Oct 2010 and began Avonex in Dec 2010. The first injection was the worst as my husband and 2 nurses were "watching over me" and that was rough! The only side effects I have experienced has been a "hangover" the following morning but I have sleep issues so I take a tylenol p.m. when I inject at bedtime. I actually did my shot last night and feel great this morning! YAY!
Its a tough decision but we gotta do what we gotta do! I have not had any relapses or new lesions since my dx!

[lukeduke]

Between Copaxone, Rebif, Beraseron, and Avonex I chose Rebif. It is actually the same chemical as Avonex just given at a higher dose more often. I always take either an Aleve or two Advil before the shot. The side effects will wear off eventually, but I just keep on taking the medicine beforehand.
My Cousin is a nurse who worked in home health when I was DX'd and said I would do Avonex and I would be fine. I just can't see myself doing an IM injection.
But anyways, welcome to the club that nobody wants to join.

[dpmich]

When first diagnosed, I took betaseron. Was on it until last August, I was having bad reactions on my injection sites. Anyhow I switched to Avonex. It seems a terrifying choice, to do an inter muscular shot, but it is significantly less painful than the sub q's are. Due to the skin reactions i was getting i felt about my only choice was to go deeper with the meds.

I have felt like i'm cheating since starting Avonex, it's only once a week instead of every other day. I like that. Also they train you very well on how to do the shots. It was a 2 hour training/consultation and very thorough. I don't dread shot night anymore. I don't like doing them, just because i don't like shots. I think you always worry if this one is going to hurt. lol

I get a headache and muscle aches like i'm feverish. If I take Aleve then those are very insignificant. Good luck with your choice of dmds.

Debbie

[PurpleMN]

Hi Amy! I've been on Rebif since last August and am doing great with it. I will have another MRI on Feb. 17th so I'll know how I am doing in my brain--but my lab work for Liver and Thyroid function have been great so far.

I've had NO side effects from Rebif, other than having it make me very sleepy--like taking a sleeping pill-- so I inject just before bedtime. Sometimes the next day I may feel like I didn't quite 'sleep it all off' and will need a good nap in the afternoon.

[l0velee]

Momof4boys,

I was also recently diagnosed (jan 6) and was sent home with a bunch of info and told to choose a drug as well so I completely know how you feel! The difference between avonex and rebif is that avonex is a lower dose medication. There were studies done and rebif was proven to be a bit more effective than avonex. Avonex is still a great drug! You only have to take it once a week as opposed to 3x a week with the rebif. I started my meds on friday. I felt terrible but I think its because i had food poisoning also I wish you well! and since we are both newly diagnosed maybe it would be beneficial for us to chat some time!

xoxo
Lee