I started out on Avonex and gave up on it after 9 months. The side effects were too debilitating for me (flu-like symptoms). I then switched to Copaxone and stayed on that for about three years. I then quit that because I didn’t like the indentations in my skin. Next on the list was Betaseron. I withstood the side effects for two years before I finally decided that the headaches and fatigue were too much to bear.
I DONT GIVE MYSELF THE INJECTIONS EACH WEEK, MY HUSBAND DOES BUT THEY ASSISTANCE PROGRAM AVONEX HAS IS GREAT. WE PAID 10 A MONTH AND WHEN HE CHANGED JOBS AND WE LOST INSURANCE I HAVE BEEN GETTING IT FOR FREE. I DO STILL GET ACHY, EMOTIONAL BUT FEEL LIKE I AM ADJUSTING TO THE MEDICATION. GOOD LUCK WITH YOUR CHOICE. HOPE THINGS GO WELL WITH YOUR INSURANCE.
1) Has anyone taken a break from their medication for that long (and if so, any consequences) and 2) Has anyone switched from Avonex to Copaxone, and if so, how did you do? I still after all these years lose a day on the weekend due to the side effects of the Avonex and am hoping that will not be the result with Copaxone.
Cathy,
I am not on Avonex, but my sister is and if you have been on it this long without many problems then in my opinion it is because the drug is working for you. I wouldn't stop it because I would be afraid of what would happen when I did but that is just me. My sister has been on Avonex for many years and hasn't had any problems with the MS since starting it and she attributes it to the Avonex.
It is a pesonal decision but I wouldn't stop it if it is working.
Hi fellow Washingtonian! I've been on Avonex for over 5 years and have never had a reaction like that! I mostly just have a headache or a little achey and that is only once in awhile. I would call my neuro pronto and/or biogen/idec, the makers of Avonex. I think they have someone on call to answer questions. Even the place where you get your Rx should have someone who can answer your question. Best wishes! I sure hope it clears up soon! That must be miserable!
Shortly after it came out, I tried Gilenya for 19 days, mainly because of my needlephobia. It seemed to adversely affect my heart, and so I went back to my previous tried-and-true Avonex therapy. But many people report good results; in fact, I still am a member (although only lurking) of the "Gilenya (Fingolimod) Users Support Group" on Facebook, perhaps what Califunny refers to, and I would heartily endorse you joining.
) and still have a safe and fulfilling sex life. Your best bet is to discuss this with your doctors and possibly and Infectious Disease Doctor. The doctors may recommend vaccinating your partner. They may also consider the risk of contracting HPV to be a low risk exposure and do nothing.
Most people with MS can be vaccinated with "non-live virus" vaccines. Gardasil is a VLP (Virus Like Partials) vaccine (so it is safe) protecting against infection by HPV types 16, 18, 6, and 11.
That said, I was only on it for less than a week and was taken off of it as it was causing a racing heart and night sweats etc and these weren't immediate post-injection reactions. This was a constant. I'm told it's really, really rare to get that type of reaction though so don't be put off! I'm hoping to be allowed to resume Copaxone once I've seen my neuro as I'm not suited to interferons. I hope your mum finds a dmd she's happy with. Keep us posted.
After at least of 5 weeks of worsening effects from Copaxone and 8 weeks total, it's all over between us. I truly tried. Almost went to counseling. Arbitration was an option, and so on.
The bottom line is that I had terrible allergic reactions that snowballed. I tried several kinds of antihistamines, plus Singulair, and a bunch of different creams. All I got were hives, bruises, welts, rashes and misery.
But he offered me AVONEX and after one year all symptoms were gone and he did stop my AVONEX therapy. From that moment till now I had some times some special feeling in my legs but from 6 months back I feel slight disability in my left leg. The thing is, my right side is totally normal but I have problem with my left side. BTW, I think, if I am right, the number of lesions in my mind was between 6 and 8. I don't remember exact number. Again thank you for your time.
I have used Avonex for years, and I consider it a “success” because my condition has not deteriorated and I haven’t had a relapse in years. But you will find Copaxone, Rebif, and Betaseron users that will tell you the same thing. On the other hand, others take those medications and still face significant disease progression and/or find the drug side effect intolerable.
Many users of newer oral drugs also find success, although those drugs have not yet stood the test of time.
I had forgotten that Plegridy even exists, so I looked it up for more info. Turns out it is made by Biogen Idec, who also make and market Avonex and Tysabri. It is a kind of interferon, and is administered via injection every two weeks. The doses are stepped up, with full levels reached after several weeks.
I will chime in my two cents too - I have been on Avonex since February and I too have had minimal side affects -- The ibuprofen or aleve and water are a must . Forget them and you will feel kind of icky - I personally get killer headaches if I forget! Used pre-filled syringes and the pain was minimal - The pen is a little more but still not bad Hopefully it is doing its job - will find out in October with follow-up MRI's!
Recommended
