avonex and side effects

If at that time I see a real change in my MRI despite being on Copaxone, I will swallow hard and ask to be put back on Avonex. The side-effects were worth me being stable in my course of MS for three years. I'll put up with that. Effectiveness is what I am looking for after all. I did NOT notice and "sadness" while on Avonex, although I am prone to depression. I was on an anti-depressant at the time I was on Avonex, so that may have prevented any depression or sadness.

Have you talked to your doctor about the depression? I looked it up and it can be a side effect of Avonex. It's not something I would wait and see about. I've dealt with depression before so I understand how horrible it can be. I currently take an antidepressant and wouldn't want to live without it.

Does anyone know of long-term side-effects of Avonex? I've had about 8 or 9 injections so far - was diagnosed a few mos. ago. I will see the (MS) dr. in 2 days, a 3 month follow-up visit. Does anyone know of any questions I should ask her? Thank you very much! I appreciate any feedback.

I am sorry you suffered the side effects. I was on Avonex for 15 years and found that if I started ibuprofen around 4:00 in the afternoon and took it every 4 hours or so, and took the shot around 8 pm on a Friday night, I felt okay by Saturday afternoon. I also put ibuprofen next to my bed in case the side effects woke me up during the night. I wish you all the best. Just remember HANG IN it will get easier.

the only reason being is its just 1 shot a week...i figure that the side effects from all are realativly the same....

This sort of thing is very individual, and reactions are all over the map. Some have no effects, and a relative few have bad ones that last 3 or 4 days. Here's hoping your side effects are light or non-existent.

Hi - I am starting on Avonex next week and of course am concerned about side effects but like the once a week part of the treatment. Those that are on Avonex how do you handle the side effects any tips you can give me?

I haven't heard about Avonex causing those side effects long term. It may be worth it to have your blood glucose checked. Having diabetes can cause this delay in healing. As always, your doctor knows best.

After being on Avonex for 1 1/2 years I have developed new side effects?? Red eyes with severe pain (in my eyes & behind my eyes) It started several months ago and now happens with each weekly injection. Has anyone here had to discontinue Avonex due to side effects?

re having a discussion on the MS forum about whether one can skip a dose of Avonex to avoid the major side effects during the holiday festivities. Some who take Avonex feel quite sick for a day or two. I'm lucky not to, but still this is a good question. Perhaps you could answer in terms of all 4 DMDs. Thank you.

I was wondering what I can do to minimise its side effects and also have any of you experienced digestive issues ? Like loose bowels ?

I started avonex in December. The side effects weren't nearly as bad as the mail order pharmacy made it sound. I must of gotten lucky :) After being on avonex for a few months the little flu like symptoms I did have went away. I was able to tell that sleep the night that you give the shop is VERY important! I also recommend lots of water if you don't already drink a lot.

I've had awful chills and aches and pains from Avonex, *unless* I medicate well. This for me means one or two Aleve at time of shot. What are you doing as a preventative?

Sorry to hear you're still experiencing some side effects from the Avonex. Hopefully, with the additional reduction in dosage you'll feel better soon. Like you, I am relatively new to Avonex (started Dec. 07) and am still experiencing new symptoms. I suppose its hard to know if its working or not since the symptoms could be worse. Granted, I'm starting to have difficulty walking which is surprising to me since I was just diagnosed in November.

If you would forget to take pills, for example, you need to be on an injectible. Consider the common side effects and which ones you can most readily live with. You may not even suffer the side effects, but you need to be prepared for them. I’m sorry you hadn’t had a response for 20 hours … ask questions anytime!

t affect your spirits, even though I think depression is listed as a side affect. I have been on Avonex for about a year and a half and have found that my right side reacts better when injected than my left. I also inject in the early evening, then take 2 tylenol and two naprox about an an hour later. Usually I wake up pretty free of the yucks next morning.

A colleague of mine has just started it about three weeks ago and has noticed NO side effects NONE, NADA. She was expecting a few chills or a fever or something, but has yet to be sick at all--so you can never tell sometimes, how a certain medicine will react with someone.

Not looking forward to the shot this afternoon.

I am confident that the head cold and congestion have nothing to do with the Avonex. Additionally, even at their worst, side effects have never stuck with me through the week. Because side effects for me were at their worst in the first few injections (titration was not offered to me in 2004), and that's generally what I've understood from others' experiences, it is reassuring to hear that you’re making it through these early injections OK.

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!

Avonex and side effects

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