avonex effectiveness

Hi, I was wondering if anyone who has taken both Avonex and Rebif could give some input here. I have been taking Rebif since this past June, but have started to wonder about how Avonex would compare side-effect-wise. As they are both interferons, I would think they would be similar, but I'm not certain. The idea of once a week sounds nice in comparion though, so I would like some actual first-hand knowledge. Thanks!

If avonex doesn't thrill you, then tell your doctor you want to discuss other treatments. The studies show that the DMD's are all pretty much the same in effectiveness rate. It is their delivery method that is so radically different. Don't worry about questioning your doctors - that is important that you are a key part of all these discussions.

I have been on Avonex for 17 weeks now but I am still experencing new symptoms. Especially in the past month. My doctor had me cut my Avonex back to 1/2 about a month ago because of the side effects. I THOUGHT I had been taking half dose but found out from the pharmacist that I have actually been taking 3/4 dose. That was my fault for not understand where the half way mark is at. But at least my side effects are becoming less even on the 3/4 dose.

ve kicked around the CRABs here, a lot. Copaxone, Rebif, Avonex, and Betaseron are the primary four. Your doctor didn't offer Tysabri as your fifth, did he? I like the Decision Maker tool in the uk that walks you through the drugs and helps you figure what is important for you. You can access this at http://www.msdecisions.org.uk welcome to the world of drugs aand bills. I'm glad to hear you are getting treatment for your CIS. Congrats on that one.

And told to choose one. I had finally made my mind up to try Avonex. I liked the idea of only having to inject once a week. Then on Tuesday i seen a new Neuro and he said he would like to see me on something stronger. Possibly Rebif ? Now i don't see him again til May. Kind of worried i should be on something already. The sooner i start the better right ??

ve noticed that most people are concerned about the side effects (which I am as well) however, what about the effectiveness. Has anyone noticed if any of these medicines are slowing the progression of these lesions? When diagnosed last week I had 24 lesions. I'm praying to stop the progression.

Ok - No, Avonex and Copax are not comparable in terms of type or dosing. They have comparable effectiveness. Avonex, Betaseron, and Rebif are interferons and Copax is a peptide, so they work through the body buy by completely different mechanism. I like the the thinking of your Doc with waiting more time to evaluate efficacy w/Avonex. The addition of the solumed may help to simmer down that active inflammation too.

My sister started Tysabri about 2 months ago, and she had some tingling in her foot (the foot that has foot drop). I've heard really good things about this drug--things like 60% effectiveness rate (compared to the 30% rate of the ABC drugs). She's complained, so far, of having a headache on the day of her infusion and then it goes away. I've not heard any other complaints. She's wanting me to go on it, but I was just diagnosed and haven't given Copaxone a fair shake.

So I have until mid-October to make a decision on which DMD to start and would like some views on your experiences with the drugs. The Neuro is not keen on Avonex (and to tell the truth, I am not keen on the idea of injecting into muscle) but I think I will be fine with the other three - Copaxone, Rebif and Betaseron (called Betaferon here in OZ). Looking forward to seeing your opinions.

Hi and welcome to our little corner of the web. If you haven't done so already, I highly recommend you have a read of our health pages, you'll find them at the top right of your screen, the yellow icon. They cover a wide range of MS information and well worth the time they take to read.

ve not seen the results of these studies (from MSAA site) *************************** Spring 2008 Research Update May 19, 2008 A one-year study in Germany found that 1157 patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) who began and continued on Avonex® for one year, benefited from nursing support. They also experienced a modest improvement in quality of life during this treatment period, as measured through the EuroQol questionnaire (EQ-5D).

Hi, I was recently diagnosed with MS and had my first Avonex injection Friday. Friday night was tough (fever, chills, pain and eventually heavy sweating) but I felt pretty good by Saturday morning. Saturday afternoon I started feeling kind of down and by Sunday morning I feel even more so. I can't decide if this is a result of the drug or just the situation as a whole.

Sigh, I have a question from a friend. She would like to know if avonex causes calcium deficiency? She is diagnosed with ms. Not like me.

Is anyone on avonex? My dr. wants to switch me to avonex, but with having lupus, I really don't want to go on an interferon. I'm on copaxone, now but because I have large welts on my arms he wants to switch me. I don't want to switch. Do I have the right to deny a new medication I feel would be detrimental to me?

Flu-like symptoms are a fairly common side effect during the initial weeks of Avonex treatment. It is recommended that you take your Avonex injection before bedtime. Immediately before your injection, and for the 24 hours that follow the injection, patients have found that use of over the counter pain and fever reducing medications can help with this common side effect." You could also get on the Avonex website for further info. good luck. hope that you feel better soon.

I have been on copaxone for little over a year its not working for me so my neuro has asked me to try avonex. My avonex nurse is coming this evening but I am wondering how long you actually gave it to get the symptoms of the shot to calm down. I am crossing everything to hope I dont get the flu symptoms so bad but we will see. I have a husband that works away and 3 small kids to care for, I dont want to be in bed all weekend when its the only time we get to spend as a family.

Hi guys, has anyone not heard from the AVONEX people once they were put on it.??? I have heard from heath nurses, and today, got my WELCOME package, but still no product. I don't know what is going on, and of course the lady or the rep from Avonex is away on holidays till the 2nd. of Dec..... so, I guess we will do it next week ... Just to let you guys know, they stopped my antiobiotic IV today, and said that it was an MS attack. Wherever there are nerves, MS can strike.

Hi Candy, When I was on the Avonex I had terrible itchy skin. I would start scratching and I would well up from the scratching. I also found that it dried out my skin as well. I use pure coconut oil right out of the shower then gold bond lotion right over the top of the oil. It seems to be helping tremendously. The oil soaks in quickly and the lotions seems to seal in the moisture. I hope this helps. Sorry you have this to deal with on top of everything else.

Most people start off with the CRAB drugs (Copaxone, Rebif, Avonex and Betaseron). They all require injections and have roughly the same effectiveness rate for slowing disease progression. The oral drugs are newer and do have riskier side effects as you have found out. Because they are newer their effectiveness and consequences over the longterm are not known.

//www.themcfox.com/multiple-sclerosis/ms-drugs/avonex/avonex-blood-counts.htm updated 2004, it might be worth finding out if your having a negative reaction and need to change DMD.

I've been on Avonex for 2.5 years and it's suited me well but I have just had a 4 week break. I then took my injection on Tuesday night and was strangely fine on Wednesday and Thursday but on Friday, Saturday and today I have lost about 50% of my strength from my left arm and leg. Is this likely to be a side effect from restarting the Avonex (muscle weakness) or a relapse?

Avonex effectiveness

Common Questions and Answers about Avonex effectiveness

avonex