I'm sorry you feel so poorly. I haven't started any disease modfying drug yet, that will come in mid August. I've heard this about Avonex. The National MS Society website has some great info: www.nationalmssociety.org
Here is what is a small portion of what is said about Avonex side effects:
"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.
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.
… Time your injection perhaps 4-6 hours before you go to bed, so you can sleep through the worst period of side effects.
For me and many others, the side effects diminished over time. You’ll eventually forget doses of OTC meds, or you’ll do an injection at a different time, and you’ll realize it’s no big deal. I was pretty rigid about injecting Friday at 5 p.m.
You can expect to be a little sore at the injection site for a while, but since you only inject once a week, there is plenty of time to heal up, if you rotate your injection sites properly. I usually feel unwell (fever, sore muscles, fatigue) for the first day or two - It's actually getting better over time though. The Avonex nurse will give you lots of tips to help with proper rotation, as well as managing 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 have been on Avonex for almost 6 months. Just when I thought the side effects were getting better I feel awful again. I inject on Friday night and feel flu like for at least 24 hours again.
Thanks Quix for that tid bit. I am considering going off of it. I do seem very depressed like I just want to quit all of my meds my job my house chores etc. and throwing a big pity party for myself. The job is not an option cause we really need the $$$.
I have no complaints so far so good. When I go on the full dose I hope my side effects are mild...
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!
Not looking forward to the shot this afternoon.
I wondered why in the world Biogen would even make Plegridy, given that it has the same potential side effects as Avonex and other interferon meds---depression, flu-like symptoms and liver problems, basically. It seems the main differences are that it is a subcutaneous injection and thus not deep, and that it is used approximately half as often as Avonex. Will they drop Avonex?
So now I'm wondering if anyone here has used Plegridy, and if so, how things are working.
True, the worst effects may come before sleep time, but any side effects are more likely out of the way by work time at 6 a.m. Sunday. And by being awake, you can maintain the dosing of acetaminophen or whatever drug at two every however many hours, and you can keep drinking lots of water.
To Aroma_1, the official documentation says that you have to have injections 48 hours apart. I would recommend doing whatever you can to maintain a consistent schedule, especially early in treatment.
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