avonex injections

Has anyone tried the avonex pen yet. I do the once weekly injections and am kind of excited about it! The needles are supposed to be shorter and less painful and I'm hoping instead of my husband having to give me the injections I will be able to do them myself. I called insurance today and they said would have to start whole authorization process over again but I think it might be worth it! anyone else hear anything good or bad??

I wrote earlier today to someone else, it might be trial and error until you find the right timing. We know Avonex has some flu-like symptoms for most people and you need to time your injections Most people also take it on the weekend so no to interfere with the work week but maybe you would rather feel good on the weekend to do other things and take the shot on a week day? It's lots to talk about with the Avonex nurse.

I am an MS patient and I have recently started taking Avonex, (I have had two injections so far) and I have been having problems sleeping.Does anyone know if Avonex causes insomnia, at all? I have read all the possible side effects Avonex may bring, but sleeplessness doesn't seem to be in the list.

Any suggestion for decreasing the pain in the leg from the Avonex shot. I am still experiencing pain in my left leg 4 days after the shot. I do not experience any flu like symptoms after the shot. I experience tightening in the chest for 10 minutes (48 hours after the shot). I also experience tightness in my lower back under my shoulder 24 - 48 hours after the shot.

So now I am asking for a 3rd opinion, I was told to stop the avonex shots and now i feel as bad as I did before the injections, when I was on the injections I felt great. What could this brain lesions be?

I don’t always follow my own advice, but over time my body has acclimated to the Avonex effects, so those things are not as important. Many Avonex users report milder side effects after the early injections, and that was the case with me. Unfortunately, the effects are too strong with a few patients, and they can’t continue. I hope you end up being one of those with even fewer side effects than I have. Ask questions anytime!

Hey all...Just wanted to throw this out there. I am on Avonex and started the Avonex pen about 2 months ago..I noticed my last shot I bruised up. I bruised one time before with syringe.. Is bruising sometimes common when injecting??? Should I worry? Darn it I thought I had this down pat.

i HAVE BEEN ON THE AVONEX FOR 8 MONTHS. 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.

I've been on Avonex (injections) for about 5 mos. It seems like since i've been on it, I have non-stop infections that seem resistant to antibiotics. The infections & resistance to the antibiotics are new to me. I was diagnosed 6 mos. ago (after only 1 1/2 yrs. of symptoms) & have a very mild case. I would very much appreciate any feedback or information. Thank you!

what MS shots copaxone, rebif, betaseron & avonex has the smallest percentage of blood fractions

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!

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.

Ohhhh Jibby, ((hugs)) Weird huh? I cannot express it adequately really how it feels. You know, though, I have to giggle because I read your post and was slightly jealous. ;) I did not get a little Avonex Support Kid or prescription. I got a slip that said "Avonex" and the nurse filled out the forms to have the Avonex nurse come out. I'm not crazy about the injections either. I know I can do it but... I don't want to.

I've been using an Avogrip to help inject Avonex for many years. For reasons I'm unable to explain, I sadly have lost mine and am looking to find a replacement. Biogen Idec has not been any help, and I recently discovered the groups like MSWorld disallow postings along these lines. It's just a little bit of plastic, and it helps me quite a lot! Seems more than silly that it would be so difficult! Thanks for your help!!!

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.

I have been on Avonex for the last 15 years and have finally reached my limit. I am taking a 6 week break from the Avonex and will be starting Copaxone at the end of April. I actually have two questions: 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'm just curious... Do Avonex injections hurt all that much? I do a subcutaneous Betaseron injection and I don't feel a thing, not even a pinch when I inject. I just wanted to keep an open mind about possibly switching DMDs but the thought of doing an intramuscular injection gives me the heebie jeebies.

m unable to do the arms or legs anymore due to bad reactions. Avonex is taken in the muscle, right? Is it mainly the thigh? Do you have problems with the pitting skin? My neuro told me I shouldn't inject into damaged skin. I am having a hard time finding a place to inject. I know the medicine spreads thru the fat and basically kills it straight across. I stress because even tho I have a few side effects, I am glad its not flu symptoms. Any ideas is greatly appreciated!

Avonex user here. I haven't posted in a while and I am sorry. I've been thinking of you all. My Avonex shots, coupled with the Extra S. Tylenol ( Dahh, what was I thinking) for headaches has kicked my AST & ALT's off the chart. So now I am on a 4 going on 5 week lay off of injections program. After 4 weeks off Avonex my AST/ALT's were still high. I will now wait one more week and one more blood test before I decide what to do.

Bump.

How many of you using Avonex, never injected yourself but had help from family members? Also, what is your opinion of the new pen?

Torikat, are you taking Avonex or Rebif? Avonex is injected into muscle and (I believe) only approved for self-injection using the thigh. Sidesteps, I do think you should (at a minimum) call the nurse who does your injection teaching. A review of technique and sites never hurts. With an exam and live review the nurse might be able to discover the reason you have had problems since starting to use the auto-injecting technique.

Avonex injections

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