avonex success

I have had MS for 10 years and I just stopped my AVONEX so I can try and get pregnant I know it sounds stupid but there is no studies on avonex and pregnancy so I just thought I would ask if any one else has been on some treatment or off to get pregnant? and how long were you off your meds ?

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.

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 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.

One drug over the other is not necessarily superior - it all has to do with what dosing schedule you prefer and how your body will react to a certain DMD. Avonex is a great one to try - I hope you have success with it. As for the steroids, I haven't noticed a difference in cognitive function while I am on the mega-doses for a relapse, just lots of energy and lack of sleep. It appears everyone reacts differently to the steroids and I imagine you are on a much lower dose for your Lupus.

Copaxone, 2 x ..... , Avonex ..., Aubagio .... ( sent me to the hospital) , Now I want to try Tysabri, I know there are a few people on here that are on this drug. Also, Gilenya, any reactions and side effects or success. I read about Gilenya, and the symptons are pretty much the same as the Aubagio. I am tryingto go into my neruo appt. with information, and a decision as to what I want to try. That seems how you have to do these things with my drs....

I was wondering if anyone new a website where I could go and see comparisons in the different MS drugs, Avonex, Copaxone, Rebif,and Betaseron. I am interested in the success, side effects and anything that would be beneficial in helping us to decide which drug to choose.

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 ??

The Cleveland Clinic Doctor Wants to start me on Avonex in the next couple of weeks and follow me here in Cleveland from now on. She feels that all of my problems are either MS or various meds that the doctors have given me in the past. No Sjogren's etc. ? Wow I was on Copaxone and it didn't work but am willing to try anything if it will stop this progression. 3 neuro's in the last 5 months with 3 different opinions. Rituxan, IVIG & now Avonex.

) Also, Avonex is only once a week. Biogen Idec, maker of Avonex, is also offering Plegridy, which sounds exactly like Avonex but maybe shallower shot, and I believe only once every 2 weeks. You might read up on this. My neuro is not big on Gilenya, because of possible cardio effects, though for me that could be age-related, as I'm now about 500 :-) I don't know much about Aubagio, and it isn't often discussed here.

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.

//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?

I asked my neuro about the success of the avonex pen and his comment was that with the auto-injector the med is injected ffaster so more bruising occurs. My thoughts were similar to a water hose.If you decrease the amount of flow at the end of the hose it comes out stronger. With the new smaller needle perhaps the same effect is happening. The same amount of fluid is being pushed through a smaller opening making more pressure. Personally, I would call Biogen to report it.

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?

DX on 2/14...started Avonex last week with nurse helping and did fine. This week I thought I did okay but noticed the plunger did not go completely down. It was the 1/2 dose. Since I am inclined to over analyze, trying not to panic. Figure I'll be taking more next week...but since you all seem like you know your stuff...thought I'd ask the experts. Thanks.

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!

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.

Common Questions and Answers about Avonex success

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