This was normal for injection site reactions. I would use soap and water in order for the injection not to sting, and would give the area a good rub w/a clean cloth prior to and post injections. Warmth for me was the way to go, though ice has been good for others.
How are you feeling w/you MS? You have the dreadful flu-like symptoms? I have no doubt you do. If you don't mind sharing, please do. You'll find a variety of experiences here, and friendship and support.
ve been on Betaferon (I think it is called Betaseron in the US) for a little over a month now. I have all of the classic flu like symptoms that I anticipated, as well as some really nasty looking red spots at the injection sites. Sometimes they bruise and form knots under the skin. Anyway, my Neuro said that is all normal and should subside within the next 2 months. However, I was speaking with my sister in law who is an RN.
Hi Coach,
I'm on Rebif - and the dosing mgs is comparible to the Betaseron. It's the strongest in terms of interferons go - I do well with it and don't think you are at a disadvantage either way you go. Beta is th original and has the longest track record.
For what it's worth, I do well with it. Super slim needle and only 3 x's a week injection.
Others should come along and send their experiences as well.
Both drugs are sub-cutaneous injectables, which means an injection every other day with a very small needle. (This may sound terrible, but it's not so bad. The injection is painless.)
I've recently become disenchanted with interferons in general, especially Betaseron. They don't reduce the rate of progression to disability, although they still have about 15-30% reduction in relapses.
When I was first diagnosed, I started on Copaxone, which is glatimer acetate.
Copaxone is the weakest and he did not recommend it for me. Betaseron, Rebif and Avonex are essentially the same drug, Intefereon beta, administered in different doses.
My Neuro is a big believer in Neutralizing antibodies.
Avonex NAB rate is around 5%
Rebif around 10-15%
Betaseron 25-30%
NABs can bind to the active side of the interferon molecule rendering it useless. So naturally (if you believe in NABs) you would likely pick the one with the lowest NABs.
Hello and Welcome to the Forum :)
I am currently taking Avonex but I am not a fan. The needles are huge and the side effects knock you on your bum as if you have a wicked 24 hour flu. Can't miss work so you do it on the weekend and there goes have the weekend! I was told that it gets better in time. I have been on it 10 months and now I cry when it's time for the big needle because are the injection areas are so tender. Oh well maybe it's working.
Hi. After 2 relatively uneventful years of Betaseron injections, I had a shocking episode. When I injected into my thigh, I felt a strong jolt down my entire leg and it actually kicked out from under me as if my reflexes were being tested. I felt the pain most intensely as a kind of buzzing above my knee and could barely keep the injection in for the full dose. Now, three weeks later, that area is more sore each day and I have the feeling of "pins and needles" when I rub my leg.
Absolutely! I get mine every year! Make sure you get the injection, though, and not the "FluMist", which is a live attenuated vaccine. Since I'm on Tysabri, the pharmacist at the hospital told me not to get the flu shot until at least a week after my infusion. For those on CRABs (Copaxone.Rebif, Avonex, and Betaseron), or Gilenya, there are no time restrictions.
Started out on Avonex for 12 of those years. Had an attack a couple of years ago and my neurologist wanted me to start taking Betaseron. Have had a decent run with Betaseron except for low white blood counts. The last blood test they were so low that he pulled me off. I am on nothing at the moment. M\y doctor wanted to make sure the blood cell count came back up. It did come back up and he mentioned he wants to put me on copaxone. I don't know if I can do an injection every day.
I read somewhere in my Rebif stuff that if you have problems with injection sites your neurologist can show you new sites to shoot up.
I'm sure this is true for copaxone too.
Good luck to you.
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.
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