**{{ A 27 Gauge needle **}} Betaseron was using a 30 or 31 gauge needle, the syringe would glide much better than the possible cheaper quality one that Extavia is using. After I inject, I seem to be twitching around a lot, like I can not get comfortable, I am already taking a medication for rest less leg syndrom, but for some reason , as stated above, I still can not get comfortable after taking the Extavia,??
Welcome aboard - I just got my dx this week as well. I can't tell you anything about these meds but I'm sure someone will come alone who can answer your questions. I'm wondering - did you have a dmd choice or did the doctor decide which drug you should take?
My Neuro wants me to switch from Rebif to Betaseron. I have been taking Rebif since March 09 and have had to do one round of Solu Medrol in May and will find out tomorrow if I have to do another. I also have pretty bad injection site reactions which is why the Neuro wants the switch. I guess Rebif has acid in the injection and it makes the site reactions worse?
My question is, I am under the impression that Betaseron is not pre mixed and also that there is not an auto injector?
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.
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.
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.
Avonex is a once weekly intermuscular injection (thin needle), but once a week. Betaseron is every other day subcutaneous injection. Lifestyle is a big consideration. So, think about what you would likely commit to most. If you are the type of person that prefers to only have to inject once a week, then consider Avonex. If you are less concerned with the amount of times, the the Extavia, may be a consideration.
Also, you may want to ask your doctor his or her personal thoughts on your MS.
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.
There are a few things always suggested to consider, and that is injection schedule, i.e, frequency, needle size. I did not consider this very well myself because I was too focused on choosing the right med. What I learned is all you can do is pick one best you can and give it a try. The main ones have proven equal affectiveness, but bear in mind what works for one, may not work for another. So, knowing this, you can always switch.
I started on Betaseron within a month of the diagnosis. I have symptoms from the old lesions but never had another clinical exacerbation. I stopped taking the Betaseron after 6 years (two months ago). Two more MRIs after diagnosis showed no new lesions. The second MRI (a year after diagnosis) looked like "classic M.S." (I was told by an M.S. specialist). The third MRI (last year) showed some of the lesions were smaller. Question: by whatever criteria is being used now, is this M.S.?
If it helps, I take Betaseron and i really like it. I NEVER I repeat NEVER see the needle unless I look at the end of the injector after my shot.
It is a super tiny needle and I don't feel it. I consider myself a shot wimp so that is saying something.
I did not have the beta nurse come out as I was on Rebif originally and I had been through the injection process with their nurse. I also have done IV therapy at home so the mixing part was a no brainer.
m on Rebif, and the injections are not bad. Needle is super thin, etc. Betaseron has been around the longest where DMDs are concerned and it's a good solid med for MS and that's been proven.
I'm dx'd RRMS and was offered Gilenya as were a handful of our members. I've decided I'm not ready to try it and feel my current med is serving me well.
Well, I received a new supply of procrit and this time the syringe is the 3 ml size with the 25 g needle, instead of the 1 ml size syringe and the 27 g needle. Maybe this larger syringe will be easier to release the air bubbles since I am only filling a smaller portion of this syringe. With the 1 ml size syringe there was really no extra space.
So, I will fill the 3 ml syringe from the solution vial with the larger needle to the 1 ml mark.
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've been on Betaseron since a year after I was diagnosed in 2000. On August 20th, I quit taking Betaseron cold turkey when I finally received my new oral medication Tecfidera. For the last few days I have been dealing with horrible body aches, diarrhea, cold sweats & the inability to eat (not feeling sick, just not being hungry or interested in eating). I do not have a fever, a cough, allergies or anything else I can conclude to be at fault for these annoying symptoms.
I started on betaseron (betaferon here in UK) 2 weeks ago, so have so far injected 7 times. On nearly all the injection sites I have a slightly raised red area, approx 1 1/2 - 2 centimetres in diameter, not at all itchy or bothersome in any way. Where I did the first 2 injections I now only have very small marks, more like tiny bruises.
I suppose I am looking for someone to tell me it is ok to ignore this. I don't want to go to the doc or MS nurse and risk the drug being stopped.
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