how does avonex work

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.

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?

When I clicked on the “coupon” for Avonex it simply routed me to the Avonex website, where they offer the first month of treatment for free, as they’ve done for a while. Don’t know how that program works, but I think you’re just best off for now calling Avonex and exploring your options. I didn’t see the bit about how vials are priced lower. (I presume vials is the medicine you mix yourself.

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 still after all these years lose a day on the weekend due to the side effects of the Avonex and am hoping that will not be the result with Copaxone.

In addition, he works in a very high pressure job and I am concerned that this may leave him sidelined from work (in an environment that he does not want to open up to about the situation yet).... I know many have had similar concerns but really just looking for some support. THANK YOU!

Just curious - was the prednisone prescribed because of the reaction to Avonex, and does the prescription provide a dosage range to work within so you can adjust as needed? I agree with contacting your neuro and/or nurse, a month is a long time to wait if you are in a lot of discomfort, especially if it is avoidable or could be at least minimized. Re: the prednisone, your pharmacist is also a great resource for you.

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!

If you feel dissatisfied or concerned with Avonex and how you feel while taking it, please discuss with your medical team the many other disease modifying drugs that are now available, including oral medications, other forms of injections, and infusions.

That being said, we will wait and see how fast they work. ( she, meaning) .... She has told me to stop my copaxone, and to go and get the antibiotics for my infection, and wait for a month, and she wants me to start Avonex *sp* , so, I am going to start investigating this one, she did not want me to go the route of the chemo yet, and wants to try the avonex first. So, hoping this will happen, without me having to be the police on my case !!!

s possible connection with the GB issues-I will find out next week. Neuro doc has all the blood work from the last year and it will show high levels if the avonex caused it. I will keep you informed, but he did tell me Avonex has a tendancy to raise you liver enzimes. Which to my ears means Pancreatitis at the least! I know he will pull new blood levels which include liver, will keep you informed after I know for sure the outcome. By the way-the rep's at Avonex will not leave me alone...

Hello All... I'm turning to you all for some advices! Burbandude started another flair-up this Monday. He has blurred vision and balance issues. We raced off to see his neuro who was not pleased that he was having another attack only 6 months after beginning treatment with Avonex. His recent MRI from last week showed "significant improvement" lots of the lesions he had were not visible and the ones that are were much lighter than his first MRI.

But, to me that does not explain how last week we had an e-coli SUPERBUG infection, and they were even talking surgery !! So, I am perplexed to say the least, but to tired to worry about it now.... We lost our dear Don this morning to colon cancer at the age of 44. He was my son-in-laws brother, and he was like another son to hubby and I. It has been a hard day to say the least......

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?

And you can always change your mind later, although you should give a drug at least a few months to work. And yes, there’s a chance it might not work out for you, but MS progression definitely won’t work out for you, and so you are right to try to attack your MS with something. I have a ton of experience with Avonex, and it has served me well for more than eight years. I don’t like needles, so I did try Gilenya for a couple of weeks, but I came back to what’s tried and true for me.

PS - If improved walking is a goal talk to your neuro about Ampyra. I take it daily and think it does help. Don't get scared of its cost. With Acorda's co-pay assistance I get it for $40/month.

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.

I either need something other than Avonex or if nothing is going to work I was to stop taking a shot every week. I am so irritated. I look ok but I have a walker and will now have AFO's. I need help with my house work. Which I am getting. But it does not make this any less of a frustration.

It is good to know Avonex does not work in the same way.

Will I be able to work? How quickly after giving my decision will I actually begin the meds? So many questions!!!!!!!!

Like MS everyone does not get every side effect. Tecfidera does not work there are other options which is great. I hope things work out. For gastro issues there are medications.

How does avonex work

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