what is avonex for

I have a lot of pain in my feet as well. I looked this up and found that the test for walking on your toes is for testing for plantar flexion weakness. The test for walking on your heels is for testing for dorsiflexion weakness. See this site: http://www.opt.pacificu.edu/ce/catalog/COPE9462/Neuro_Zelczak.

I agree with Heather. This does not sound like an Avonex side effect. Let your doctor's office know if this is a new symptom for you and if it lingers.

Lenny, it is very common for Avonex to cause flu-like symptoms. You should read all the information that came with your shipment of Avonex. You can also talk to your doctor about this. I do my shot before bed, and take an Aleve at the same time. That's a long-lasting pain reliever you can buy anywhere. Then I sleep through the Avonex effects nearly every time. If I don't, I take another Aleve after 12 hours (what the package says is safe). Try this or something similar.

If I remember correctly, Avonex is titrated (each dose bigger than the last) until you get to the full dose, but the prefilled syringes you get are filled with the full dose amount. There should be some leftover until you get all the way to the full dose. I've not been on Avonex, but for some reason that sticks with me.

I think the number is as high as 40%. Rebif is the next most likely with something like 23%. Avonex is the least likely with an incidence of NA's of less than 10%. The problem appears to be dose-related. Betaseron is the highest dose, Rebif next and Avonex the lowest. Once you have neutralizing antibodies to one of the Interferon-beta meds, you have it to ALL of them. If JohM is around, he has doen the most research into this problem, if I remember right.

I know a lot of people that have been on it and are worse off for it. Solumedrol which is a high dosed steroid is used for major flare ups of MS. My advice to you although not a doctor would be to get a second opinion I would hate for you to not be able to fight off flare ups because your body is resistant to steroids. My cousin takes 600 miligrams of ibuprofen 2 hours before the shot and 4 hours after.

My sister is on Avonex and is so excited about the autoinjector. She doesn't have one yet because they aren't available in out area yet but she can't wait to get one!

I have been on Avonex for two yrs now and premedication is the key. if I forget - I pay for it the next day. With pre-medication the only side effect I may get is a headache. I hope all goes well tonight.

this is great news for all of our avonex users. The injction pen and the new dosing schedule should provide relief from so many of the intramuscular injection problems.

t affect your spirits, even though I think depression is listed as a side affect. I have been on Avonex for about a year and a half and have found that my right side reacts better when injected than my left. I also inject in the early evening, then take 2 tylenol and two naprox about an an hour later. Usually I wake up pretty free of the yucks next morning.

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?

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. 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....

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.

But at least now, you have a good idea of what you need to do. Avonex was fine for me- mostly. They all have side effects, but the once a week schedule was good. If the flu symptoms are too bad, a 5 to 10mg tablet of prednisone took care of it for me.

I think we were the only people who mentioned liver issues with Avonex for there were no onther postings here since you. I pray your husband is much better. Keep in touch please. Be well.

I HAVE BEEN ON AVONEX FOR THREE YEARS NOW AND MY NEURO HAS NEVER SPOKEN OF CALCIUM DEFICIENCY. I HAVE READ THE PAMPHLET THAT COMES IN THE BOX, AND DO NOT REMEMBER READING ANYTHING LIKE. I HAVE ONE AT THE HOUSE AND WILL READ AGAIN AND THEN LET YOU KNOW. I ALSO HAVE AN APPOINTMENT WITH MY DR ON TUESDAY, I WILL MAKE IT A NOTE TO ASK HER. WILL KEEP YOU POSTED ON HER RECOMMENDATIONS. TAKE CARE AND YOU ARE A WONDERFUL PERSON BY ASKING SOMETHING FOR A FRIEND.

Personally, I think that you should let your neurologist know and if you have a number for the makers of AVONEX you should speak to them as to what would be the best route to follow. I know that other's from here have contacted the drug company directly in some cases and I think that your little predicament is more than just cause to do so. I am sure that someone else will be popping in to give you their opinion and I hope that someone on the DMD's will.

Since starting it I have had this head cold, congestion going on, not sure if it is just a coincidence or if it is possible that it is from the Avonex. I am not going to stop taking it or anything because it isn't that bad, it is just annoying me lol.

hi i am just going through the hoops to get started on Avonex with watch for these symptoms and get back to this feed if i experience the same, i hope not i am already scratching my skin for no reason Judy

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?

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!

I can be of no help to you with what to do with the prednisone, That is definitely worth a call to your doctor now rather than wait another month to ask for direction. They can best tell you what to do for your next injection.

I have been taking the Avonex shot for a few months now and have become accustomed to the effects of it. However tonight I have taken my shot and now I am having a tingeliing sensation going on. It's in my arm (R), both legs and also my abdomen. I know what to look for medically to be concerned but no where have I seen this as a side effect. Has anyone else experenced this?

In any case he wants me to start on avonex that is fine if I do have ms but if its some other disease the treatment might do me in because as of last week I have a high d dimer (blood clotting) so I am very worried

Hi, LA. I'm concerned about your doctor's statement that Avonex causes depression. It does in SOME people. Don't know the stats but I'm sure this is a relatively small minority. Lots of Avonex users do just fine. I'm one. MS itself causes depression, in SOME people. Certainly not all. I for one would not go on any med prophylatically unless I were sure I needed it. Look what happened with Prozac for you.

What is avonex for

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