Lisa_P
02-18-2004, 02:22 PM
I have been sort of on my own about my MS since I moved away from my neuro in July of last year. I had a quick appointment with another guy last fall to get my prescriptions moved.
But I have a problem!! He wrote a prescription for the Avonex, yes; but he gave me a prescription for Naprosin (?)-- a time-released form of Naproxen. Well, my insurance won't cover that and the doctor won't let me get it substituted with generic and I can't afford $51 for 30 pills. So I was told by the doctor to just use some OTC painkillers like Tylenol, Aleve, etc. I ran out of my old supply of Naproxen late last year and I've been trying the OTC stuff. I don't know how much to take or anything. I've been getting every one of the "flu-like symptoms" for 2 or three months now. I've been blaming the switch to the pre-filled Avonex syringes two months ago, but maybe it's the other... ?!
Help?
But I have a problem!! He wrote a prescription for the Avonex, yes; but he gave me a prescription for Naprosin (?)-- a time-released form of Naproxen. Well, my insurance won't cover that and the doctor won't let me get it substituted with generic and I can't afford $51 for 30 pills. So I was told by the doctor to just use some OTC painkillers like Tylenol, Aleve, etc. I ran out of my old supply of Naproxen late last year and I've been trying the OTC stuff. I don't know how much to take or anything. I've been getting every one of the "flu-like symptoms" for 2 or three months now. I've been blaming the switch to the pre-filled Avonex syringes two months ago, but maybe it's the other... ?!
Help?
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joshremus
02-18-2004, 03:26 PM
One thing I don't know if you considered is ordering the Naprosyn generic from Canada. I don't know what dosage you had been taking, but (for example) you can get the 100 of the 500mg tables for like $25.00. It refers to it both as Naproxen and Naprosin, but I'm sure someone at a place like Canadadrugs.com would be able to help you out.
Additionally - I really think prescription naprosyn is just a higher does of OTC Naproxen Sodium (aleve). I can get a big bottle of that pretty cheap @ Walmart, and that's what I take two or three of an hour before injection.
Hopefully some of this info helps!
Josh
Additionally - I really think prescription naprosyn is just a higher does of OTC Naproxen Sodium (aleve). I can get a big bottle of that pretty cheap @ Walmart, and that's what I take two or three of an hour before injection.
Hopefully some of this info helps!
Josh
Lisa_P
02-18-2004, 06:27 PM
Thanks! I hadn't thought about Canadain pharmacies...
I did just talk to an Avonex nurse today, though; she said to work up to leaving it out close to 12 hours. The chills and fever are indicating that my body is "saying" the meds are still too cold. As far as the Naproxen, etc., she said Tylenol may not be the choice because acetaminophen has no anti-inflammatory properties whereas the others do. And she said I could take 2 Aleve to come close to the prescription strength or try ibuprofen. She cautioned me to be sure and drink plenty of fluuids the day before and the day of my shot. SO.
Oh! AND she said some people are taking up to 9 months to get used to the pre-mixed version of the drug!
We'll see how it goes!
I did just talk to an Avonex nurse today, though; she said to work up to leaving it out close to 12 hours. The chills and fever are indicating that my body is "saying" the meds are still too cold. As far as the Naproxen, etc., she said Tylenol may not be the choice because acetaminophen has no anti-inflammatory properties whereas the others do. And she said I could take 2 Aleve to come close to the prescription strength or try ibuprofen. She cautioned me to be sure and drink plenty of fluuids the day before and the day of my shot. SO.
Oh! AND she said some people are taking up to 9 months to get used to the pre-mixed version of the drug!
We'll see how it goes!
joshremus
02-19-2004, 10:01 AM
I'm not on Avonex, I'm having enough fun with the Rebif, but that just sounds crazy.
I do take two aleve an hour before injection, and I leave out my needle for that same amount of time. That SEEMS to be enough for me, but then again, I'm not shooting into muscle. I take two more aleve the next morning at least.
Good luck!
I do take two aleve an hour before injection, and I leave out my needle for that same amount of time. That SEEMS to be enough for me, but then again, I'm not shooting into muscle. I take two more aleve the next morning at least.
Good luck!