dawnies
04-17-2008, 03:10 PM
I was wondering if anyone out there that injects Avonex could tell me if they have any side effects and is it painful because it is a bigger needle than Betaferon which i am currently using and have been for the last 4 years but i have Psoriasis and every injection site turns into psoriasis so i am thinking of trying Avonex because you only inject weekly.:)
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MSNik
04-17-2008, 03:11 PM
Dawnies, you might want to consider Rebif, too- its the smallest needle on the market, and because it is subcutaneous, not intramuscular, you might have more luck with the psoriasis end of things...
april1848
04-17-2008, 03:21 PM
I'm on Avonex. It doesn't hurt at all. Having blood taken or IV lines inserted hurts way more. I've been taking it since November and I've had zero injection site reactions, which is a big plus. After the shot there's a tiny dot of blood and that's that. I'm also a big fan of the once a week part.
The injection itself and injection site is painless but the side effects are not. In the beginning I was very sick with chills, fever, aches, etc. Just like a flu. I still get sick with a fever and chills but it's nothing like the beginning. The first two shots were the worst. About how long the side effects last, I've heard 3-6 months. But I met a woman on Avonex who has been on it for 2 years and still gets sick, and others never get sick, so I guess it's different for everybody.
I'm doing everything you're supposed to: drink a lot of fluids, take a pain reliever before and after, etc. I've tried tylenol, ibuprofen and aleve and didn't notice a difference with any of them. I take my shot on Friday night so I sleep thru the worst of it and on Saturdays I'm still sick and I take it easy.
How I feel after the shot depends on how long and deeply I sleep. If I get up in the middle of the night, I feel terrible, like a vice is on my head. So I started taking two Tylenol PMs before I go to bed to keep me from waking up to early.
Good luck with whatever you choose. If something isn't working for you, you can always try something else!
The injection itself and injection site is painless but the side effects are not. In the beginning I was very sick with chills, fever, aches, etc. Just like a flu. I still get sick with a fever and chills but it's nothing like the beginning. The first two shots were the worst. About how long the side effects last, I've heard 3-6 months. But I met a woman on Avonex who has been on it for 2 years and still gets sick, and others never get sick, so I guess it's different for everybody.
I'm doing everything you're supposed to: drink a lot of fluids, take a pain reliever before and after, etc. I've tried tylenol, ibuprofen and aleve and didn't notice a difference with any of them. I take my shot on Friday night so I sleep thru the worst of it and on Saturdays I'm still sick and I take it easy.
How I feel after the shot depends on how long and deeply I sleep. If I get up in the middle of the night, I feel terrible, like a vice is on my head. So I started taking two Tylenol PMs before I go to bed to keep me from waking up to early.
Good luck with whatever you choose. If something isn't working for you, you can always try something else!
dawnies
04-17-2008, 03:32 PM
Hi to both of you and thanks for answering so quickly. I am not sure Rebif would be any better because when you work it out it is only one shot a fortnight less than Betaferon. I saw my nuero and she said i should look into it and whatever i decide she will go with , its a big decision for me because i reacted quite badly to Beteferon for quite a while and not sure i want to go through that again.;):confused:
amy2705
04-17-2008, 05:18 PM
I take Avonex. While it was a bit scary the first few time because the needle seems so big, but it doesn't hurt. I've been on it for almost 2 years and I don't even notice the needle anymore. I've never had a reaction at the injection site. You can't even tell I did an injection the next day (I'm really pale and have sensitive skin, so not seeing the injection mark is pretty good considering!).
As for side effects, the first time I used it was brutal and the second time wasn't all that great (flu symptoms, hot/cold, sweats, restless legs...). But since then there are no side effects at all - except sometimes a bit tired the next day. No side effects in the injection site at all. I'm not really all that good at picking new injection sites so I just rotate between left and right mid-thigh every week and that seems to be good enough to avoid any problems. Looking at my skin, you wouldn't know I even do injections. That's one plus with Avonex - a lot less disturbance to the skin. I've read the once a week intermuscular injections (Avonex) cause much less permanent damage to the skin than the more regular sub-cutaneous ones. No rashes, no pock marks, etc. If the injection happens to be around the begining of my period, sometimes I get a little bruise. That's really it though.
Finally (sorry for the long post), there is now a smaller needle available with Avonex. Apparently it's for smaller / skinnier people who find the 1-1/4 inch needle too large or just too scary. So you might also want to look into that if the standard needle freaks you out. Sorry I don't have much info on that because the standard needle is okay for me. But I read about the smaller needle in an MS newsletter I get. I'll try to find the article and get the info for you.
As for side effects, the first time I used it was brutal and the second time wasn't all that great (flu symptoms, hot/cold, sweats, restless legs...). But since then there are no side effects at all - except sometimes a bit tired the next day. No side effects in the injection site at all. I'm not really all that good at picking new injection sites so I just rotate between left and right mid-thigh every week and that seems to be good enough to avoid any problems. Looking at my skin, you wouldn't know I even do injections. That's one plus with Avonex - a lot less disturbance to the skin. I've read the once a week intermuscular injections (Avonex) cause much less permanent damage to the skin than the more regular sub-cutaneous ones. No rashes, no pock marks, etc. If the injection happens to be around the begining of my period, sometimes I get a little bruise. That's really it though.
Finally (sorry for the long post), there is now a smaller needle available with Avonex. Apparently it's for smaller / skinnier people who find the 1-1/4 inch needle too large or just too scary. So you might also want to look into that if the standard needle freaks you out. Sorry I don't have much info on that because the standard needle is okay for me. But I read about the smaller needle in an MS newsletter I get. I'll try to find the article and get the info for you.
amy2705
04-17-2008, 05:33 PM
Okay, found it. This is from an article at the beginning of 2007.
"Interferon beta-1a intramuscular Avonex® (given once
weekly), glatiramer acetate (Copaxone®, given subcutaneously
once daily) and Rebif® (given subcutaneously three
times weekly) are available in the form of prefilled syringes.
A shorter, thinner needle (25-gauge, 1-inch needle, 20%
shorter than previously) is available for use with Avonex®.
A reusable device that makes self-injecting easier and
more comfortable is now available in Canada. Called the
Personal Injector, it can be used with the Avonex® prefilled
syringe. The subcutaneously-administered medications
interferon beta-1b (Betaseron®, given every other
day), Copaxone®, and Rebif® are each available with a
reusable automatic injector, which gives a quick injection
with the touch of a button."
I just checked and the personal injector is also available in the US. I'm not sure about anywhere else. I've never used it, but it might be good if you're nervous about the injection?
"Interferon beta-1a intramuscular Avonex® (given once
weekly), glatiramer acetate (Copaxone®, given subcutaneously
once daily) and Rebif® (given subcutaneously three
times weekly) are available in the form of prefilled syringes.
A shorter, thinner needle (25-gauge, 1-inch needle, 20%
shorter than previously) is available for use with Avonex®.
A reusable device that makes self-injecting easier and
more comfortable is now available in Canada. Called the
Personal Injector, it can be used with the Avonex® prefilled
syringe. The subcutaneously-administered medications
interferon beta-1b (Betaseron®, given every other
day), Copaxone®, and Rebif® are each available with a
reusable automatic injector, which gives a quick injection
with the touch of a button."
I just checked and the personal injector is also available in the US. I'm not sure about anywhere else. I've never used it, but it might be good if you're nervous about the injection?
MamaPom
04-17-2008, 06:50 PM
I’m still new to all of this, but I will tell you my experience with Avonex to date. My first injection was pretty rough as far as side effects go, flu like symptoms and I ached from head to foot. The next three went well, still had the flu like symptoms, but it seemed easier for me.
Unfortunately my 5th injection was pretty bad. I was so achy I felt like my bones would break. My 6th injection was terrible! I had a fever of 102 degrees and was shaking so hard my teeth rattled. The next couple of days I felt like a wet noodle.
Sorry to be so negative, this med really affects us all differently so you never know how you will do until you try. Follow everyone’s advise to drink lots of water and pre-medicate. It can’t hurt! I might have to switch to Copaxone because of liver problems with Avonex so none of this might matter anymore after my next blood test!
Best of luck to you!;)
Unfortunately my 5th injection was pretty bad. I was so achy I felt like my bones would break. My 6th injection was terrible! I had a fever of 102 degrees and was shaking so hard my teeth rattled. The next couple of days I felt like a wet noodle.
Sorry to be so negative, this med really affects us all differently so you never know how you will do until you try. Follow everyone’s advise to drink lots of water and pre-medicate. It can’t hurt! I might have to switch to Copaxone because of liver problems with Avonex so none of this might matter anymore after my next blood test!
Best of luck to you!;)
anxiousme
04-17-2008, 11:50 PM
I'm an Avonex cheerleader! It is so different for everyone. I'm one of the very lucky few. I had minimal fever/aches the first few times. Nothing motrin or aleve couldn't handle. Now, I do the injection on Thursday mornings, before work! Take Motrin 1 hour after injecting (usually takes 3 hours to have the side effects take effect). Sometimes I need a second dose of Motrin 6 hours later, sometimes I don't. I don't have to think about it until the next Thursday. Also, NO skin reaction/bruises/lumps etc...
My doctor started me on Avonex because it was once a week. He suggested it was a good one to start with. So far it seems to be keeping my exacerbations under control. If I start to have exacerbations, I would consider starting Rebif because it is the same drug, just more frequent. But so far, so good. I just pray it continues to work. Because for me, it is no big deal....Once a week.
My doctor started me on Avonex because it was once a week. He suggested it was a good one to start with. So far it seems to be keeping my exacerbations under control. If I start to have exacerbations, I would consider starting Rebif because it is the same drug, just more frequent. But so far, so good. I just pray it continues to work. Because for me, it is no big deal....Once a week.
dawnies
04-18-2008, 08:17 AM
Thank you all for all your comments i will take them all on board and it certainly gives me a lot to think about i am not going to rush into it i just have as long as i want to ponder over it then when i decide i just phone my neuro and she will sort it for me, am i right in thinking you can get an auto-injector for Avonex?:D
justbeachy40
04-18-2008, 12:33 PM
Hi there! I just took my 7th injection of Avonex last night. The first two were a little rough, I had chills and body aches during the night after I got the shot, but the next day I was okay except for being tired. Since then, as long as I take a second dose of Tylenol 4 hours after the shot, I make it through with hardly any notice of symptoms during the night. I did learn a couple of weeks ago not to over-do it on the day after, as I went a little crazy with some cleaning at the office and got fatigued in the middle of the day. All in all it has been okay for me. My biggest problem is that the needle freaks me out so my husband gives me the shot and I don't look. Hope this helps and Good Luck!
amy2705
04-18-2008, 12:37 PM
For Avonex pre-filled syringes, there is now something called the "personal injector". It's not exactly the same as the auto-injectors available for the subcutaneous meds (rebif, etc). While the auto-injectors do the shot for you at the touch of a button, the personal injector is more of a guide -- you secure the syringe to the personal injector and it basically holds the syringe straight and is supposed to help make the injection more comfortable (especially for those who are really nervous). However, you still have to manually push in the syringe.
If you look up personal injector on the internet, the info says it was delveloped by someone with MS specifically for the Avonex shots. The idea behind it was to help people afraid of the needle and generally make the shot more comfortable. I've never used it, so I'm not sure if it lives up to the hype.
It might be a good tool if you're afraid of the needle. But to be honest, when you read the instructions (online), it seems like it adds steps to injections and makes it a bit of a production. I used to be pretty slow doing the injections and would get nervous and shake. But now the injection (from disinfecting the area to disposing the syringe) takes about 30 seconds. So the personal injector seems like a bit of a waste of time for someone who's used to the injections. But like I said, it seems like a good idea for someone who's scared of the size of the needle. It probably would have really helped me a the begining.
I wonder if anyone on here has used the personal injector? And what they thought ...
If you look up personal injector on the internet, the info says it was delveloped by someone with MS specifically for the Avonex shots. The idea behind it was to help people afraid of the needle and generally make the shot more comfortable. I've never used it, so I'm not sure if it lives up to the hype.
It might be a good tool if you're afraid of the needle. But to be honest, when you read the instructions (online), it seems like it adds steps to injections and makes it a bit of a production. I used to be pretty slow doing the injections and would get nervous and shake. But now the injection (from disinfecting the area to disposing the syringe) takes about 30 seconds. So the personal injector seems like a bit of a waste of time for someone who's used to the injections. But like I said, it seems like a good idea for someone who's scared of the size of the needle. It probably would have really helped me a the begining.
I wonder if anyone on here has used the personal injector? And what they thought ...
anxiousme
04-19-2008, 01:01 AM
I forgot to mention that I use the powder mix on the doctors recommendation. People tend to tolerate it better than the pre-filled shot. It takes extra time to prepair the shot, but i chose to do it because of the chance that the side effects weren't supossed to be as bad. I doesn't bother me to mix the dosage.
As far as the auto inject. i don't have info on it. I seem to be doing just fine without it.
Good luck with your choices. Do what is right for you.
Tracy:cool:
As far as the auto inject. i don't have info on it. I seem to be doing just fine without it.
Good luck with your choices. Do what is right for you.
Tracy:cool:
tiredbunni
05-28-2008, 01:22 PM
I have been on Avonex for 16 months. Two months ago I started getting rashes at injection site. Not a little rash but a big rash. I still have the rashes from 3 weeks ago on my arms. I have the nurse at the doctor's office give me my injections usually on Monday mornings. It is pre-filled and cold as I don't like it warm to room temperature. It hurts more.
Last week I bruised at the injection and still got a rash. The rash also at times itches. I showed the nurse yesterday the bruise on my arm. It is not only bruised, big rash but a knot in the area. It hurts on and off. I decided to switch injection sites to give my arms a rest. The nurse uses the smallest needle as I am small. Same thing happen yesterday is the another bruise and knot on my thigh.
I have called Biogen to report because of the rash and now bruising and knots. They said I needed to tell my doctor and get bloodwork done. I had iron shots in my hips (30+) and they left knots. I don't recall any bruises... just brown spots. I will try one more thing is to ask the nurse to ice but the Avonex customer rep didn't think it will help with the knots. I don't know if it will help with the rash either.
Another side effects are I do have flu like symptoms but just one day. I have learn now to take two Ibuprofen when the chills start. My body temp drops down to 96 or lower then it will raise to 102. But taking the meds then keeps if from getting that high. It is much better and if I sleep then I missing most of it. I still have fever and weakness but it is much better.
I am still determined to stay on Avonex as long as no damage is going on.
Bunni
dx 12/06 RRMS
Avonex, Klonopin, Skelaxin, Flexeril
Last week I bruised at the injection and still got a rash. The rash also at times itches. I showed the nurse yesterday the bruise on my arm. It is not only bruised, big rash but a knot in the area. It hurts on and off. I decided to switch injection sites to give my arms a rest. The nurse uses the smallest needle as I am small. Same thing happen yesterday is the another bruise and knot on my thigh.
I have called Biogen to report because of the rash and now bruising and knots. They said I needed to tell my doctor and get bloodwork done. I had iron shots in my hips (30+) and they left knots. I don't recall any bruises... just brown spots. I will try one more thing is to ask the nurse to ice but the Avonex customer rep didn't think it will help with the knots. I don't know if it will help with the rash either.
Another side effects are I do have flu like symptoms but just one day. I have learn now to take two Ibuprofen when the chills start. My body temp drops down to 96 or lower then it will raise to 102. But taking the meds then keeps if from getting that high. It is much better and if I sleep then I missing most of it. I still have fever and weakness but it is much better.
I am still determined to stay on Avonex as long as no damage is going on.
Bunni
dx 12/06 RRMS
Avonex, Klonopin, Skelaxin, Flexeril