starting medications - Multiple Sclerosis Message Board

gingypinge3 · 06-16-2005, 02:50 PM

I have been recently dx with ms and have been given the choice of 4 different meds. I have narrowed it down to 2.. I have several questions and will speak with my md, however, I would like anyone's oppinion about certain side effects. The 2 drugs I am considering are Rebif or Avonex. I don't have a problem giving myself shots and I can deal with the flu-like symptoms. My questions are conserning liver functions and more importantly decreasing white cells. I am a nurse and frequently work with very infectious patients. I can do the obvious precautions but I am wondering if there is anything else I can do. I really don't want to quit my job until I absolutly have to. Am I just making mountains out of mole hills or is this a real concern? Any input would be apreciated

Barbbelle · 06-16-2005, 07:18 PM

Hi!!! I also am/was a healthcare professional and I was on Avonex for 7 years. During that time I rarely was sick even though I had a lot of exposure to moderately sick people. It wasn't until I added Novantrone to the Avonex that my white counts dropped dramatically and I began to notice that I was more contagious. After my 6th Novantrone treatment, my counts didn't come back up after 3 months and we discontinued the Avonex and the Novantrone. My liver function tests and white counts were ok with just the Avonex for a very long time. Hope this helps you! May God Bless your decision!

Barbbelle · 06-16-2005, 07:25 PM

Hi again! Forgot to tell you that I took Amantadine for fatigue and that has an anti-flu property to it. I never was sick while taking that.
I would just take one thing at a time and if you feel like your job is too much, you may be able to transfer to another department, etc. You don't have to do anything if you get on medication and everything settles down.

Sharon Grace · 06-17-2005, 01:37 AM

I started Avonex in 2001 and did really well on it until last year. I started to have some really bad attacks and my Doc switched me to Rebif which is a much higher dose. I recently saw the head of the MS program at Barrow Institute who said Rebif was the best. The sub-q shots are pretty easy but you must take aspirin/advil before you inject. The drugs do have side effects. Also, I highly recommend taking cranberry pills daily because being on these drugs can make you prone to urinary tract infections. Also, each of these drug companies has a great program where they call you monthly to see how you are doing and see if you have any questions. My Rebif rep calls me regularly to see how I'm doing and it's great. Best of luck with your therapy. Any questions, post another note here. Take care - Sharon Grace

gingypinge3 · 06-17-2005, 10:39 AM

Thank you Sharon..I really appreciate it