So Glad I Found This Board - Anyone Hate Avonex?

[Erica Kane]

First, let me say, I've been on interferons for more than 10 years, jeez, probably close to 15 now. First Betaseron, then Avonex in a study, then Avonex ever since it's approval.

That said, I hate Avonex. I really do. I've been on it forever, and I still get very, very sick from it every week. I lose 2 whole days from that stupid shot. My doctor (who developed Avonex, by the way) always swore it was going to get better with time - but it hasn't.

I vomit, I get high fevers, chills, sweats, body aches that are so bad I can't even lay down without it hurting worse - all of it.

But this stuff is GOOD for me, right?

Anyone else still sick with Avonex even after long-term use?

[AlabamaFan]

Erica Kane, Why did your doctor change you to Avonex. Did you have the side affects from the Betaseron, too? I am new to MS and started taking Betaseron about 4months ago. So far so good!! I hope I don't have to change my meds because I don't think I could handle the longer needle.

[weeble99]

I started on Avonex when I was diagnosed in 1999.I stopped using Avonex in July of 2004.The fatigue was getting me down more and more.My depression was really bothering me to where I was scaring myself with the thoughts I was having.I am not taking any of the CRAB drugs and feel a lot better.Not taking any of these drugs may come back to bite me later,but that's my choice.I know
others who tolerate Avonex fine.There may be some other things you could use in addition to Avonex to help the side effects.Taking drugs for side effects of one drug and on and on.KEEP HOPE ALIVE!One day there will be something to stop this .
may peace be with you
Ken

[LaLady]

Actually I love it. I take my Advil before and after and have virtually no symptoms except needing an afternoon nap (NO problem!).

A year ago I had double vision, horrible headaches, was in a wheelchair, vertigo, slept 20 hours a day and was SERIOUSLY depressed. Now I have almost no symptoms except some balance issues.

Wonderful trade.

[Erica Kane]

Thanks for the replies guys. I had the same side effects with Betaseron, so Avonex was the better choice, because at least I only had to deal with the side effects once a week.

I think it's helping my MS, which is the good part, but I really get nervous every week before the shot. I just know what's going to happen - that I'm going to be terribly sick in a few hours - and that's tough mentally.

All my bloodwork comes back clean, so the Avonex isn't affecting me adversely that way - just the worst flu imaginable every week - definitely better than not being able to walk - but still, not fun. I guess after all this time, there's no chance I'll ever "get used to" Avonex, so I'm sort of stuck with it.

I've tried every possible drug to combat the side effects too. Tylenol, Excedrin, Advil, Aleve, Prednisone and the list goes on. Nothing helps except sweet time.