Also known as: Avonex, Avonex Prefilled Syringe, Rebif
The following information is NOT intended to endorse drugs or recommend therapy. While these reviews might be helpful, they are not a substitute for the expertise, skill, knowledge and judgement of healthcare practitioners in patient care.
Avonex (interferon beta-1a) for Multiple Sclerosis: I have had MS for well over a decade and have been on AVONEX for 2.5 years. I believe this medicine is working well. I have had one small clinical relapse. I make sure to drink plenty of water during the day and take an ibuprofen before my injection. I have had a headache a few times the following morning. This is the only possible side effect I have had.
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Avonex Prefilled Syringe (interferon beta-1a) for Multiple Sclerosis: I've been using this medication since February 2009 when I was diagnosed and I can't complain much. Most problems I have is a small amount of chills after injection the day after, maybe a little tired, but in 1-2 days, I'm good to go. I've found some benefits too, cognition is better, small difference, but still it's something. I've a feeling of normality that I've not had in years, not sure if that's the medicine though or just knowing what the heck has been wrong with me all this time.
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Rebif (interferon beta-1a) for Multiple Sclerosis: I have taken Rebif; it has worked so well and I have had so few side effects that there's been no reason to try out the other disease modifiers. When on a consistent dosage schedule, I never experienced a relapse. The needle is really small. I rarely use my injector anymore - just stab and go. I take it at night to sleep through any effects. I was warned very seriously about the possible side effects, but the worst that I ever have is a slight fever the morning after an injection, and/or the beginnings of a headache that I nip in the bud with migraine medicine.
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Avonex (interferon beta-1a) for Multiple Sclerosis: I used Avonex from 1997 - 2002. I did not tolerate it well. Even though I took the injection at night, and an hour after two extra strength Tylenol, I was down and out for 24 hours. I would have stayed on it because it seemed to really minimize the MS symptoms. But an MRI in 2002 showed that the MS was progressing (more plaques on the brain) so the doctor changed me to Beta-Seron. I had two relapses in the last 6 years but in the last 18 months, there has been no change and I am doing well. I tolerate the Beta-Seron well but on two occassions in the past year I had flu like reactions, which I reported.
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Avonex (interferon beta-1a) for Multiple Sclerosis: I have used Avonex for about a month now, to treat my MS. I have a mild case, and symptoms are not too severe.
I appreciate the once-a-week injection (hate needles) but am feeling the side effects. I use the Tylenol PM when I take the injections and that does seem to help. We take the injections on Thursday, and I am able to work from home on Fridays. I am very tired, but usually better by Saturday. I definitely recommend this based on the once-a-week injection vs the daily or every-other day injection of the other choices for MS. Good Luck.
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Rebif (interferon beta-1a) for Multiple Sclerosis: I have had no relapses since I have been on Rebif. I did not experience the sick feeling, Thank God. I do not like the sting, which can vary from none to a bee sting feeling. Also the mark that it leaves. I use my butt so they can not be seen.
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Avonex (interferon beta-1a) for Multiple Sclerosis: I have been using Avonex for 7 1/2 years. I can't help but believe that it is why I'm still up and walking. The injection is only once a week (huge benefit) and the side effects are manageable with Arthritis Strength Tylenol.
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Avonex Prefilled Syringe (interferon beta-1a) for Multiple Sclerosis: I was diagnosed with MS in March 2008 and started Avonex in May. My symptoms were numbness and tingling in my right leg and my right arm and hand, which was sometimes painful (like holding your hand in an ice bucket). The only symptoms I experience now are numbness and tingling in the fingers of my right hand and some frequency of urination. This medicine is great. My body aches all over for about 6 hours after I get the injection and its over about 6 hours later.
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Avonex (interferon beta-1a) for Multiple Sclerosis: I have been using it for 7 years and have not had an episode since. I have a very mild case, but my diagnosis was more than 15 years ago, so I was concerned about the secondary progressive symptoms of MS...none to report to date. I have found with the flu like side effects that if I take the shot about 2 hours before bed and sleep for 6 hours without interruption, then I do not suffer from any side effects. The side effects are not as severe as in the beginning, they are just aching joints that are irritating, not "painful"
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msgirlie said: 
TheRock said: 
