Interferon beta-1a User Reviews & Ratings

• joesal
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• December 21, 2012

Avonex (interferon beta-1a) for Multiple Sclerosis "I was on it for 18 months. It was like taking a shot of the flu every week. The side effects never got better. After massive amounts of research, I finally went to supplements, healthy eating, mindfulness, taking toxins out of my daily life, exercise and of course prayer. I still live with my MS symptoms, but, I will work out at the gym, I will ride my bike 100 miles this week and continue working productively. Don't ever give up!"

• Avone...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• April 17, 2013

Avonex (interferon beta-1a) for Multiple Sclerosis "Avonex has been a God send to me. I was diagnosed in 95 after experiencing several bad attacks one of which required hospitalization. Started Avonex in June 96 one month after it came to market. Got some side effects early on (mainly fatigue) but they soon went away. I no longer have any side effects, don't even premedicate. The injections are little more than a minor inconvenience . More importantly I have remained stable with no attacks. I did experience some fatigue when starting to use the the prefilled syringe. I quickly went back to original powdered form and remain on it to this day. I probably could have adjusted to the prefilled syringe but choose not do do so. I expect to continue with the Avonex injections unless it stops working, I develop bad side effects, or a cure is found. All unlikely scenarios at this point. I expect to be on it for life."

• hstan...
• July 25, 2013

Rebif (interferon beta-1a) for Multiple Sclerosis "I was diagnosed in Nov 2006. Avonex did not work, so early in 2007 I started on Rebif. 6 years no relapses. I would get very bad headaches on the 2 day stretch with no Rebif. I made the mistake of stopping my Rebif for about 6 months and I had a relapse. Face is numb and legs and feet tingly. I regret stopping for the 6 months. I should have called MSlifelines and figured out how to manage the headaches. Regardless, I am back on Rebif and will gladly stuffer a headache if I don't suffer any more relapses. If the goings good..don't quit!"

• Sweet...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 30, 2014

Avonex (interferon beta-1a) for Multiple Sclerosis "I was initially terrified about the injections, but from my first onwards they have proved to be no trial at all. The delivery method is amazing. I never thought I'd say this, but I even look forward to them, knowing that I'm doing something to help myself. I now truly believe that Avonex is helping. My symptoms have lessened since starting it only three months ago. I hope things continue this way and also hope everyone out there with Multiple Sclerosis finds a similarly effective treatment."

• DREW
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• April 22, 2015

Rebif (interferon beta-1a) for Multiple Sclerosis "I have been on Rebif 44mg for 3 years now ever since I was diagnosed. I do my The injections at bed time with a little bit of ibuprofen. I have no family history of MS in my family. When I was diagnosed I was in denial, disbelief and very angry. Why me?!! I have so much left I want to do... The side effects I experienced are fever, chills, flu like, and next day dizziness were severe for the first year but no more attacks. Now I experience general fatigue the day after the shot until about noon. I wake up feeling very hot sometimes. Good news is since being on rebif only one new lesion that was stopped with steroids. And come to terms with why me to what am I suppose to learn from this. You can live with this and live well."

• MarkM...
• July 9, 2013

Rebif (interferon beta-1a) for Multiple Sclerosis "I am a 31 male, 200lbs,and was diagnosed with RR Multiple Sclerosis Feb. 2012, after losing sight in one eye, and some steroid treatment my vision returned however, the color is still a little off. My Neurologist put me on Rebif immediately. Since I have been on Rebif I have not experienced any major relapses. Just some tremors now and then and other minor symptoms that just maybe permanent nerve damage. I take the 44mcg dose at bedtime with 400mg of ibuprofen, it seems to help me sleep through the night. I do get headaches often but the ibuprofen seems to help (not eliminate them). I also get flu symptoms sometimes the day after I take a shot but not always. My liver enzymes are slightly elevated but, nothing to worry about. Thank you Rebif."

• TiBrink
• Taken for 10 years or more
• July 2, 2018

Rebif (interferon beta-1a) for Multiple Sclerosis "I was diagnosed with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) in 2006. I was nearly immediately put on Rebif. The worst reaction I have ever had are site reactions. I have learned to manage those by massaging the injection site before and after each injection. Ice helps if it is stinging after the injection, heat if it is aching. I had a pretty severe relapse in 2015 my new Neuro. put me on Tedcfiera. Which was AWFUL. I would (Exactly) 1 hour after taking the medication in the morning throw up for 1 Hour (Exactly) the flushing was miserable. I would flush so hard I would look nearly purple. I had so many physical issues, weight gain, etc. Not to mention I had low levels of JC Virus and was still put on Tecfidera (that combination causes a brain infection) in 2017 I started seeing another NEW Neuro. His first order of business was taking me off of Tecfidera for 1 month and starting me back on Rebif. I have had NO Issues since. I feel like I am human (with standard MS issues)"

• Anonymous
• Taken for 10 years or more
• July 11, 2012

Avonex (interferon beta-1a) for Multiple Sclerosis "I have been taking Avonex for close to 16 years and my biggest fear in the world is losing access to it. I started on Betaseron but had to stop because of injection site reactions and severe flu symptoms. I had been through everything. Complete invalidity, lying in a hospital bed to basically healthy with no noticeable symptoms at all. But since being on the Avonex, I have only very minor exacerbations , less than one per year. In the last 10+ years, I have not missed any work or cancelled any vacations for MS issues. My only problem is the cost."

• Nury
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• March 29, 2014

Avonex (interferon beta-1a) for Multiple Sclerosis "I have been on Avonex for about 5 years and have had no relapses. Have had Multiple Sclerosis for 14 years. Great to have 1 injection a week rather than 3 with Rebif, which I was on before or Copaxone everyday. The only drawback is the headache & tiredness felt the day after. These symptoms have not improved at all for 5 years. Starting having spasm attacks at night recently so might change to another medicine. Very effective medicine though, never had any relapses and that's the most important thing!"

• Anonymous
• February 14, 2012

Rebif (interferon beta-1a) for Multiple Sclerosis "First off, I was diagnosed with MS about a year ago, after having many relapses in a 6 month period. I was put on Rebif and after that I have not seen one more problem. It has given me a wonderful peace of mind. Second, I know there is a long list of side effects, however, I have not had one, So I take my shot anytime during the day. Third, my insurance is through Pfizer, which is the co-producer of this drug, so therefore I dont pay a penny out of pocket for this drug. Honestly, thank God for this remarkable drug!"

• Anonymous
• April 7, 2008

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""

• Anonymous
• June 28, 2011

Avonex (interferon beta-1a) for Multiple Sclerosis "I have been an MS patient since I was 17, I am 29 now, I have been using Avonex for 10 years now and am so happy with the results. I take it before I go to bed at night on a weekend, I also take a couple of Tylenol with codeine (#1) and usually only have a slight headache when I wake up in the morning. I do get a lot of migraines, but who knows if that has anything to do with the medication or the fact that I have Multiple Sclerosis. Avonex has worked wonders for me, I usually only have an MS attack on average every 3 to 4 years and they aren't usually that severe. I have relapsing and remitting MS. I would recommend Avonex to anyone who is newly diagnosed. It has changed my life."

• hwat
• February 21, 2011

Rebif (interferon beta-1a) for Multiple Sclerosis "I was diagnosed with MS in 07/2009 and started this medication in 11/2009. I was titrated up to 22 mg and then titrated up to the 44mg within 4 months of starting medicines. I got an emergency phone call from the Neuro. office after routine blood work came back telling me to immediately move back down to 22mg dose. I had elevated liver enzymes for an entire year on this medication. Finally the levels dropped to normal range. Four months after the liver enzymes normalized I stopped having the flu like symptoms (Fever, headache, general unwell feeling). I take a Naproxen about an hour before each shot. I still get site reactions and some bruising at injection site (and burning when medicine is going in). I use the RebiSmart Injector."

• Tucso...
• January 24, 2012

Rebif (interferon beta-1a) for Multiple Sclerosis "EXTREMELY blessed to have insurance coverage for this medicine. I have Multiple Sclerosis and am 29 years old. I have been sick for about 3 years now, which was about 6 months after the birth of my first and only child. My prior conditions are mostly autoimmune, ranging from Cardiomyopathy to Crohn's Disease. My disabilities from Multiple Sclerosis include right leg/foot drop or weakness, numbness, urinary issues, balance issues, SEVERE nerve pain, etc. I have been on Rebif for a month and have titrated up to the highest level of 44mcg. I have extreme fatigue, bruising at injection site, and flu like symptoms, but I have noticed the longer I have been on it, the better my worst days are. So I am praying this will work."

• Pammert
• October 26, 2011

Avonex (interferon beta-1a) for Multiple Sclerosis "I recommend Avonex 100%. I have had MS 8 yrs and since have had no new lesions or episodes. The flu-like symptoms were bad for the first 3 or 4 years but have since basically disappeared. Occasionally, I will have headaches the morning after the shot. Hope this helps you in your decision to choose Avonex."

• Anonymous
• September 23, 2010

Rebif (interferon beta-1a) for Multiple Sclerosis "I have been on Rebif for a little over 8 years. I still get fever/chills sometimes during the nights I have a shot. This medication has been a life saver for me. I have had no relapses since I began."

• Anonymous
• October 1, 2010

Rebif (interferon beta-1a) for Multiple Sclerosis "I was diagnosed with MS almost a year and half ago. I was on Avonex, but symptoms seems to worsen, so my Doctor switched me to Rebif. I wish I had taken this medication from the beginning! I love love love this injection! I have been on Rebif for almost a month now and can already tell a difference. I have not had any symptoms in 4 days! Which is really good for me, because I always have symptoms everyday. I recommend this to everyone! I have had no side effects, but headache. Its been great for me. No injection irritations at all."

• Eugene...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• December 17, 2012

Avonex (interferon beta-1a) for Multiple Sclerosis "I started Avonex about 6 months after diagnosis. I got terribly sick after injecting. It was like coming down with the flu once a week. I felt feverish and painfully achy. I took naproxen and that helped. Later on I asked my neurologist for Vicodin to help out with the achy pain. Together the medicines helped the side effects. I never miss a week and as I injected more and more, the side effects have lessened to the point that with Vicodin I can work well on my injection days. I cannot sleep thru the night on an injection. I sleep poorly and wake up in pain several times. I have not had a relapse in five years on Avonex though my balance and leg have slowly worsened somewhat. I still work my feet full time."

• Anonymous
• May 17, 2009

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."

• K Murph
• September 19, 2015

Rebif (interferon beta-1a) for Multiple Sclerosis "Diagnosed with MS April 2006 after getting double vision. Started using Rebif August 2006. Experienced head aches and fatigue the day after a shot once I tritrated up to the full dose. Was definitely more severe in the beginning, but lessened with time. Ibuprofen has always worked best for me for managing the side effects. 2013 - found out I had Thyroid cancer, and had my thyroid removed. I did not have to stop taking Rebif during this time. Also, first new lesion presented on an MRI - that is 7 years with no remarkable change. September 2015 -- just found out my white blood cell count has dropped remarkably in the last 3 months (I get a Complete Blood Count and liver function done every 3 months, religiously) Probable side effect. Told to stop meds for 1 mo"

• ASYL
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• April 3, 2013

Rebif (interferon beta-1a) for Multiple Sclerosis "Diagnosed in 1999 and was placed on Rebif since 2004. Never had any other meds. Overall Rebif was good for me, I had 3 years with a minor relapse in each year (but did steroid treatment to resolve) and then I had no relapses, I must admit that I would skip at least 2 times a year and give myself a Rebif holiday- a week of not taking Rebif, (I don't recommend this!) I would always let me doctor know. Despite my success, I stopped in 10/2012 because Rebif never let me feel like myself and I was ALWAYS tired and sluggish. Unfortunately, in 3/2013 I had a terrible relapse that landed me in the hospital for a few days. My neuro said it was aggressive and wants me on Tysabri now. "

• Feeli...
• February 11, 2017

Avonex (interferon beta-1a) for Multiple Sclerosis "I am sorry to hear of those of you for whom Avonex hasn't worked. Either I am in a minority or just lucky with how it has helped me, I have been on Avonex for almost nine years and he first month was a challenge....shivers and aches shortly after my injections. Ever since, however, it has only been a minor inconvenience. I take two Advil an hour before my shot and only experience what I call a bit of a "funk" 24 hours later, other than that, it is a breeze, thank goodness! My biggest challenge was the 1-1/ 4 inch needles so I changed to 1 inch. Much less daunting! I have never missed a shot in almost nine years and don't plan to miss one going forward. Best to all of us MSer's!"

• JustF...
• June 10, 2015

Rebif (interferon beta-1a) for Multiple Sclerosis "I am 21 years old and was diagnosed with MS in 2009. I began Rebif 44mcg March 2015 and unfortunately I have experienced most, if not all of the side effects: fevers, flu, chills, numbness, joint pains, headaches, bruising, nausea, vision issues, bladder issues, etc. I am hoping this drug is for me because I really don't want to have to start over with another one. The injections started off with severe pains, so much so that I am unable to walk after an injection for the rest of the day. But as time past, it is evident that my worse days have gotten better. No relapses so far. I'm hoping these side effects don't stay..."

• Anonymous
• September 5, 2008

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."

• Franf...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• January 6, 2014

Avonex (interferon beta-1a) for Multiple Sclerosis "I HAVE FOUND THE INPUT YOU GUYS HAVE GIVEN TO BE EXTREMELY HELPFUL! I was diagnosed Dec of 2012. I have been on this medicine for about 10 months. I have had symptoms for years before seeing a neurologist. Aside from the side effects that everyone has mentioned, I have been doing great! Now 24, I am in the free medication program, which is a blessing! Hopefully it works as well for me as it had for all of you that has shared. Stay strong in your journey!"