Interferon beta-1a User Reviews & Ratings (Page 2)

Brand names: Avonex, Rebif, Avonex Pen, Rebif Rebidose, Avonex Prefilled Syringe

Interferon beta-1a has an average rating of 7.4 out of 10 from a total of 95 reviews on Drugs.com. 70% of reviewers reported a positive experience, while 17% reported a negative experience.

Reviews for Interferon beta-1a

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"

9 / 10

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19 Report

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. "

9 / 10

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23 Report

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."

8 / 10

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29 Report

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""

10 / 10

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30 Report

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..."

4 / 10

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19 Report

Are you taking this medicine?

squirt
December 8, 2010

Rebif (interferon beta-1a) for Multiple Sclerosis "I have been diagnosed with MS since April '09. I was first given Copaxone but that medication failed for me. My Doctor then decided to put me on Rebif and there was only time that I had forgotten to take Aspirin before taking the shot and that time I felt really bad the next day... other than that one time, the only other problem that I dislike about taking Rebif is the concept of giving myself a shot but the good part about Rebif is that it has kept me in remission for roughly a year now. "

9 / 10

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24 Report

Sissy
March 7, 2018

Avonex (interferon beta-1a) for Multiple Sclerosis "I am an RN working on my master's degree. I used to be an Avonex nurse. The biggest issue I found regarding the flu-like symptoms is that people forget to hydrate well the day of and sometimes the day before the injection. Or, they were ill some days before the injection (vomiting or diarrhea maybe from a stomach bug), or, they ran a marathon a few days before. Always consult your physician on hydration but unless you have fluid restrictions for medical reasons, you should be drinking 8 glasses of water a day (usually 64 ounces a day), or more if you exercise and are active regularly. You must stay hydrated with MS especially if you will be out in the sun to prevent the "flare" symptoms. (There are some blog sites for MS patients that swear by eating pineapple before the injection too - something about the enzymes in pineapple that helps combat side effects, and many patients reported this to me as well.)"

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safy
April 26, 2015

Avonex (interferon beta-1a) for Multiple Sclerosis "I have been on Avenox for about 2 years now and had no relapses. When I started the medication I had horrible side effects. I almost changed the medication, but thank god it got better with time. What I like about Avenox is that it is only once a week, because I'm afraid of needles."

10 / 10

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17 Report

SamIAm
Taken for 10 years or more
December 16, 2018

Avonex Pen (interferon beta-1a) for Multiple Sclerosis "I have been using Avonex since 1999. It has given me a wonderful quality of life with MS. I began using the pen for my injections when it first came out and have never had a problem until the past 4 months or so. My wife gives my injections and there have been 6 pens we could not get to inject despite her putting both thumbs on the button while standing and using all of her strength (she is 180 lbs.). We have also had about 5 pens that would finally inject after this same procedure but have caused me tremendous pain because of going so deep into my leg. What has changed with the design/manufacturer? This is causing us both tremendous anxiety on shot night."

10 / 10

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11 Report

Jenfi...
February 21, 2018

Avonex (interferon beta-1a) for Multiple Sclerosis "I have been on avonex since August 2017 had flu like symptoms after injecting but went away after 24 hours now 7 months later feeling anxious , sleepless nights dizzy spells , weakness and unstable when walking. Anyone else had this experience I am not sure if it's medicine related or not but can't help thinking it is . Thinking about changing my meds but don't think I could inject more than once a week ...."

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12 Report

GAW
August 14, 2008

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."

10 / 10

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23 Report

Poor...
January 30, 2012

Avonex (interferon beta-1a) for Multiple Sclerosis "I was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis 6 years ago. I had/have mild symptoms. I began taking Avonex immediately and have had no significant change in symptoms. I take 1 Aleve an hour before my injection. I chose the last night of my work week so I can't dread "the day." I rotate my injection-left thigh, left hip, right hip, right thigh. I think this will help avoid irritation, though I've never had a problem anyway. My husband gives me my shot so I don't have to look at the needle. I also cough because someone told me you can't tense other muscles during a cough. I relax, and he injects the needle on my second cough. Many times I don't feel a thing. When I do it's minimal. Hip shots are the easiest. I always make sure the Avonex is at room temperature."

9 / 10

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19 Report

Bon...
Taken for 5 to 10 years
April 23, 2018

Avonex (interferon beta-1a) for Multiple Sclerosis "I’m a former Critical Care RN was diagnosed with MS officially in 1994 but the Neurologist’s think it started in 1986. After many years of not taking any medication instead of high dose steroids for an occasional fare up I started Avonex. Have been on this drug for about 6 years, with a premeditation of 2 extra strength Tylenol 1 hour before. I have really had no problems at all, the biggest difficulty was the pen used for injections I did not have enough strength needed so I had the medication sent in a regular syringe and that works fine. The biggest bonus is the fabulous sleep that I get the night of injection and the overall good feeling the morning after."

9 / 10

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Abonex
April 10, 2023

Avonex (interferon beta-1a) for Multiple Sclerosis "I have been on Avonex for 19 years, and through those years, doctors have suggested I use the pill or other medications I do not need to inject once a week. I always say “If it ain’t broke don’t fix it". I am staying on this medication until there is a cure, hopefully in my time. My suggestion to anyone taking this medicine is to take it before you go to sleep and the next day you do not do any strenuous activities. This medicine has helped me, I have not missed a shot within the 19 years I have been on it. All those taking this medicine, be consistent."

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3 Report

NC Swim
February 2, 2012

Avonex (interferon beta-1a) for Multiple Sclerosis "I've only been on Avonex for 2 weeks, but I have not experienced any of the bad side effects that others have mentioned. Had just a slight headache the first time, and nothing today. I do take 2 ibuprofen twice on injection day, along with an Aleve and perhaps 2 liters of water. Despite my initial fears, the injection is painless."

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Anonymous
Taken for 5 to 10 years
August 7, 2012

Avonex (interferon beta-1a) for Multiple Sclerosis "I was responsible for my insurance deductible, but the insurance covered the rest. This once a week medication is very convenient, and I would recommend it. After the first few injections I had the chills and flu like symptoms, and the symptoms decreased as time went on. After the initial few issues, I injected weekly without symptoms. "

9 / 10

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17 Report

fed...
December 9, 2016

Avonex (interferon beta-1a) for Multiple Sclerosis "My doctor like so many others I'm reading, left it up to me to decide which drug to try first. I have systemic health issues, MS is just one of them on the list. I tried the Avonex pen Monday 12/5/16, and the side effects sent me to the ER yesterday. 5 days of misery. I'm having trouble urinating, complete body muscle pain when I move, dizzy, and non stop random chills sweats. Its intolerable. Here's what you need to know that the drug companies and doctors aren't telling us. There's no drug to counteract the side effects from this drug and it will be in your system for 30days. To hear this from the ER doctor sent me over the edge. I would've NEVER tried this drug had I'd known this. Not to mention the non stop calls from Bio wallgreens."

1 / 10

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mrsja...
October 23, 2011

Avonex (interferon beta-1a) for Multiple Sclerosis "I took Avonez for 3 1/2 years. I experienced the flu-like reaction about 70% of the time. I fell frequently and was extremely depressed. I did the injections in late afternoon (Friday) and was down for 24 -48 hours. My recent MRI showed more MS activity. I am now trying a different medication."

3 / 10

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17 Report

Lisa_P
October 7, 2013

Avonex Pen (interferon beta-1a) for Multiple Sclerosis "Avonex is good because it's once a week; the Pen makes it so much more convenient. Unlike my experience with Copaxone and Rebif, I have very few (if any) site reactions. I have used Avonex in all it's forms (powder you have to mix yourself, prefilled syringes, and now the Pen) and the Pen is the only one with almost NO flu-like side effects! Love it!"

10 / 10

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14 Report

Dee
October 8, 2020

Avonex (interferon beta-1a) for Multiple Sclerosis "Diagnosed with MS in 1998 and have used Avonex since then. Very content with this med. I take either ibuprofen or acetaminophen prior to injecting. No problems. I am thankful. Biogen helps with the cost."

10 / 10

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6 Report

Saudi...
Taken for 5 to 10 years
November 27, 2015

Rebif (interferon beta-1a) for Multiple Sclerosis "I was diagnosed in 2005. Started out Rebif on 2007 then I had many symptoms when I was on it, less sensation in my tongue, hands, feet and also vertigo. I changed the interferon to another type which I take more often but still same as interferon not sure about the name was horrible too then changed to avonix it was the worst I stopped all since 2011 and never had any symptom since then but I will search and start something."

3 / 10

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Anonymous
July 11, 2009

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."

9 / 10

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marco
Taken for 5 to 10 years
December 2, 2013

Avonex Pen (interferon beta-1a) for Multiple Sclerosis "Diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis at age 32, apparently the sweet spot for diagnosis. Started taking Avonex about 10 years ago and welcomed the Pen, haven't had any MS symptoms for over 3 years. Still get 'flu like symptoms'. I take extra strength Ibuprofen before injection and it helps to make life easier to handle."

10 / 10

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13 Report

Marge
Taken for 10 years or more
September 21, 2018

Rebif (interferon beta-1a) for Multiple Sclerosis "I've taken rebif off and on for about 15 years. My MS has gotten worse, but not tremendously. My biggest problem with rebif is the side effects are starting to become worse than my MS. To the point where I'm probably going to have to talk to my doctor about getting off. The side effects caused a crushing headache, extreme fatigue to the point where I can't play with my daughter and general malaise. I've tried other MS medication such as tecfidera and betaseron but they had other issues, which is why I stopped using them."

5 / 10

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8 Report

CODY
July 21, 2008

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."

10 / 10

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17 Report

Reviews may be edited to correct grammar/spelling or to remove inappropriate language and content. Reviews that appear to be created by parties with a vested interest are not published. This information is not intended to endorse any particular medication. While these reviews may be helpful, they are not a substitute for the expertise, knowledge, and judgement of healthcare professionals.