Avonex Pen for Multiple Sclerosis User Reviews

• Ste...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• September 16, 2020

"I was diagnosed with RRMS in 2011 and have been taking Avonex since (the pen kit for the past five years). At the time of diagnosis, I was having severe electrical sensations from my neck all the way to my toes when my neck was flexed downward (Lhermitte's sign). My other symptom was numbness in my fingers and toes. After my first month on Avonex, the electrical sensations stopped, as did the numbness. The only symptom I feel now is very slight occasional vibrating/tingling from my neck sometimes for short periods, and chronic fatigue, which I have learned to manage well. I used to get the flu-like symptoms from Avonex 3-4 times per year, but have not had any symptoms from Avonex in several years. My neurologist said I have had no new lesions or disease progression over the past 9 years. And Biogen covers my $120 copay every 28 days. I am very thankful for Avonex!"

• Sam...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• December 16, 2018

"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."

• mar...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• December 2, 2013

"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."

• Lis...
• October 7, 2013

"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 its 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!"

• ADD...
• February 17, 2016

"After diagnosis of MS in 2008, I researched the available MS medications. I chose Avonex, my brain lesions have decreased and shrunk. My symptoms have improved. I have not had a relapse. This medication has been a godsend for me. Now I will have to switch to another medication because of insurance. I'm researching the approved meds, and none are meeting my needs. I believe in Avonex."

• CVH...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• February 24, 2015

"I started on Betaseron when it came out. I changed to Avonex when it came out, mainly because it was once a week. I get the side effects of flu-like symptoms, usually a few hours the next day. I have continued to be active and have no new lesions. It has worked for me so far. I'm 60, so I have been blessed."

• Biz...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• March 4, 2015

"I have been using Avonex since October 2008. When the pen was made available, I was ecstatic! This meant I didn't have to rely on my husband to do the syringe injection, without seeing a needle, I could do it myself. I used the pen for about 2.5 years. In that time, several mishaps occurred: the blue button wouldn't work, the needle fell out, the final problem: the needle stuck in my leg after pulling the pen from my leg! Needless to say, I am back to depending on my husband again. The flu-like symptoms are the same with both forms of injection. I would go back to the pen in a heartbeat if it had been improved and dependable."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 10 years or more
• November 23, 2024

"I was diagnosed in 1999. I was in my 40's. I was put on Avonex. My doctor always said I was the poster child for MS. No one had any idea I had MS. Then my insurance company refused to pay for Avonex. My doctor said I was okay to go off meds because I had had no lesions or flares. Wrong!! The fifth month I had a flare and still have issues today, 6 years later. Then he tried me on Tecfidera, it caused low white count, which they tell me is permanent. Then Plegridy, which I had terrible side effects at the injection site. The red area was as big as a soccer ball. Went back on Avonex, and I've been doing fantastic again!! Had two weeks this year where I actually felt 100 percent normal. I LOVE Avonex and Biogen. I found out this open enrollment. I can't find anyone that covers Avonex through Medicare."

• msc...
• January 25, 2015

"Been on Avonex for more than 10 years. The flu-like symptoms just never get better. In bed for 2 days, sick with fever. However, I had no major flare-ups in years!"

• Jon...
• September 3, 2017

"I have been taking Avonex for eighteen years. I called it the wonder drug. I've got my life back, and I feel great."

• Cdc...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• February 28, 2022

"Worked well for 17 years, but after the Covid-19 vaccines, it didn’t help against developing 13 new lesions within a 4-month period."

• Hdj...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• October 27, 2023

"I have been using Avonex (in one form or another) since 1998. The pen is so convenient. I pray that I will always be able to have access to this medication."

• Fed...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• May 30, 2018

"I can't stand the Avonex Pen. It sticks and you don't get the full dose. The needle is small, does it routinely inject in the muscle? The prefilled syringe is better."

• Suz...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• January 31, 2020

"I just went to take my injection when I went to push the plastic down to get the needle ready, it was stuck, and the needle pushed through my index finger. It went through my finger."