Avonex and Insomnia: What Users Say

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

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 through 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."

• Jen...
• February 21, 2018

For Multiple Sclerosis "I have been on Avonex since August 2017, had flu-like symptoms after injecting, but they 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."

• Mar...
• June 17, 2011

For Multiple Sclerosis "I have been on Avonex for 1 month. I chose it due to the injections once a week. I do not even feel the needle or medication go in. I do ice the area well for 3 minutes and make sure the alcohol dries completely before injecting with the smaller needle. Each week the side effects have been easier, but they are still quite strong. I do sleep 8 hours after the injection but wake feeling like I did not sleep at all and like I was run over by a truck until about 20 hours after the injection. It has taken 3 days to get my energy back so far. However, I do notice that my Multiple Sclerosis symptoms have improved, and I have had feeling in my left foot for the first time since my first attack 3 months ago, so that makes it worth sticking with for now."