Interferon beta-1a for Multiple Sclerosis User Reviews (Page 2)

• Anonymous
• September 5, 2008

"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 cannot be seen."

• Jen...
• February 21, 2018

"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."

• sou...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• January 6, 2017

"Rebif is effectively the Indian rope trick and very dangerous. All beta interferons cause more harm to the weak body than doing any good. The pharmaceutical lobby sponsors clinical trials and whitewashing the results in relative numbering so they can sell the poisonous drugs. The drugs inflict harm to: - thyroid - blood - kidney - liver - at long intake risk possibly that your body develops antibodies against beta interferon and might attack your body's own interferons. Google on the web for the Avonex trial that was rigged and initially the NHS healthcare in the UK banned the medication to be financed. It did cost the NHS 700 million GBP for a drug that holds off a single relapse in 14 years."

• Cil...
• February 7, 2014

"I had my first shot yesterday at 15:00 and had body pain and shivers at 19:00, but no side effects at all this morning. I've been diagnosed in 2007 and dreaded interferon side effects, and now, to my great surprise, none whatsoever! In South Africa, Avonex gives great support, they have Avonex MS nurses who assist with the first 3 shots, so no worries on the injection either. Overall, I am elated this morning!"

• squ...
• December 8, 2010

"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 one 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."

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

"I have found the input you guys have given to be extremely helpful! I was diagnosed in December 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 has for all of you that have shared. Stay strong in your journey!"

• GAW...
• August 14, 2008

"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."

• saf...
• April 26, 2015

"I have been on Avonex 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 Avonex is that it is only once a week, because I'm afraid of needles."

• Sis...
• March 7, 2018

"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.)"

• Poo...
• January 30, 2012

"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."

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

"I’m a former Critical Care RN, was diagnosed with MS officially in 1994, but the neurologists think it started in 1986. After many years of not taking any medication, instead of high-dose steroids for an occasional flare-up, I started Avonex. I have been on this drug for about 6 years, with a premedication 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."

• 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."

• NC ...
• February 2, 2012

"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."

• mrs...
• October 23, 2011

"I took Avonex 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."

• Anonymous
• July 11, 2009

"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 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."

• 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."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• August 7, 2012

"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."

• fed...
• December 9, 2016

"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. Five days of misery. I'm having trouble urinating, complete body muscle pain when I move, dizzy, and nonstop random chills and sweats. It's 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 30 days. To hear this from the ER doctor sent me over the edge. I would've NEVER tried this drug had I known this. Not to mention the nonstop calls from Bio Walgreens."

• 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!"

• Mar...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• September 21, 2018

"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 medications such as Tecfidera and Betaseron, but they had other issues, which is why I stopped using them."

• Dee...
• October 8, 2020

"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."

• chi...
• March 25, 2010

"I have had MS for over 25 years now and have been on Avonex for about 2 months. I find the shots to be tolerable (given to me by someone else), and the side effects are not too horrible. About 6 hours after injection, I have chills, muscle and joint aches, and a slight headache. These effects last for approx. 4 hours. The following day, I feel tired but okay. Not sure if it is helping. I hope so... time will tell. After all is said and done, the shots and the side effects are not so bad."

• Mar...
• June 17, 2011

"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."

• msg...
• November 15, 2008

"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 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."

• The...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• March 20, 2020

"I have been using Avonex for 15 years now, and I have had no new lesions after year two on the spine or brain. Which shows how positive this drug is for slowing the MS process down. Hate the side effects, but love the med!"