Interferon beta-1a and Body Aches: What Users Say

• Nhl...
• September 13, 2017

For Multiple Sclerosis "I just started this medication. With each injection, the side effects have gotten worse. I did my 3rd dose last night, and I'm miserable. The body/muscle aches, headaches, etc. are about unbearable. Each time, I took two 500 mg Tylenol before my injection as recommended by my training nurse. I was told about the flu-like symptoms, read the booklet my neuro gave me, but I thought the symptoms would subside at least halfway through the next day. I am so pained. I keep taking Tylenol and even my muscle relaxer, hoping for relief. But nothing seems to help. I called into Biogen after my 2nd dose. No help. Copaxone gave me bad brain fog and injection site reactions. Tecfidera kept me in the bathroom in unbelievable pain. Not sure what to do now."

• 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."

• Fee...
• February 11, 2017

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 the 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 MSers!"

• COD...
• July 21, 2008

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 it's over about 6 hours later."

• Kar...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• October 5, 2021

For Multiple Sclerosis "I've been on Avonex for the past 25 years and have been VERY happy with it. I get some chills and achiness the day of the injection, but as long as I take Motrin or Tylenol, it's under control. Very few new lesions from when I was first diagnosed. Sadly, my insurance just changed, and my new one doesn't cover Avonex. So I'm looking at other treatments and am not happy about it."

• Emg...
• March 10, 2010

For Multiple Sclerosis "I began using Avonex when I was diagnosed in March of 2007. I think it has done wonders to stave off the progress of the disease. I have not had a major relapse since being on the medication, nor have I ever had an injection site reaction. Side effects were aches and flu-like symptoms the following day, which subsided with the following techniques: Day of injection, filling up on fluids. Two hours prior to injection, taking two ibuprofen. Injection in the buttocks rather than thigh-this made a big difference. Injecting two hours prior to bed, then taking one more ibuprofen before sleep. Keeping hydrated the day after the injection. I love that it's once a week and there are no red sores from the injection as with other MS medicines."