Interferon beta-1a and Chills: What Users Say

• DRE...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• April 22, 2015

For Multiple Sclerosis "I have been on Rebif 44 mg for 3 years now ever since I was diagnosed. I do my injections at bedtime with a little bit of ibuprofen. I have no family history of MS. When I was diagnosed, I was in denial, disbelief, and very angry. Why me?!! I have so much left I want to do... The side effects I experienced are fever, chills, flu-like symptoms, and next-day dizziness, which were severe for the first year, but no more attacks. Now I experience general fatigue the day after the shot until about noon. I wake up feeling very hot sometimes. The good news is since being on Rebif, only one new lesion has been stopped with steroids. And I have come to terms with the question of why me, to what am I supposed to learn from this. You can live with this and live well."

• 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!"

• Jus...
• June 10, 2015

For Multiple Sclerosis "I am 21 years old and was diagnosed with MS in 2009. I began Rebif 44 mcg in 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 passed, it is evident that my worst days have gotten better. No relapses so far. I'm hoping these side effects don't stay..."

• Cil...
• February 7, 2014

For Multiple Sclerosis "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!"

• fed...
• December 9, 2016

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. 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."

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

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."

• chi...
• March 25, 2010

For Multiple Sclerosis "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."

• 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."

• Lin...
• June 4, 2009

For Multiple Sclerosis "I've been using this medication since February 2009, when I was diagnosed, and I can't complain much. Most problems I have are a small amount of chills after injection the day after, maybe a little tired, but in 1-2 days, I'm good to go. I've found some benefits too, cognition is better, a small difference, but still, it's something. I have a feeling of normality that I've not had in years, not sure if that's the medicine though, or just knowing what the heck has been wrong with me all this time."

• Anonymous
• September 23, 2010

For Multiple Sclerosis "I have been on Rebif for a little over 8 years. I still get fever/chills sometimes during the nights I have a shot. This medication has been a lifesaver for me. I have had no relapses since I began."