Interferon beta-1a and Flu-Like Symptoms: What Users Say

• joe...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• December 21, 2012

For Multiple Sclerosis "I was on it for 18 months. It was like taking a shot of the flu every week. The side effects never got better. After massive amounts of research, I finally went to supplements, healthy eating, mindfulness, taking toxins out of my daily life, exercise, and of course, prayer. I still live with my MS symptoms, but I will work out at the gym, I will ride my bike 100 miles this week, and continue working productively. Don't ever give up!"

• 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."

• Mar...
• July 9, 2013

For Multiple Sclerosis "I am a 31-year-old male, 200 lbs, and was diagnosed with RR Multiple Sclerosis in Feb. 2012. After losing sight in one eye and some steroid treatment, my vision returned, however, the color is still a little off. My neurologist put me on Rebif immediately. Since I have been on Rebif, I have not experienced any major relapses. Just some tremors now and then and other minor symptoms that may just be permanent nerve damage. I take the 44 mcg dose at bedtime with 400 mg of ibuprofen, it seems to help me sleep through the night. I do get headaches often, but the ibuprofen seems to help (not eliminate them). I also get flu symptoms sometimes the day after I take a shot, but not always. My liver enzymes are slightly elevated, but nothing to worry about. Thank you, Rebif."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 10 years or more
• July 11, 2012

For Multiple Sclerosis "I have been taking Avonex for close to 16 years, and my biggest fear in the world is losing access to it. I started on Betaseron but had to stop because of injection site reactions and severe flu symptoms. I had been through everything: complete invalidity, lying in a hospital bed to basically healthy, with no noticeable symptoms at all. But since being on the Avonex, I have only very minor exacerbations, less than one per year. In the last 10+ years, I have not missed any work or canceled any vacations for MS issues. My only problem is the cost."

• Pam...
• October 26, 2011

For Multiple Sclerosis "I recommend Avonex 100%. I have had MS for 8 years, and since then, I have had no new lesions or episodes. The flu-like symptoms were bad for the first 3 or 4 years but have since basically disappeared. Occasionally, I will have headaches the morning after the shot. Hope this helps you in your decision to choose Avonex."

• 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."

• hwa...
• February 21, 2011

For Multiple Sclerosis "I was diagnosed with MS in 07/2009 and started this medication in 11/2009. I was titrated up to 22 mg and then titrated up to the 44 mg within 4 months of starting medicines. I got an emergency phone call from the neuro office after routine blood work came back telling me to immediately move back down to 22 mg dose. I had elevated liver enzymes for an entire year on this medication. Finally, the levels dropped to normal range. Four months after the liver enzymes normalized, I stopped having the flu-like symptoms (fever, headache, general unwell feeling). I take a naproxen about an hour before each shot. I still get site reactions and some bruising at the injection site (and burning when the medicine is going in). I use the RebiSmart Injector."

• Tuc...
• January 24, 2012

For Multiple Sclerosis "Extremely blessed to have insurance coverage for this medicine. I have multiple sclerosis and am 29 years old. I have been sick for about 3 years now, which was about 6 months after the birth of my first and only child. My prior conditions are mostly autoimmune, ranging from cardiomyopathy to Crohn's disease. My disabilities from multiple sclerosis include right leg/foot drop or weakness, numbness, urinary issues, balance issues, severe nerve pain, etc. I have been on Rebif for a month and have titrated up to the highest level of 44 mcg. I have extreme fatigue, bruising at the injection site, and flu-like symptoms, but I have noticed the longer I have been on it, the better my worst days are. So I am praying this will work."

• Anonymous
• April 7, 2008

For Multiple Sclerosis "I have been using it for 7 years and have not had an episode since. I have a very mild case, but my diagnosis was more than 15 years ago, so I was concerned about the secondary progressive symptoms of MS...none to report to date. I have found with the flu-like side effects that if I take the shot about 2 hours before bed and sleep for 6 hours without interruption, then I do not suffer from any side effects. The side effects are not as severe as in the beginning, they are just aching joints that are irritating, not 'painful.'"

• You...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• January 21, 2016

For Multiple Sclerosis "I have been taking Avonex for over ten years now. I always take it at room temperature, one hour before bed and on Saturday nights so I can relax the next day. I only had flu-like symptoms when I first started taking it or if I missed a couple of weeks. I take two Motrin when going to bed and never have any issues sleeping. I have had MS for over 20 years now and have found Avonex to work best for me. I have one or two pseudo-exacerbations each year but have had no major flares for years now, knocking on wood..."

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

For Multiple Sclerosis "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!"

• 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..."

• 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."

• Sis...
• March 7, 2018

For Multiple Sclerosis "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.)"

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

For Multiple Sclerosis "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

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."

• Lis...
• October 7, 2013

For Multiple Sclerosis "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!"

• Msr...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• August 5, 2017

For Multiple Sclerosis "I am almost 68 years old; diagnosed with LOMS in '15. Immediately went on Avonex (weekly self-injectable pen). Symptoms have not progressed, and I am stable over the past 2.5 years. I do well with the shots; have learned to travel with medication and have taken care of my needs worldwide! I initially had flu-like symptoms post-injection, but they dissipated over time. Here at 30 months later, I had a really bad episode of wracking chills and muscle aches just last PM. I feel worn out and sore this AM. Why, after all this time, did I have this reaction? I have never missed a dose, so it's not like I am reintroducing medication to my system. Is anyone else having this problem?"

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

For Multiple Sclerosis "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."

• Ter...
• April 19, 2017

For Multiple Sclerosis "I've been on Avonex almost eight months. A little flu-like symptoms the following day. It gets worse if I've had too much coffee, less 'achey' if I'm drinking plenty of water the day before. I'm fairly new to MS, so I don't know if it's stopping the lesions, but I feel better than a year ago. Fortunately, I am in a copay assistance program, so it's zero out of pocket. Thank you, Biogen."

• Tam...
• May 17, 2022

For Multiple Sclerosis "This was my second shot at medication. After my first injection, I had severe flu-like symptoms that lasted for 24 hours: banging headache, aching limbs, vomiting, unable to mobilize much. I tried injecting at night and would take some painkillers an hour before to see if it helped with the flu-like symptoms. At first, it seemed to not be as bad. However, I ended up having to take every Tuesday off work (injection night was Monday before bed), and it got to a point I couldn't even take my daughter to or pick her up from school on the Tuesday, I had to rely on family. I was on this medication for just shy of one year, and the time frame for the side effects just increased, going from 24 hours to sometimes 6 days. Eventually, enough was enough, I am a single mum, and the only reason I am trying medications is to ensure my daughter still had her mum present and able, which was not the case with this medication."

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

For Multiple Sclerosis "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."

• 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."

• smi...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• May 10, 2016

For Multiple Sclerosis "I had no issues the first 6 months on Rebif. Medicated before each injection, so didn't get the flu-like symptoms. However, things changed starting at month 6. Started getting red, itchy spots at the injection sites. Also got cellulitis 4 times. And to top it off, got 1 new lesion. Still on it, but in the process of switching to Tysabri. 2 lesions did shrink in size though."