Interferon beta-1a and Numbness: What Users Say

• hst...
• July 25, 2013

For Multiple Sclerosis "I was diagnosed in Nov 2006. Avonex did not work, so early in 2007, I started on Rebif. Six years, no relapses. I would get very bad headaches on the two-day stretch with no Rebif. I made the mistake of stopping my Rebif for about six months, and I had a relapse. Face is numb, and legs and feet tingly. I regret stopping for the six months. I should have called MS Lifelines and figured out how to manage the headaches. Regardless, I am back on Rebif and will gladly suffer a headache if I don't suffer any more relapses. If the going's good... don't quit!"

• 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..."

• 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."