Interferon beta-1a and Tiredness: What Users Say

• Nur...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• March 29, 2014

For Multiple Sclerosis "I have been on Avonex for about 5 years and have had no relapses. Have had Multiple Sclerosis for 14 years. Great to have 1 injection a week rather than 3 with Rebif, which I was on before or Copaxone every day. The only drawback is the headache and tiredness felt the day after. These symptoms have not improved at all for 5 years. Starting to have spasm attacks at night recently, so might change to another medicine. Very effective medicine, though, never had any relapses, and that's the most important thing!"

• ASY...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• April 3, 2013

For Multiple Sclerosis "Diagnosed in 1999 and was placed on Rebif since 2004. Never had any other meds. Overall, Rebif was good for me. I had 3 years with a minor relapse in each year (but did steroid treatment to resolve), and then I had no relapses. I must admit that I would skip at least 2 times a year and give myself a Rebif holiday-a week of not taking Rebif (I don't recommend this!). I would always let my doctor know. Despite my success, I stopped in 10/2012 because Rebif never let me feel like myself and I was ALWAYS tired and sluggish. Unfortunately, in 3/2013 I had a terrible relapse that landed me in the hospital for a few days. My neuro said it was aggressive and wants me on Tysabri now."

• 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."

• msg...
• November 15, 2008

For Multiple Sclerosis "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."

• Car...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• September 11, 2021

For Multiple Sclerosis "Not a lover of injections, but once a week I will persevere. It’s been about five years since I had a flare-up. It’s just the psychological thought of the IM injection, which truthfully doesn’t really hurt. I will continue with this as it’s working, and I am taking my injection on Saturday night. The following day, I am very tired, but it’s Sunday, so a day to relax!"

• 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."