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Avonex...Any luck with it?

I was just diagnosed with Ms 3 weeks ago.My neurologist said he is going to treat me with Avonex.Is anyone on that and does it cause you any side effects?Does it seem to work good as far as spacing out your episodes?Any info would be appreciated, thank you.
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Avatar universal
No,results yet.I hope the flu symptoms pass fast with me too.My Dr diagnosed me off my symtoms and MRI.They found I had optic neuritis and several large lessions in the white matter of my brain.Also acouple other things too but I forgot what they are called.I have an appt the 14th so I guess I will get my results then???Hopefully sooner though.He was doing the LP to see what treatment would be best and make sure there were no infections etc.He said there is no doubt in his mind that I have MS from all the evidence put together.I'll keep you posted and thank you very much for taking the time to write me.This is a very hard process as you know.Take care and hope to hear from you soon!!!
Sarah
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198419 tn?1360242356
Hi there,

Any results of your LP yet? How are you feeling?  For me, the flu-like symptoms from Rebif did pass (same med, dbl the dose and subq. injection), hope it does for you too when you start.  Did the Dr. dx you w/out the LP results? Or, is he/she waiting for this to cement the dx?

Hope to see you back soon.

Shelly
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Thank you so much for sharing all of your experiences with me.I did hear about the mild flu like symptoms that is why I was kind of worried about it.I am 29 yrs old and I have 3 kids.I was just diagnosed about 3 weeks ago.I just had to go throught the TERRIBLE lumbar puncture then had to go back for a blood patch.It has been really hard on me and my family these past few weeks.I am fighting alot of other health prolems too so sometimes it is just too much to handle.I just hope that I can tolerate these shots without TOO many side affects that will affect taking care of my family.Thank you again for all of your help an dinfo and I look forward to fighting this thing with all of you.Take care!!!
Helpful - 0
288459 tn?1201291329
Hi There, I was just dx in January of this year. I started Avonex in February and I am doing rather well with it now . My Symptoms were alot like happyname described, probably for the 1st month or so. I think my only problem was that I tried to push of taking the ibuprophen until I seriously needed something. But when I began taking it on a schedule for the day of and day after shot, my side affects diminished quite a bit. I also seem to do better if I make sure I drink enough fluids the day of and day after.           Wishing u Well,  Kim
Helpful - 0
198419 tn?1360242356
Hey Connie! Hey Wanna-Be!

Welcome! I'm not on Avonex, but I wanted to say hello!

This place IS great isn't it?

We look forward to getting to know each of you better.  How long did it take you to be dx'd? What happened to bring you to the Dr.?  I'm sorry if you've already said, and I've just somehow missed.  Be sure to point me to, or bump up the thread, if I'm missed it.

Be well,
Shelly
Helpful - 0
567529 tn?1216692348
Hello there,
I'm sorry that you have this stupid diease.
I have had MS for a little over 7 years,
Well that is when i was diagnosed anyway.
I was on Avenex for 1 year.For me the side effects
were just to much to handle.I felt like a had horrible flu
at least 2 days out of the week.It is different for everyone.
I hope you tolerate it well.I now take copaxone,
I have to do the shot everyday but for me this is the best fit.
I wish you the best.I just found this group but i have found lots of
valuable information so far.
Take Care
Connie

Helpful - 0
565254 tn?1224716453
Hi,
I have been on Avonex for 2 1/2 years.  It is one of the injections that is given IM (intramuscular) once weekly.  I do both arms and both thighs.  It comes in a prefilled syringe so there is no mixing.  I hate needles so I had my doctor write a prescription for the 1inch needles instead on 1 1/2 that come with each dose.  I had flu symptoms for the first 2 shots.  I alternated tylenol and advil all day and night during the first 48 hours after each shot.  I had chills and body aches that would wake me up if I didn't.  That was it though.  I have noticed a decrease in the number of episodes and I felt like I had more energy within a couple of months.  They have a nurse come to your house to teach you to give it to yourself.  It is very easy but I had my husband there and he does mine now.  Honestly, for me it was a great choice because even though I give shots to patients I hate needles and the once weekly thing is awesome.  Hope this helps and good luck.
Helpful - 0
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