Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Support Group

I am still having lots of symptoms and then I noticed some gone. So Avonex is and isn't working as well as what the doc has suggested it would. I know he has said that it would slow the progression and help the attacks not be so severe. But I am going to go back to the Neurologist to discuss this further. My new symptoms are jello legs, shaking arms, Muscles seem to be weaker. No headaches or verdigo or forgetfullness as bad as usual. Fatigue doesn't feel as bad but believe me sometimes I just wear down cleaning one room. So Avonex is ok so far. I have been on it for six months and about two months after is when I noticed it helping.

I have been on avonex now for only 4 months but the side effects are kicking my but. I still have all my symtoms like fatigue doubled vison , vertigo but now after my shot im usually feeling sick for about 3 days with muscle aches and chills .

I dont know if if its working yet I just hope It get easier. Good luck to you

The crab are designed to slow the progression of the disease, that's all. That's plenty enough for me.

I am on Avonex I have been on it since August and my body cannot get used to the medication. Last time it sent me to the hospital cuz I became so sick I thought I was going to die.

I would stay on Avonex. If you have not had relapses on it, then woo hoo. I was on Avonex and unfortunately it didn't work for me, so then went on Rebif which also didn't work. Rebif is same med, just higher dose and while on it, instead of flu sides once a week, it was 3 times a week plus then you also have the site reactions and injecting hurts unlike Avonex, IM injections. I then tried Copaxone and had 4 relapses in last 10 months so now I have some hard decisions to make.

If I could pick a med to work for me it would be Avonex. Take advil 1/2 hour before and every 4 hours, at nite take 8 hour tylenol. The sides were horrific at first but they did get better for those who are having trouble with flu sides.

The ABCR's are only supposed to help reduce number and severity of relapses, not help with daily symptoms.

Good luck, Lauri

Hi, I have had 6 shots of the Avonex so far and it has not been that bad. At first the shot hurt and gave me the flu like feelings. I would feel like I was going to be sick at any min, and my hip hurt in the leg that I did the injection. Now I feel sick only the night I take the injection. My neuro has me taking 600mg of motrin 2 hours before the shot, 650 tylenol with the shot and 600mg of motrin 2 hours later. I have to admit this does help but I skip the last does of motrin because it would be at midnight. My thoughts are if its working stay on it. I rather do one injection a week then 3 or 7. Oh by the way, I have felt very bad for the last 7 or so weeks and this week is much better, most of my ms symptoms have gone away. I am only left with my friend fatigue. Good Luck!

I don't mind the shot of Avonex. I have not had any real side effects at all. Well the main ones that they warn you of. Mine is just the site reaction every time. Also, I am very tired after the shot. It usually kicks my butt about two hours I am out or very tired. So I will definitely stay on Avonex but just wondering if there is something for the Jello Legs. That and the fatigue. But I know I will have aches and pains thats nothing I haven't been living with already. I will just be thankful if it doesn't get worse. I also have sleep apnea and my oxygen levels are 79% and supposed to be 97 or better. My neuro says he is surprised I can even get out of bed. So as long as the Avonex is working even a bit I am happy. Thanks everyone for being there for one another it truely does make my day to read that I am not the only one that has these feelings.

I've been on it going on 6 years, with no relapses for 4 years. I believe I've missed 3-4 injections. I've delayed an injection by a few days to make it easier to travel- taking a cooler is a hassle.

Studies suggest that Avonex reduces the number of relases by around 40%. There's no way to know if I'm in remission due to the drug, but it beats doing nothing.

I don't believe it changes duration of an attack once I'm in it. The doctor did put me on IV steroids. I guess it helps the attacks pass faster with less damage.

It doesn' reverse damage once it's been done. But there's reason to hope: www.myelinrepair.org/

Avonex has a web site http://www.myelinrepair.org/ and a support line 800-456-2255

2 1/2 years on Avonex with no progression, hate the drug, love the no progression thing