Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Support Group

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tiredbunni 03/16/2011

I am still struggling with what is going on with my body and Avonex. The Avonex nurse told me not to pre-medicate and no OTC meds just to get well hydrated day before and day of injection and everything should be fine. Ha! It was not fine. It was awful. I was hit with side effects within two hours and under the covers shivering and skin burning. My body temp went up and then down as I grew colder and then up again. I couldn't sleep and felt so bad the next day but finally took something for the pain.

There is something with my body or other disorders/disease that is causing the interaction with Ibuprofen and Avonex that drops my body temp down low before it climbs up. Tylenol is worse to take. I will not go through that again (no pre-medication). Going into my 5th year on Avonex and wondering what is going on. I feel dumb that I didn't make the connection sooner about low body temp. But I only had the flu twice in my whole life. The chills I assume were flu like which were really chills from temp dropping. Who knew? lol

Just curious anyone else told not to pre-medicate themselves just stay well hydrated? If so did work for you?

Thanks for listening to me. Have a wonderful evening.
Bunni

timetraveler 03/17/2011

I have been taking interferon for going on 12 years and it always helps to take OTC meds like ibuprofen. I have to take them at least four hours before and then at bed time in order to feel OK the next day. I was told by the nurses to stay well hydrated but I do not think that it matters as much as ibuprofen. That is the key for me. That is what my neurologist says. He even says to take it the following morning. So I just drink my regular amount.

I was never told not to medicate before taking Avonex or Rebif. I was always told to meditate. And that works for me I do not get any problems from taking them -- I only react when I don't take them. My reactions the next day is much much worse.

EPagain 03/17/2011

My hubby was also told to medicate with similar meds before taking Rebif. As sometimes he has fever, cold sweats and shivering. He says it definitely has helped to medicate beforehand.

Get a second opinion on this point.

Best wishes,
EP

lsj1079 03/17/2011

My neuro prescribed 800 mg of Ibuprofen for me to take before my Avonex injection and then the day after (I usually don't need it the day after). The Avonex nurse told me to drink 64 oz of water the day before and the day of my injection. I have had very few side effects following this routine. (I know everyone is different, though) One time I forgot my Ibuprofen before my shot and about two hours later...it was ugly. Grabbed my Ibuprofen and it did help. Won't make that mistake again.
I hope you are able to get some relief!

tiredbunni 03/17/2011

Thank you for your replies. It what I thought. No one is told not to pre-medicate before using their MS injection. I drink enough to stay hydrated.

I could increase my Ibuprofen but it will lower my body temp that is the problem. I have seen my hands turn blue and purple while shivering so bad. It was mild hypothermia and I don't know why. It just happens when I take Avonex. They as in doctor nurse or Avonex nurse say it not the Avonex but something is going on. I'll just keep an eye out during injection time to make sure it doesn't drop too low and it comes back up.

Thank you again for your replies.

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

Bunni

deleted_user 03/17/2011

I found that 500mg of Aleve (naproxen) works better for me than ibuprofen. I have also heard that some people take Celebrex pre-injection, and that it helps a lot too.

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