Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Support Group

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Brain & Nervous System
/ Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Support Group

Avonex Reactions

Eloise
Eloise
If anyone is currently or has taken Avonex, I wonder if you've had a similar experience? The last five injections have been very painful. I just dread these shots! My husband gives them to me and he dreads them as much as I do. I don't think he's doing anything wrong; it seems to be the medication itself that creates the pain--really burns. The first four months or so, I would get the injection and it only hurt about once a month; now it's every time.

I've also been getting chest pains (not horrible, but perhaps I should be concerned?) and when reading the Avonex literature, noted that heart problems can develop as a side effect. I'm hoping that someone knows something; in the mean time I'll go to the web site and see if I can learn anything. Thanks!
deleted_user
deleted_user
The chest pains are from the MS because I had the same problem and still do to a lesser degree. I Asked my doctor about this and that's what he said it's the MS and my heart is fine. But, it never hurts to bug your Doctor or the makers of Avonex.
Joanne
Joanne
I actually stopped Avonex because of the chest pains. Way back when I started on meds, I started on Copaxone when you had to mix it yourself and never had any problems. Once they started selling pre-filled syringes, I (and others according to my MD) started having the flushing episodes, the last of which had me fighting for consciousness on the bathroom floor. I switched to Avonex and again did well until they began selling the pre-filled syringes. I noticed chest tightness while weaning myself up to the full dose and switched meds again. Honestly, I do think the chest tightness is a lesser frequent side effect, but I would recommend talking to your doc about it to see if he or she is concerned. Keep in mind if you switch: it does take a while for your body to adapt to new medicines, so side effects you have now might not happen in 3-4 months. Good luck!