Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Support Group

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Oh my gosh, the itching is insane!

deleted_user
deleted_user
Does anyone experience intense itching, ever? I took my Avonex two days ago; since then, my legs have been itching so badly, I can't make the itching stop. I've scratched them until they're red, which of course doesn't help. I don't have dry skin or any bug bites, haven't changed my lotion, soap, detergent or anything. Is this a side effect of the Avonex or a symptom of MS? Help! It's driving me nuts!
deleted_user
deleted_user
I have no idea if it is MS or anything else, but my legs do the samething from time to time. I will scratch at them for 15 min practically to the point that if I scratch anymore I will break the skin!The more I scratch, the more it itches, and it goes on and on and on. I have yet to figure out how to make it stop. But I know your not alone!
kellygrn
kellygrn
My itching is on a nerve so guess what they told me to do - Neurontin. How much I hate taking that one.
deleted_user
deleted_user
Hi Kalli. You could be experiencing an allergic reaction, which is not uncommon. If it does not get better, or gets worse, hell, I would suggest calling your Neuro first thing in the morning. It is very likely, unless you got eaten alive by mosquitos last night!
deleted_user
deleted_user
I meant a reaction to the Avonex, BTW, not the MS. sorry!
dnjnm
dnjnm
An allergic reaction to the Avonex was my first thought, too. Definitely call you neuro, you can also call the nurse line for Avonex while you're waiting for your dr to call back!
deleted_user
deleted_user
Just had to say - sometimes I itch like crazy- the only thing that helps is an ice pack- I guess its the nerves and freezing them does the trick- just move it around- does it for me!
SpyderNCSU
SpyderNCSU
Hello Christmas YES!! The palms of my hands and the soles of my feet, usually at night..... this leads to insanity I am sure. I took advice from this board and started taking generic form of benadryl. Sleep like a babe now..... I also do Avonex since my dx in Feb. Don't know what causes the itching but benadryl works for me.........Steve
deleted_user
deleted_user
I have itching, I don't take Avonex. My neuro told me it was a neuro thing to do with the M.S. However it could be a allergic reaction to the Avonex, I would definitely call your neuro. BTW my itching is like a deep can't seem to scratch it itch. It drives me insane.
Just to let you know. Hope you get to feeling better soon.
Hugs
Morgaine
deleted_user
deleted_user
I wound up allergic to avonex and for me it started with itching which turned into hives which of course I took my time calling the dr on. PLEASE CALL RIGHT AWAY! I got ripped a new one from my neuro when she found out how long I waited!! It could be nothing it could be worse let them look at you and decide. Please learn from my mistakes...god knows I havent'!
heather1
heather1
another good one is aveno oatmeal bath... yep... listen to what our grandmothers used to say....grin.. topped up with the benadryl...and then sleep so peacefully...sigh.. after of course you call the dr...grin.
hugs
heather
deleted_user
deleted_user
If you are injecting the avonex in your legs, you may be having an allergic reaction. I used to get that with the avonex. My MS nurse said to take two benadryl about a half hour before injecting. It stopped the reaction. I had very little itching after that. I used topical hydrocortisone cream. Ask your dr. or call the avonex support people.
deleted_user
deleted_user
YEA, That was my main symptom when I was diagnosed last fall. I was itching around my left shoulder blade. You, just where you can't reach it?! Talk about insane! That is what drove me to the Dr! The nuerontin took the edge off and it finally disapated after Christmas. I hope your not allergic to the Avonex!
My prayers are with you!
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