Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Support Group
This community is a place where members can discuss current events and weigh in on what's going on in the world.
My neuro just asked me to think about Avonex. I was on copaxone but became allergic to it. Reading all I can about all of the meds out there, I'm so confused. I'm in tears now just thinking about taking med, not taking med. I don't want to deal with "flu-like symptoms" for any period of time during my week! I'm miserable enough without that! Any stories or advice to share to help me make a decision? I can be reached at thehoppel4atmsndotcom too. Thanks - lynne
It starts like this...
Interferons vs. Glutermer acitate (copaxone) vs. Tysabri.
You don't mention Tysabri so we won't continue down that branch. Yo have already done the Glutemer acitate( copaxone) so we don't need to go down that branch.
All that is left is the Interferon branch..
Interferon 1a vs. Interferon 1b ( betaseron)
Your doc has specified Interferon 1a so we go down that branch.
Avonnex vs. Rebif
Avonnex is a weekly Inter muscular injection, and currently the most popular MS med. Injection site reactions are less with IM shots. It is 30 % effective as rebif is. It does not have an auto injector.
Rebif is a subcutaneous injection done MWF. Rebif has a new non sting formulation that is already in use outside the US but is hung up waiting for FDA approval in the US. Rebif will not give an estimate of how long it will be before it becomes available in the US, only saying they are trying to get it through as soon as possible. Likely the new formula would not be ready in time for you. The new formula makes it pH compatible with the body so you don't get a sting from the pH differences.
Because of more frequent dosing, and the fact that it is a subcutaneous injection, every 1 of the 3 day a week rebif shot contains more interferon 1a than the single weekly intra muscular Avonnex injection. They both have the same effective rate, so it may be that IM dosage requires less compound than subcutanous dosage to achieve the same effectiveness. Rebif is also advertising the first
electronic injection devices.
http://www.dailystrength.org/c/Multiple_Sclerosis_MS/forum/7521498-first-electronic-injecting-devicerebismart
Past Post of Avonnex vs. Rebif
http://www.dailystrength.org/c/Multiple_Sclerosis_MS/forum/7496885-avonex-vs-rebif
Interferon 1a
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Interferon_beta-1a
Interferon 1b
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Interferon_beta-1b