Purpose:MS (Multiple Sclerosis)(Started Jan 01, 2010)
Date
Dosage
Efficacy
Side Effects
Adherence
Burden
May 04, 2012
?Can't tell
None
Never
Not at all
Date
May 04, 2012
Advice & Tips
VERY UPSET! I WAS ON BETASERON....AND DOING SO WELL ONIT! MEDICARE TOOK ME OFF IT UNTIL I FAILED OTHER INJECTABLES!! WE TRIED THE AVONEX, BUT MY HUSBAND AT THE TIME COULD NOT GET PAST THE INJECTION ITSELF! SO, NOW IT HAS BEEN OVER 2 YEARS SINCE I HAVE HAD AN INJECTABLE MANAGEMENT TOOL AND OF COURSE THE MS IS JUST GETTING WORSE!!!
Purpose:MS (Multiple Sclerosis)(Started Jun 01, 2009)
Date
Dosage
Efficacy
Side Effects
Adherence
Burden
Apr 25, 2012
30 mcg/0.5 mL
Weekly
Major
Mild
Always
Not at all
Date
Apr 25, 2012
Advice & Tips
I've had no new lesions since I started taking Avonex. For anyone who has been diagnosed, get on the drugs as soon as you can. I was given this advice, and I ignored it at first. It only took one relapse to change my mind.
Stay with it. The benefits to me far outweigh the risk. With Avonex I have been able to continue working and feel like I am a productive adult who can care for myself.
The downside: The cost is horrid , with insurance I pay for the first two months each year. this is approximately $4000 out of pocket.
Purpose:MS (Multiple Sclerosis)(Started Jan 15, 2007)
Date
Dosage
Efficacy
Side Effects
Adherence
Burden
Mar 14, 2012
30 mcg/0.5 mL
Weekly
Moderate
Mild
Always
A little
Date
Mar 14, 2012
Advice & Tips
Once of the easiest treatments to take Unfortunately it did not slow the progression of my MS as much as I would have liked it to. However this is a great treatment for those newly diagnosed with MS if its not severe
I manage side effects by taking hydrocodone. I am also taking Lexapro for the anxiety/depression caused by Avonex. Strangely, I have not had a cold of any kind in the 3 years I have been on Avonex. The ipact of Abonex is that it takes a day and a half out of each week. I have to plan my week around the days I am debilitated by side effects.
Purpose:MS (Multiple Sclerosis)(Started Feb 01, 2007)
Date
Dosage
Efficacy
Side Effects
Adherence
Burden
Jan 22, 2012
30 mcg/0.5 mL
Weekly
?Can't tell
Moderate
Always
Very
Dec 07, 2011
30 mcg/0.5 mL
Weekly
?Can't tell
Moderate
Always
Somewhat
Oct 19, 2010
30 mcg/0.5 mL
Weekly
?Can't tell
Moderate
Always
A little
Feb 01, 2007
30 mcg/0.5 mL
Weekly
Slight
Moderate
Always
Somewhat
Side effects:
Flu like symptoms, Injection site bruising, Injection site knots, Injection site reaction
Date
Jan 22, 2012
Advice & Tips
I had two allergic reaction to Avonex and a serious side effect which is swelling of ankles and feet. My body temperature continues to drop even with 5 hours space in time with pre-medication. The other side effects came to the point I couldn't even sleep through them. I am not sure how to answer the questions on here. I stop the drug on 01/22/2012. It seems like you are asking what are my experience after that date. I will answer as before that date.
Cost
< $25 monthly
Date
Dec 07, 2011
Advice & Tips
I do not see this medication as effective. Each year I am losing ground. I don't experience any relapses or remission. I just have good days and bad days. I stay on the drug hoping that something will change. I do not like the side effects of flu and chills and burning skin for the past five years. I thought they would lessen. Now they go into a second day. However, each person is different with different reactions positive or negative to medication. Pre-medicate is important. However for me is causing body temperature to drop too low. I start pre-medicating 3 hours ahead to keep this from happening.
Cost
< $25 monthly
Date
Oct 19, 2010
Advice & Tips
My case is more complicated than RRMS as already total disability in 1993 from ME/CFS/fiboi/TMJ. They symptoms cross over and I am highly sensitive to chemicals and have allergies to most everything. My body did not adjust within the time frame Avonex said. It was twice as long. I still have flu symptoms going into my 5 year soon. It is now carrying over into a second day. I can't use my arms as they knotted and running out of room on legs as I can't use top of legs as they bruised and knotted. I've not experience what you call any relapses. I have seen me go from being able to walk in to store and get a few groceries but being very fatigued to now having to use scooter and most of the time can't do that. This I know is not typical for those with RRMS. Those I know are still working and managing around their symptoms and relapses. If you see improvement continue with your treatment and of course listen to neurologist/MS specialist but to be your own advocate.
Cost
< $25 monthly
Date
Feb 01, 2007
Advice & Tips
This treatment is once a week which is good. I can not self inject. The side effects were bad at first, like 103 temp and chills with burning skin. My body took longer than normal to adjust but now mild effects but sometimes I get surprised by harsher effects. I am sensitive to medication on skin and get rashes and got knots from injections. I don't use arms. Most people don't have much problems. It is different for everyone. My son gives my injection on Monday around 6pm. I learn to pre-medicate and take more when started to get cold before fever hits. My advice if you neurologist prescribes this, try it and see how it goes. I don't have to pay for my Avonex. I get financial assistance. I had Medicare plans with no co-pays.
Be prepared to be sick for 48 hrs after taking Avonex. The flu like symptoms are severe or at least they r for me. I run 103 ton104 temp and the shakes r bad.
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