interferon side effects.

A board to discuss the Multiple Sclerosis modifying drug Avonex
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maymac123
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interferon side effects.

Post by maymac123 »

Has anyone experienced seizures while on the above. My daughter was diagnosed with Rel/Rem. M.S. at the beginning she would have a relapse and then feel well for a period of time. It was decided she should go on Beta Interferon started this in Sept. 04 went into rel. within a month of taking the drug and gradually got worse so bad now urine incontinent and cognitively very badly impared, She then had a very bad seizure I may add that she is 24yrs old and was diagnosed 3yrs ago. No explanation given for the seizure but a physician not her neurologist said hmm I wonder if it could be the Interferon. She is now having a break from the drug. Anyone had similar experience. I would be grateful for any feedback.
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Annette
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Post by Annette »

HI

So sorry to hear of your daughter's situation. My experience was very similar but I've made an excellent recovery. I, like you, posted a query on a board last year 'Does anyone feel they're getting worse on interferon?' I was stunned at the number of responses but the one that sticks in my mind was from a girl who replied:" Before interferon I was walking independantly, at 2 weeks I needed a cane and at 2 months I was in a wheelchair. I told everyone I thought it was the drug but friends family and doctors told me to 'keep going'."

This experience was so similar to mine. I started interferon as a 'precautionary measure' but was soon so badly affected I could no longer walk far or well and had literally innumerable symptoms. I was going downhill fast.

There are many people reacting badly to interferon. I'm not sure of the official number (about 3% my neuro told me) but I fear it is a lot higher than this. My problem with this is that I wasn't warned at all about this possible side-effect and with all the ensuing cognitive difficulties I was left to figure it out on my own. Not easy, I can tell you!

However, I would like to finish by saying that one year down the line I'm now doing great. Of course I stopped interferon immediately before it was too late, and started looking for other therapies. I found a little regimen that works great for me and has brought me back from the brink. No one would ever guess I had MS now. There is hope. Things will change for your daughter. You have to seek out and find the best possible treatments for her.

I wish you luck.
Annette.
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CCmom
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Post by CCmom »

My son did not have seizures on the interferons, but did have a progressive decline in his condition. He also experienced severe problems with cognitive issues. He is now taking Copaxone and LDN, and doing much better. Good luck to you!

Kim
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mscamillec
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Post by mscamillec »

well just a short note. on the first injection on avenox i had a severe seizure. the neuro said it is a side effect even though is is rare. thats what i had he said. i also had total amnesia the morning after. because i injected late at night the next morning and the total day was lost. i hope to never experience that again. now i am on another med.
camille
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