This Is MS Multiple Sclerosis Community: Knowledge & Support

I did my first avonex injection last night and it went very well. I was scared and apprehensive. Not only about the avonex, but about injecting myself. I did perfect! It made me a little lightheaded, so I went to bed. I woke up this morning a little sore, but that is not unusual. I took some more motrin and I feel fine. So far, so good.

Hi, it may help to take motrin 2 hours before you inject.

I am starting on Thur of this week....the doctor has me starting at a dose of only 25% hoping for minimal side effects...the following week I will go to 50% until I reach 100%. Also are you using the avonex pen? When I am at full dosage strength I will go to the pen for hopes that it makes it easier for me not seeing the needle.

thanks

If you are starting with AVONEX I suggest to start with one type of medication since they all are somewhat slightly different and you may feel different after taking either the syringe or the pen. When switching after you've started with one you may feel different side effects. Since the pen is the most newest injection type I suggest to start with that one and see how it works. I am switching from the syringe to the pen now until the BG-12 oral medication is released. I did not like to inject myself with the syringe and I felt sick every week just thinking about it. It helps to take Motrin or Ibuprofen, Tylenol 2 hours before injecting.

The doctor has me starting with shots because I will starting with a smaller dosage to help limit side effects. I will be on the pen in one month when I get to full strength.

I have also heard I should ice the area before becuase it helps numb it.

I started with pre-filled syringes. Since I am getting my care through the VA system, I have to live with what they will give me. My neurologist told me that if I handle the syringes well, they will eventually let me try the new oral medication. And, yes I started at 1/4th of a dose and will increase every week.

This doesn't make any sense to me, but maybe I'm missing something. It just sounds manipulative.

Which new oral medication are you referring to?

NHE

The Veterans Administration is very limited in what they can prescribe, due to costs. There is now an oral form of Avonex, but it is pricey. They want to wait and see how well I handle the drug before they give it to me in it's most expensive form. Yes, it stinks, but I am lucky that I have health care at all.

I am going to have my neuro clarify this. Now that I think about it, it may be a different type of oral medication. I do know that they just started using it in 2012.

The two approved oral medications that I know of are Gilenya and Aubagio. BG-12 is a third which might be approved in the next few months. Developing an oral version of Avonex would be difficult since it's a protein and would be subject to digestion.

NHE

I am starting avonex next week, and am very anxious and i read so many different things on the side effects, i know everyone is different, any tips for pre or post medicating ?? thanks

I had my first injection yesterday...it was only 25% of the dosage but I feel pretty good. I took two advil before I took the shot and 2 advil 6 hours later. I also took two when I woke up today.

I did not work today (had a spinal tap yesterday too) but I feel pretty good. I hope the rest of the shots go as smooth.

Good Luck

glad your feeling well...