This Is MS Multiple Sclerosis Community: Knowledge & Support

Ive been on Avonex for 2 months and the Psoriasis (which is also autoimmune) I had on both elbows is going away. The surface area that was affected is 95% gone on my right elbow and 80% healed on the left.

I was wondering if this occurrence has happened to anyone else, or anything similar to this. Ive been amazed by this for the past 6 weeks since I started noticing it getting better as time goes on.

Ted

Hey Ted

Just saw this post now...I have been on Avonex for 6 months, and the only allergy-type thing I have had is hayfever - the rhinitis has increased since being on treatment, but this is a documented side-effect of Avonex, so I have not been concerned. Also, I have not had a cold or flu this winter (I am in the southern hemisphere, so in springtime now), which is unusual for me..
Glad that you are getting an unexpected benefit from Avonex - it sort of makes sense when you think of the link between histamine/allery-type conditions and the immune system in general - which is what Avonex works on.

How do you feel on it otherwise?

Take care

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Al

Hey, Im doing pretty well so far. Side effects are inconsistent. Most of the time I'm fine, but when I do get the side-effects theyre pretty intense, but thankfully not long lived.

last winter, before my first episode, I too didnt get a cold. I usually get at least 2 or 3 bad ones between december and February. Winters get pretty intense up here in Montreal... I must admit it was peculiar not to get sick.

And yourself? How has the avonex been?... My first was in January of this year, and second one in April. I was diagnosed in April by a neuroligist and confirmed by an MS specialist in July. This has all been relatively new to me.

Ted

Hi TBone

Glad you are doing good on the interferon - the side effects can be a problem, I was advised here by NHE to use ibuprofen 600mg (if necessary) and it really helps (Tylenol doesn't).

I have had a very specific problem on Avonex - very bad muscle cramps, which my Neuro has just told me are spasms from the ms (worsened around the time of the shot), and he prescribed Baclophen.

I have had ms since around 1999, but it was relatively benign until last year when I had a bad relapse, ended up in hospital, then had another relapse 2 months later, so ended up on Avonex (have been taking it for 6 months now). I have not recovered the functionality I lost during those two relapses, and have worsened a little since, but had no other relapses, so doing good on the whole!
There is a huge amount of information and personal experience available on this website re; treatment, diet, supplementation etc
http://mspipeline.wordpress.com/
I posted Dignan's ms drug pipeline above, which gives details of ALL the treatment available or on trial, or being used off label for ms - it is fab, and he is awesome Hope it gives you some more insight into how much is going on, how aware the folks here are, and some hope for the future! They say there was never a better time to get ms than now...

Don't hesitate to post any questions - the people here are always very happy to help if they can - you can even use it to vent when you get down, or angry - again, someone can relate, and it helps to get it out. This disease is so unpredictable and take comfort that you're doing something proactive by being on interferon!
Be informed, stay cool, and take care...

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Al

Thanks Ally,

I hope the course of the treatment gets better for you... BTW I have been taking advil before and after the shot and you are right. Its amazing! I get arthritic like symptoms for a day or 2, but once I take the advils it gets a whole lot better.

Take care,

Ted

Hi Ted

I will stick with the Avonex for at least another 6 months, longer if I can get these spasms under control, as otherwise I am doing well on it, and it suits my lifestyle etc.
I was advised to take the ibuprofen (Advil?) before the shot - about 2 hours before, then every 6 hrs for 24 - 48 hrs depending on symptoms, as starting it before the shot helps prevent side effects before they get going, and makes it easier for the ibuprofen to be effective - maybe you should give it a go?
The "no other illness" thingy has been an unexpected but very welcome benefit (that I personally ascribe to Avonex getting my immune system under control), especially as infections can exacerbate relapses..
All the best.

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Al

My pollen allergy has become much less of a problem since I've been on Avonex. About a year before I was diagnosed, all I could do when I was in class in graduate school was just sit with a kleenex and let my nose drain (trying to blow it was pointless). This problem could go for a week or more. Now, after 7 years of Avonex, I might get a day or two of congestion but it's pretty mild and doesn't stick around for more than a day.

NHE

Hey NHE,

Im glad to hear you have been getting some unexpected benefit from the avonex as well. Im wondering how your condition has been over the past 7 years on Avonex. Any replases?... I had my first attacks in January 2007 that spread from my left foot to below my pectorals within 5 days, and then an attack in my left forearm in April.

Ive been on Avonex for only 2 months now (since August first) and im curious how others have responded to Avonex.

Thank-you,

Ted