This Is MS Multiple Sclerosis Community: Knowledge & Support

I'm not on Avonex, but it's good to see that Biogen are celebrating its tenth anniversary.

Ian

AVONEX(R), the Most Prescribed Multiple Sclerosis Therapy Worldwide, Celebrates 10th Anniversary

May 19th - Biogen Idec today marks the 10th anniversary of AVONEX(R) (Interferon beta-1a), the most prescribed multiple sclerosis (MS) therapy worldwide, as the company's CEO James Mullen, rings the NASDAQ Stock Market Opening Bell. AVONEX, manufactured by Biogen Idec, was approved for relapsing forms of ...

Hi all

I'm looking for some advice if possible.

I started Avonex 3 weeks ago. The fist 2 weeks were fine - no major side effects.

After the third one on Firday, I woke up Saturday morning unable to walk. Every time I went to put weight on my legs to walk to the bathroom, I felt as though I had no power in them. I also had a blinding headache above one eye.

Now, ...

Well, started the Avonex last night and I have to say the injection wasn't as bad as I had anticipated. It didn't hurt at all and was over in a second.

The side effects kicked in about 4 hours later while in bed (had been trying to get to sleep quick in order to miss them but it never happens when you want it to!). Started feeling a little bit achy, then shivery, then absolutely ...

Is anyone else getting intracath Methotrexate? I am going for my second infusion of this med next week. I have not noticed any beneficial effects yet. Is anyone else getting an immunosuppressant injected directly into their spine? I could not find any research supporting my neurologist’s STRONG recommendation to be on this med.

http://c.moreover.com/click/here.pl?j501092293&w=464753


Perhaps if you started Avonex before the first CIS you might never get MS at all!

I imagine that Biogen must know that the FDA are going to restrict Tysabri to certain groups. So in future, once someone has a CIS they start on Avonex for five years, then when they develop MS proper they move to Tysabri, then once SP they can swap to Daclizumab or Rituximab. ...

For the past couple of years I've noticed that I'm becoming increasingly more sensitive to bright lights usually while I'm driving at night. Since this typically occurs on the days that I take Avonex, which I've been on for just about 6 years, I've attributed it to a side effect of the medication. However, I also have light sensitivity problems on other nights during the week as well. It just seems to be worse on ...

This is a call for our members who currently are, or previously have taken, Avonex for the treatment of MS to please share your experiences with the therapy at an exciting new project that has sprung out of our work at This is MS, aptly titled "the Experience Project"

Born out of our experiences (no pun intended) here at This is MS, where a wonderful community has formed based (originally) on shared and common experience, ...

Plenty of info warning women to get off Avonex if they become pregnant. Also a handy registry to register yourself if you're pregnant and on Avonex at http://www.criver.com/clinical_services ... tml#Avonex.

That's all well and good. But where's the research? Where are the outcomes? Avonex has been around for years now, as have the other MS drugs. Aren't there any conclusions or initial hypotheses yet beyond just "don't do it"? ...

Wow! I am so happy to find this site. I come from a family with a strong history of autoimmune problems. My mother has a diagnosis of MS and has been on Avonex for about 4 years, with good success. She claims she is really healthy now, but I had her here for 3 weeks and she seemed pretty sick to me still. Primarily her energy is very low.

What I am wondering is, have ...

Okay, I have a stupid question...

If Avonex and Rebif are the same drug (interferon beta 1a) and the difference is the way it is injected (IM vs. SC), then why couldn't someone buy a months supply of Rebif (which is approximately the same price as Avonex) and simply inject 2/3 of the 44mcg dose IM? For the same price (appoximately) you would have 3 months worth of drugs?

Just a silly thought...

Thanks,
Aaron