Monday, July 06, 2009 Eva1967 asks

Q: Avonex side effects how long does it last?

I just started Avonex yesterday at 9am, since I'm home alone on Mondays. Wow the side effects as I understood were flu-like.

I was not able to move my body and when I moved I had to use my wheelchair, I use my walker on most days. I had a temp of 102.4 and my muscle spasms were out of control all day and night. Then the chills and night sweats set in. Today I'm exhausted I'm assuming from the spasms. I felt almost paralized it was truly something I did not expect. Do these side effects eventually go away.

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Answers (3)

tellnhelen

7/ 6/09 9:27pm

These days I feel like an Avonex commercial....I'm sorry you endured a terrible day. I have been on Avonex for 10 years. I only take my injection just before bed along with two Advils. Essentially I sleep through whatever achy stuff may come. In my first year or so, the next day would be a little slow but very tolerable. Eventually the side effects were very small....they have not disappeared

Eva1967

7/ 8/09 6:26pm

Thank you, I will do the same. I was not aware of the Motrin but I will never forget it now.

Thank you, Eva1967

Jazzy74

7/ 7/09 4:26pm

I have been on Avonex for 7 weeks, I have had one injection that I was able to sleep through the side effects. Other than that I have severe chills and body aches. My muscles feel like I need to stretch them constantly. The first dose I will say was much worse but the following doses (except for the one) have not been much better. I have read many postings about this drug and it seems that it works well for some and not others. I have seen postings that state they have been on it for several years and the effects have not improved. I think it is a matter of figuring out a routine that works for you and your body. I am trying to figure out what I did the one night I slept through and replicate it! From what I see, drink lots of water, take tylenol, advil, or aleve 1-2 hours before the injection and inject and go to bed immediately or inject 1-2 hours before bed. That is my summary from the postings I have read thus far. Good luck, hang in there!

Eva1967

7/ 8/09 6:24pm

Thank you, that is exactly what my MS buddies told me. I will try again this Saturday just after dinner. I think I will have a better

reaction this time around. I was not aware of taking the Motrin 1hour prior. Wish me luck.

Thank you, Eva

Eva1967

9/ 3/09 11:32am

Thank you, I think I'm getting use to it, but I lose about 21 hours so I just do it when I can rest the next day. It does interupt my sleep even with the motrin and large amouts of water. I have those awful spasms, but if it helps me I will keep on truckin.

Eva

Nancy Ackerley

7/ 9/09 4:25pm

Eva, i have been getting Avonex injections for about 14 years now. i had those side affects for about a year.but they weren't that bad with me.Maybe you should talk to your doctor.Or call Avonex they have people there to talk to. Good luck,I hope you fill better soon. big hugs nancy

Eva1967

9/ 3/09 11:35am

Thank you, I've have not been online too much, I had a recent flare up and the summer in Vegas just killed me. I think I'm okay with it and wil continue to use it, I do lose the 21 hours, but if it helps me. I gonna hang in there.

xoxo

Eva1967

9/ 3/09 11:35am

xoxo

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