Avonex experiences
Hi all,
I have quite happily been on Copaxone for just on two years now but unfortunately despite very careful rotation I have accumulated a number of lipoatrophy 'dips' where I inject.
These are only increasing so I have been advised to move to Avonex. I have recently seen tales of a few disturbing experiences by people on Avonex which have freaked me out a bit. So i'm looking for some advice before I start. What to expect at the beginning, do the side effects really ease with time? How many of you have ended up with depression as an effect of this drug? I have read plenty of 'official' information now i'd like some real testimony. Thanks.
Been on Avonex for 2 years, It wipes me out for the day after the injection but I havent had a relapse. The injection is easy as long as you get your head over the fact that its a bigger needle. I dont use it but the new pen hides everything. I am sure that some people get the bigger side effects but i didnt.
It impacted my heart so I have not been thrilled with it and I am considering Gilenya instead. You can get a smaller needle during tytration month (if you have a tytration month). Besides heart issue, it gave me chills and depression (dark). I also needed to sleep for about two days as it completely knocked me out. I saw my blood tests after the second shot and it basically affected almost everything on that report. I hear it works really well for some though and you get over the side effects for the most part with time. I think the best thing to do is just try and see what happens. Make sure you hydrate 64oz of water if not more and take the pain meds they tell you. They will help with those issues. If you feel it affecting your heart just go to the ER and get yourself monitored as it will reduce your anxiety.