Avonex

First neurologist exam

Before I talk about Avonex, I'll tell you a little about what led up to Cir taking it.

Even after being diagnosed, he still did not take any of the multiple sclerosis treatments available. He was active, taking and teaching martial arts and more. Not until about two years before he stopped working did he begin taking something for his MS.

I can't remember who suggested that Cir see a neurologist. He was working at the time and had insurance through his job - a managed care plan. I'm pretty sure it was the general practitioner he was seeing for one of his symptoms.

Cir was referred to Dr. Ross Dorsett, an excellent neurologist. He happened to be a member of the church we attended. Cir walked in with his cane that first day.

After his exam, Dr. Dorsett talked to Cir and me about the treatments available at the time. At the time, that was the group of drugs called the ABC treatments for multiple sclerosis.

Making a choice

Cir chose Avonex because he would only have to take the injections once a week. This was the best choice for him starting out, because number one - he doesn't like needles. They remind him too much of mosquitoes, which he hates. And number two, it would be the easiest to handle with his work schedule.

We were told of the possible side effects of Avonex. The main one being flu-like symptoms. Aching, fever, chills - the whole bit. He felt that he could handle it and was assured that for most the symptoms would ease up over time. So Cir was hopeful it would work out.

He scheduled the injection for Tuesday nights. That was the night before his day off. He could spend the whole day - Wednesday - recovering from his once-a-week "flu".

I felt so bad for him. We had hoped the symptoms would lessen as time went by. Each week we hoped it would get a little better for him. Cir would wake up in a sweat with chills and fever. He tried taking aspirin or acetaminophen a few hours after the injections. That only helped sometimes. 

Convenient, but......

Taking medication once a week was so convenient. He probably could have learned to tolerate the symptoms if it hadn't been for the size of the needle. According to Cir, it was the size of a "harpoon". Because it's an intramuscular injection, the needle is longer and thicker. It needs to reach the muscle.

Cir would sit in the bathroom and for what seemed like an hour or more. He had to work up the nerve to give himself the injection.

I'd walk by and peek in, checking on him.

"You alright?" I'd ask. "Yeah..." He didn't sound too convincing to me.

I'd go back to finishing up dinner. I'd go check on him again, opening the door just a little. He would still be sitting there, aiming for the little bulls eye he'd prepared on his thigh. Sweat rolling off his forehead. Poor baby.

Eventually this medication got the best of him, and he threw in the towel. The convenience wasn't enough to suffer through the side-effects of the once-a-week injection. They just would not get any easier or go away. I have to give it to him, though, he stuck with it for quite a while.

If you're considering it, here is a little bit more about how it actually works.

How Avonex Works in the Body

As you may already know, Avonex is a disease-modifying therapy (DMT) used to treat relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis. It contains interferon beta-1a, a protein that mimics the natural interferons produced by the body to regulate the immune system.

1. Reducing Inflammation

MS occurs when the immune system mistakenly attacks the myelin sheath, the protective covering around nerves. This leads to inflammation, causing nerve damage and worsening symptoms. Avonex helps control immune system activity, reducing inflammation and slowing disease progression.

2. Preventing MS Flare-Ups

Avonex works by interfering with immune system signals that trigger MS attacks. By modulating immune responses, it helps decrease the frequency and severity of relapses.

3. Protecting Nerve Cells

While Avonex does not cure MS, it may help preserve nerve function by reducing the damage caused by immune system attacks. This can slow the progression of physical disability and improve long-term outcomes.

Avonex may be just the right fit for you

We know several people who are on avonex. For them the side-effects did go away in time or at least they got to a manageable level. If you are a candidate for this once a week treatment, go for it.

Give it a reasonable amount of time. Your body will get to the point that it can tolerate the symptoms. You will enjoy the convenience of only having to take an injection once per week on the day you choose. This is great if you have a busy schedule.

Tips for Managing Flu-Like Side Effects

Still want to try it? Here are a few tips that might make it easier to deal with the side effects, especially the flu-like symptoms, including chills, fever, muscle aches, and fatigue. These symptoms usually occur within hours of injection and may last up to a day like they did for Cir. Here are a few strategies to help manage them:

1. Stay Hydrated

Drinking plenty of water before and after your injection can help flush out toxins and reduce flu-like symptoms.

2. Take Pain Relievers

Over-the-counter medications like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help reduce fever, chills, and muscle aches. Taking them right before or after your injection may help lessen discomfort.

3. Experiment with Injection Timing

Some people find that injecting just before bedtime allows them to sleep through the worst of the symptoms. Others prefer morning injections so they can manage side effects during the day. It's up to you what works better.

4. Gradual Dose Titration

Starting with a lower dose and gradually increasing to the full dose can help reduce the severity of flu-like symptoms. The AVOSTARTGRIP Titration Kit allows patients to ease into treatment over several weeks. This wasn't available when Cir first started.

5. Keep a Symptom Journal

Tracking when symptoms occur, how long they last, and what helps can help you adjust your routine to minimize discomfort.

6. Rest and Recovery

Plan for a lighter schedule on injection days, allowing time for rest and recovery. Avoid strenuous activities until symptoms subside. Cir always took his injections right before his day off as we mentioned earlier. This helped because he had a whole day to recover.

While flu-like symptoms can be frustrating, they do often lessen over time as your body adjusts to the treatment. If the symptoms persist or become unmanageable, be sure to talk to your doctor about adjusting your treatment plan.

After Cir stopped taking Avonex, he tried Copaxone. This worked much better for him. To read about his experience with Copaxone, follow the link.

And if you'd still like to look into trying it, check here first. (Link will open a new window).

Privacy Policy ~ Advertising Policy ~ Disclaimer ~ Contact Us ~ About Us

Could You Answer 
A Few Quick Questions 
For Us?