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4.0 Overall Rating

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Most voted positive review

26 People found this comment helpful

I was very lucky to have had a great nurse to show me how to inject myself. She gave me great advice about dealing with flu like symptoms. On the day of my shot I drink lots of water throughout the day (about 3 sports bottles full) I refer to it as "water boarding" that one day. I take the AVONEX out of the fridge 2-3 hours before injection. I make sure I have food in my stomach, then take 2 aleve...

Most voted negative review

2 People found this comment helpful

about 4 to6 hours later i am achey all over and dizzy.this last for about two days.i have only done 2 doses (2 weeks)

Shared reviews and ratings

Linsam | 75 or over | Female | On medication for 10 years or more | Patient
11/7/2023
Condition: Relapsing Form of Multiple Sclerosis
Overall rating 3.7
Effectiveness
Ease of Use
Satisfaction

My mother had MS and died in a nursing home about a month after her 52nd Birthday. My oldest daughter (who birthday was 3 days before my Mom's) also had MS and died 3 months Before her 52nd Birtheday. I was diagnosed with MS at age 38. As usual, started with visual symptoms, I was lucky enough to use Avonex for 15 years (would mix the medicine in the syringes) and finally was doing so well on their FREE program, that I stopped using it, so it would could be freed up for someone else. I just turned 81 and am still walking, gardening, driving. I BELIEVE in this medication and was fortunate enough to receive it free. My daughter, who had it (runs in families) was placed on Tysabri, I think and never used Avonex. I think she decided to not tolerate the effects you get the first couple of months. The last time I saw my St. Louis neurologist, I told him this story and he said there was a study on MS done in England about which MS patients get the worse symptoms. The Study was named "Spring Babies", he said. My daughter's BD was Apr 19 and my Mom's was Apr 22. So that certainly confirms the Study. My BD is in early Oct. My remaining daughter says I'm "STRONG", but I'll just settle for Lucky and glad to be living where the doctors are so knowledgeable. I hope & pray that Avonex remains available to all who may eventually need it. It was a Miracle for me and my well-being. Read More Read Less

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Ziggy | 45-54 | Female | On medication for 10 years or more | Patient
8/30/2022
Condition: Multiple Sclerosis
Overall rating 5.0
Effectiveness
Ease of Use
Satisfaction

I was diagnosed with MS in 2008 and it scared the hell out of me. I asked "Why me"? My Neurologist was amazing. He told me 2 things, "Either except your disease and move on or don't and it will get worse". I excepted it. He put me on Avonex after months of researching all the meds that was available at the time and this seemed to be the safest. At first I was doing the pre-filled syringes till one day I watched my husband put it in my thigh. I was done, switched to the pen and it was amazingly easy. In the beginning I got awful flu like symptoms for about 2 months. They went away. In 2019 I had 3 meniscus surgeries and was getting horrible symptoms cause of all the stress. I had changed Dr's and he put my on Tysabri. It was the worst thing I did. Was getting exasperation symptoms bad. I've gone back on the Avonex and feel good. Going through the symptoms again but it will pass. Hope this helps on anyone's decision.Read More Read Less

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Edie M. | 55-64 | Female | On medication for 5 to less than 10 years | Patient
8/23/2022
Condition: Multiple Sclerosis
Overall rating 3.3
Effectiveness
Ease of Use
Satisfaction

I was diagnosed in 2002 with R & R MS. I stayed on Avonex for 9 1/2 years. I would take my shots on Friday so I would be able to work come Monday. I would take Tylenol or Ibuprofen a couple hours before my shot. I have a needle phobia and was never able to give myself a shot. I did go down to a smaller needle because I'm a small person. I do believe that the Avonex put me into early onset of Menopause. I also think that Avonex effected my teeth. They began to break really easily. The side effects never got easier. After 9 1/2 years, I just stopped taking all of the medicines that I had been put on. Slowly but surely, I got back on MS meds or related meds. I tried Gilenya, Copaxone, and then Tecfidera. I have been on Tecfidera for a long time now. I am very pleased with Tecfidera. I have been diagnosed with MS for just over 20 years. It has been a constant battle. I have had many exacerbations. I use a cane when I need to. I take my meds and vitamins daily. I try to eat right and stay hydrated. I try to get in a little exercise. I also try to sleep regular hours. I have noticed when I take good care good myself, my MS seems to stay in check. Stress is the worst thing for my MS. It will flare up quickly. I hope what I'm sharing might help someone else.Read More Read Less

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Barb | 45-54 | Female | On medication for 10 years or more | Patient
4/14/2018
Condition: Multiple Sclerosis
Overall rating 4.0
Effectiveness
Ease of Use
Satisfaction

I have been taking this med since 2002. I still get nasty side effects every week, but it’s a small price to pay for getting good mri results, and less attacks. Everyone’ body is different, so how this medication may effect one person, can be greatly different in someone else.

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Shy1985 | 25-34 | On medication for 6 months to less than 1 year | Patient
6/9/2017
Condition: Relapsing Form of Multiple Sclerosis
Overall rating 2.0
Effectiveness
Ease of Use
Satisfaction

I was diagnosed in July 2016. I have been using Avonex the entire time. My symptoms where terrible at first and as time went they improved. Now the last couple of months have been awful, I am so drained I can't even tend to my two young boys. Feel terrible for two days. My Doctor is switching me to Copaxone, hoping it works for me.

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Anonymous | 55-64 | Female | On medication for 10 years or more | Patient
10/21/2016
Condition: Relapsing Form of Multiple Sclerosis
Overall rating 5.0
Effectiveness
Ease of Use
Satisfaction

I have been taking Avonex for my R/R MS since 1996. I have only had one relapse of any consequence since then and that was in 1997. I feel very lucky that this drug has kept me relatively symptom free for many years.

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mark rosenthal | 35-44 | Male | On medication for 2 to less than 5 years | Patient
8/2/2016
Condition: Multiple Sclerosis
Overall rating 2.0
Effectiveness
Ease of Use
Satisfaction

It didnt work for me and only gave me chills every week.

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mordi | 55-64 | On medication for 5 to less than 10 years | Patient
5/7/2016
Condition: Multiple Sclerosis
Overall rating 5.0
Effectiveness
Ease of Use
Satisfaction

The only side effect that I have are pains in the injection place 4 days after the injection

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Nicki45q | 45-54 | On medication for less than 1 month | Patient
2/17/2016
Condition: Relapsing Form of Multiple Sclerosis
Overall rating 2.3
Effectiveness
Ease of Use
Satisfaction

I was recently diagnosed with MS and started Avonex last Friday. Celebrated getting it done but I went downhill the next day. Flu symptoms all over for three days. On the fifth day I am using a cane because my entire thigh is in agony. I pray it's going to get better but I heard that these side effects could last up to two months.I pray it's worth it. My nurse tells me to hang in here. The company that makes the drug has been a great support. They have a 24HOUR help line I have used three times already. The needle is too long and I will get that changed after the starter pack.Read More Read Less

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Susanabanana | 55-64 | On medication for 10 years or more | Patient
2/15/2016
Condition: Relapsing Form of Multiple Sclerosis
Overall rating 4.0
Effectiveness
Ease of Use
Satisfaction

Have been using it sine Jan. 1997 and have had only one exacerbation since starting it. I would not I fail to take the Tylenol I will still get some side effects- even after all these years.

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You don't know my journey! !!! | 35-44 | Female | On medication for 1 to 6 months | Patient
9/19/2015
Condition: Multiple Sclerosis
Overall rating 5.0
Effectiveness
Ease of Use
Satisfaction

I have only used Avonex. I was diagnosed in Feb 2015. I have some bery well with symptoms. Each case is different but I feel ber normal taking the Avonex.

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Anonymous | 45-54 | Male | On medication for 5 to less than 10 years | Patient
2/10/2015
Condition: Multiple Sclerosis
Overall rating 3.3
Effectiveness
Ease of Use
Satisfaction

I've been on Avonex for 9 years now. I inject on Friday night take 2 Aleve before and most times it's fine. Every so often side effects come back as it was first time use EX: chills aches and just feeling run down. my Doctor gave me a box of smaller needles 30g . you can get them from CVS or Walgreens cheap. the smaller size helps with pain.as for the drug it self I have had 4 relapse's in 9 years but not too bad of ones so all in all it works

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Jan | 55-64 | Female | On medication for 5 to less than 10 years | Patient
1/4/2015
Condition: Multiple Sclerosis
Overall rating 4.0
Effectiveness
Ease of Use
Satisfaction

At first it was quite painful and the side effects were awful. 5 years on, i rarely have side effects and the injecting is no problem

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Anonymous | 55-64 | Male | Patient
10/17/2014
Condition: Multiple Sclerosis
Overall rating 5.0
Effectiveness
Ease of Use
Satisfaction

I was diagnosed with MS 15 years ago. I started mixing and injecting myself. I didn't like the syring with needle but I suppose it helped. I only have a night of chills if I miss my weekly injection for a couple of weeks. I inject on Saturday nights before I go to bed. I take 4 Ibuprophen ane I sleep great. No side affects. The new pen is wonderful! Doesn't hurt a bit.

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west18 | 13-18 | Female | On medication for less than 1 month | Patient
9/20/2014
Condition: Multiple Sclerosis
Overall rating 1.0
Effectiveness
Ease of Use
Satisfaction

I was diagnosed in November 2013 and this is the first treatment I started. I had horrible side effects with it. I couldn't stand for anything to touch my skin, flushing was very bad, severe headache, ached all over. I have never been in so much pain. I thought it was going to kill me. Stopped taking Avonex and currently about to start taking Tecfidera, praying I have better luck with it.

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Anonymous | On medication for 5 to less than 10 years | Patient
8/8/2014
Condition: Multiple Sclerosis
Overall rating 4.7
Effectiveness
Ease of Use
Satisfaction

I USE THE PEN NOW AND I LIKE IT MUCH BETTER THAN THE NEEDLE. I MUST TAKE ALEVE BEFORE I INJECT TO COUNTER THE FLUE FEELINGS OF THE NEXT DAY

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Sandee | 55-64 | Female | On medication for 5 to less than 10 years | Patient
7/25/2014
Condition: Multiple Sclerosis
Overall rating 3.3
Effectiveness
Ease of Use
Satisfaction

Have been on avonex since diagnosed in 2007, have not had any major flare ups, have recently orderedavonex pen to try and do my own shot. I have slight effects day after shot but tylenol/advil together works great.

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LarryS | 55-64 | Male | On medication for 10 years or more | Patient
2/3/2014
Condition: Multiple Sclerosis
Overall rating 4.3
Effectiveness
Ease of Use
Satisfaction

I have been on Avonex for about 14 years. Until about eight years ago I had flew like symptoms the day following my shot. Those stopped when I started taking three Advil about one hour before injecting myself. the couple of time I forgot to take the Advil I woke up in the middle of the night with the flu like symptoms. i still use the long needle. I made a commitment with myself to inject myself before I made it to ten when counting 1-10. i have not had any bad symptoms from my MS in the last 10 years. There have been a few times when I was fatigued for a month or two but not so much so that I could not work. Seldom do I ever have the twitches in my arms, under my eyes, in my legs... nor the vibrations in my feet. Those went away a few years ago other than an occassional one. my shoes wear out quickly on my heals and toes but I have taps added now which helps. The Avonex has been a blessing.Read More Read Less

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teri | 55-64 | Female | On medication for 2 to less than 5 years | Patient
11/22/2013
Condition: Multiple Sclerosis
Overall rating 5.0
Effectiveness
Ease of Use
Satisfaction

i am using the pen must easier

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Hopeful | 35-44 | Female | On medication for 5 to less than 10 years | Patient
8/26/2013
Condition: Multiple Sclerosis
Overall rating 3.3
Effectiveness
Ease of Use
Satisfaction

I took this medication almost 7 years. The fevers, chills never resolved on their own. Aleve was the only drug that would minimize those side effects. My ms did not worsen on the drug. Mris were stable. I did develop loss of muscle and over time got to the point where my arms and legs hurt to touch. Med greatly increased anxiety and guilt symptoms - did not have prior depression symptoms or other reasons to be depressed. I did not realize how much I suffered mentally until after I quit the meds. If you feel overwhelmed, anxious, etc it may be this med. arm and leg pain resolved after discontinuing drug. Read More Read Less

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