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Skipping a dose of Avonex

So glad there's a new Ask a Doctor Forum. Welcome.

We're having a discussion on the MS forum about whether one can skip a dose of Avonex to avoid the major side effects during the holiday festivities. Some who take Avonex feel quite sick for a day or two. I'm lucky not to, but still this is a good question. Perhaps you could answer in terms of all 4 DMDs.

Thank you.

ess
6 Responses
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669758 tn?1242330751
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
I agree with these very useful comments.

1. NSAIDS, such as ibuprofen and naproxen work. I sometimes prescrible long active naproxen if the flu-like symptoms last. Of course remember that there are 20,000 deaths annualy from bleeding ulcers from these drugs.

2. Some people think that acetaminophen helps.

If you are still having so many side effects, you should probably talk to your neurologist.
Helpful - 1
147426 tn?1317265632
Yes, ibuprofen or naproxen would generally work much better against the Interferon side effects.  Both of these have better anti-inflammatory properties than acetaminophen.

I offered the idea of the acetaminophen for those, including myself, who cannot take the NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory meds).

Quix
Helpful - 1
572651 tn?1530999357
Hi Dr. Kantor and welcome to MedHelp.

I am on Copaxone and made that choice partly on the lack of side effects, compared to the interferons.  Everything I have read though lists the flu-like symptoms as common side effects of this class of DMD's.  Even the materials given to me about these drugs when I was working through my choice list this as a possible side effect.  

If you know of ways to minimize the problem beyond the suggested method of taking anti-inflammatories before the injection and going to bed to sleep it off through the night, please let us know.  

A number of our community members would welcome the relief.

My best, Lulu



Helpful - 1
Avatar universal
I find Ibuprofen works better for my Avonex side effects than Acetaminophen. Also one Predisone  10mg  by mouth at bed time after your injection is a real big help. This is a prescription med and your MD would have to approve it. But it really helps you feel alot better the next day. Have taken Avonex for 10 years ,so have alot of experience with it.
Helpful - 0
147426 tn?1317265632
We have had reports from this community that the "Advice Line" for Avonex has told them that the dose may occasionally be taken either two days early or late to allow for important events.  Then the regular schedule should be picked up and kept.

Also, for some people the anti-inflammatories (or acetaminophen) can be taken on a timed schedule for usual duration of the side effects.  That is what I have done and it works well.

Quix
Helpful - 0
669758 tn?1242330751
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
Happy Holidays! The first thing is that your DMD (disease modifying drug) should not be making you feel sick -- if it is, talk to your doctor. I cannot recommend skipping any of the medicines since they were FDA approved for the dosing schedule that is listed on your prescription. If you still feel that you want to stray from the standard of care, then please talk to your doctor first. What I would like to see in this community is people giving advice to others on how to minimize the flu-like side effects of the interferons. Please accept my challenge ....
Helpful - 0

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