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Avonex killing immune system?
I'm just wondering if I'm the only 1 who feels like Avonex is destroying my immune system. Shortly after starting the injections a yr. and half ago, I've been getting sick a lot, & each time is a big deal. I've never in my life been on so many meds., such as antibiotics & steroids, and with little relief. I've decided to stop the Avonex. My m.s. (which I believe is mild) is fine, mri's are unchanged from the 1st one. I want to see how the next mri's look. If there is change, I would go back to the shots, if not, I think I should stay off of them. The side-effects after the shots were very minimal, but my immune system went from being so strong to poor. The med. seems to be doing more harm than good. Would very much appreciate any feedback. Thank you!
Thanks Bob & Shell. I hate the idea of putting a med. in my body that I really don't need. I will see what happens. Some drs. believe to just treat the symptoms & others put you on the Interferons. I believe that it's not for me. Time & mri's will tell. Thanks for reponding. Hope both of you are well. Take care, Rondi
Rondi,
Nice to see you back. Did you have your labwork completed before and during the year? Avonex will not by any means kill your immune system, but I can see where getting sick constantly since starting makes one think that in general terms.
Reason I ask is because the interferons "can" drop your WBC count. That drop can make you vunerable to getting sick, and depending on how low it goes, your immune system can be comprimised - so basically what your body would typically fight off when introduced, it doesn't.
If you flag low and go off, you should be tested again to see if the numbers are back up. If it's from the Avonex, then that is prob. the culprit.
-Shell
Nice to see you back. Did you have your labwork completed before and during the year? Avonex will not by any means kill your immune system, but I can see where getting sick constantly since starting makes one think that in general terms.
Reason I ask is because the interferons "can" drop your WBC count. That drop can make you vunerable to getting sick, and depending on how low it goes, your immune system can be comprimised - so basically what your body would typically fight off when introduced, it doesn't.
If you flag low and go off, you should be tested again to see if the numbers are back up. If it's from the Avonex, then that is prob. the culprit.
-Shell
Seems kind of the opposite from what interferons should do in the body. Interferons increase the antibody presentation to the T cells and interfere with viral replication. They help cells prevent viral entrance through the cell membrane. They improve the ability of "natural killer" cells to identify foreign cell types. Interferons are naturally occurring glycoprotiens that are produced in the body. They are not considered immunosuppresive.
Maybe your immune system is being knocked down, but it may not be the Avonex. You should discuss this with your neurologist or seek a consult to a neuroimmunologist. There are other DMD options including Copaxone, Gilenya, monoclonal antibodies, etc. that are not related to the Interferon class drugs.
Bob
Maybe your immune system is being knocked down, but it may not be the Avonex. You should discuss this with your neurologist or seek a consult to a neuroimmunologist. There are other DMD options including Copaxone, Gilenya, monoclonal antibodies, etc. that are not related to the Interferon class drugs.
Bob
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Bob and Shell have covered the interferon idea so let me jump to another one in your post.
What are you basing the thought that you really don't need to be on a disease modifying drug for your MS? Are you willing to gamble that your next lesion or relapse won't be the one that affects your walking or your memory or your bladder, etc.
We know that being proactive and taking treatment even when you think nothing is going on is the best way to avoid future damage. As I say, it is a crap shoot and a personal decision, but it is one not to be taken lightly and definitely to discuss with your doctor.
If you are seeing a neurologist who specializes in MS I would just about guarantee that the doctor iwll want you to stay on treatment of some sort. The evidence is in that even those people with CIS (clinically isolated syndrome- first possible showing of MS) benefit most from being on treaatment.
The doctors who believe in just treating symptoms I would venture to guess are not current on the literature about MS.
whatever you decide, make it an informed decision and not just because you don't want to take one more drug. I know that feeling too and have cut back on some of my symptomatic treatment but would not dream of stopping my DMD.
good luck.
Lulu