Avonex and legs

[LATW]

Does Avonex cause a lot of leg weakness and aching?  Or is that something more associated with MS itself?

[tammy197238]

Do you just give yourself the injections in the arm only?  I hate the legs too.  To me it is more painful and I tend to bruise.  My neuro said there were only 2 locations on each arm to inject so I have to use the legs?  Did your doctor say it was ok to only use arm?  I would love to be able to do that.

[jat779]

I had no pain in my legs prior to starting Avonex a month ago.  

The shot really hurts regardless of how long I ice the leg.  I use the 25G, 1 in. needle as I'm a slender woman.

I'm lucky not to get any significant flu like symptoms.  I do experience pain/tension in my side and back 48 hours after the shot.  Advil has helped with the pain.

Any suggestions on lessening the pain of the injection or the pain that still exists in my leg from my shot 4 days ago is much appreciated :)

[sllowe]

Hey there.  It's funny you bring this up.  When I started Rebif, some of symptoms I got, were brand new, but they were MS type symptoms, hence my difficulty knowing what the heck was up. Heavy legs, etc.

I hate to leave this thread hanging, but I received a new printout on Rebif in the mail a few weeks back and I don't have it with me right now. It did describe worsening symptoms that I did not remember in the original med info.  I wanted to compare the old printout w/the new one to make sure I wasn't seeing things, but never did it.

I will dig it up and re-post it.  The list of affects were totally MS like symptoms....

ttys,
Shell

[LATW]

I've recenly switched to using my arms for my injection and it is going much better.  

LA

[wannabmommy]

I believe the muscle acheness is from the Avonex.The day that I do the injection I feel like I have to keep stretching my legs nonstop and they just ache.After the other "flu like symptoms"end so does the achness and problems with my legs.(unless I have a flare up).I wish you the best!!

[LATW]

Hey! thanks for the answers. :)  I forgot I had asked the question.  I have come to the conclusion it is the MS also. :(  

LA

[JonM]

I have been taking Avonex for about 18 months now.  Have not noticed any leg pain or weakness that I would attribute to it outside of the usual day or so of flue-like symptoms.  I think that's the MS.
Jon

[km_house]

I don't think Avonex causes leg weakness specifically. If your legs hurt around the injection site it could be due to the injection/needle and how dense the legs muscles are. I have leg weakness and aching but that is due to spasticity.