Quitting Avonex

[Nappy1959]

To counteract the damage the drug does I did some research and take supplements to counteract the issues caused by the very thing(s) that are supposed to help.  Question is, would a complete stoppage of pharmaceutical meds be a smart thing to do?  I will say that progression has been slowed.....who's to say it's because of the pharmaceuticals?   I am 55 yrs old, the mother of four raised primarily solo.  Have endured much strife in life as have all others.  Fear of unknown and long term treatment keeping me from deciding whether or not to discontinue meds.  Any and all input welcome.

[Lulu54]

Hi! I read your question and then the answers from the others - I have to agree that there is not really evidence that Avonex will cause damage.  We do know that some  people never really adjust to the side effects of the interferons like Avonex - the depression and flu like symptoms can be very real and hard on some people.  I would strongly urge you to talk with your doctor about trying a different type of therapy drug that isn't an interferon.  

We know that for some reason these drugs work in slowing down the progression of MS and there's nothing else available to us right now that would do the same.  in my thinking, I need to try everything possible to keep my MS quiet.

Be sure to talk with your doctor about all of your questions and discuss other options.

Laura

[immisceo]

If you feel dissatisfied or concerned with Avonex and how you feel while taking it, please discuss with your medical team the many other disease modifying drugs that are now available, including oral medications, other forms of injections, and infusions.

Avonex is an older MS medication with a good safety record, but many of us find we need to move on to different DMDs over the course of our MS 'career' due to progression, development of antibodies, or preference for a different method of administration. A good MS team will be open to you discussing a treatment you'd be more comfortable with.

[Melly81b]

I've not heard about damage from Avonex.  


In any case, I wouldn't advise anyone to just stop taking any medication without consulting your physician.

[doublevision1]

Further to ess' question, what supplements counteract the damage you are talking about?

[essdipity]

Would you explain what you mean by damage from Avonex?

I don't believe there is evidence to support this, but would like to understand your rationale.


ess