avonex pen has anyone heard anything about it?

Question

Has anyone tried the avonex pen yet.  I do the once weekly injections and am kind of excited about it!  The needles are supposed to be shorter and less painful and I'm hoping instead of my  husband having to give me the injections I will be able to do them myself.  I called insurance today and they said would have to start whole authorization process over again but I think it might be worth it!  anyone else hear anything good or bad??

llitha · Answer

This is my fourth week using the pen and I love it. The side affects are different not as bad.I would suggest the pen to everyone that is able to use it.

tammy197238 · Answer

Is the pen an additional charge or same price?  You dont inject yourself with the pen?  Did someone train you on how to use it?  Sorry so many questions!

dano55 · Answer

Second week using the pen just barely felt the needle this week (first time did not feel a thing. My only concern is if I am getting the full dose.

Sidesteps · Answer

I used the pen tonight. It is very nice and much easier to inject with across the board. I cannot complain about anything - I have minimal side affects and not the one thing I struggle with (injecting) has become that much easier on me. Yay! Win!! :)

rendean · Answer

Please let us know if you decide to use it and if you like it over the traditional injections. Good luck with the pen and it's reported shorter needle!!

Ren

Ojibajo · Answer

I haven't tried the pen yet but I am hoping to soon. I did speak to someone at Bioden Idec about it about a week or two ago.

Lulu54 · Answer

thanks for that patient testimonial!  Its always good to hear this first hand from a user.  Anyone else using the pen, yet?

dano55 · Answer

COOLEST!!!!! I have been on Avonex for 6 yrs, never given myself a shot (cannot do it, hate the sight of needles) my wife is a godsend. Just got switched to the pen and the first use was spectacular! I was getting ready to ask her when she was going to start, when I opened my eyes and realized she was done! I did not feel a thing, I am actually looking forward to next week to make sure it was not a fluke.

Dan O

maxthecat43 · Answer

It looks great, but I won't be able to use it. The medicine inside is the prefilled type, so I am allergic to it. Well, I actually allergic to the preservative in it. Oh well. I am happy for the those who can benefit. As things stand, I am truly grateful to be able to use this medicine in the form that needs to be mixed. I think this will be very helpful to most Avonex users though. Not only will it hide the needle, it will also give you more accessible injection sites.

tammy197238 · Answer

thanks for the responses.  I called neuro friday to ask for different script for pen.  I havent heard anything as of yet.  I think I will call if I havent heard by Weds.  thanks for the suggestion of avonex assistance.  I have 3 regular injections left so I hope they can work it out before they are up!!  If any of you get to use it before me...please let me know what you think!

Lulu54 · Answer

It was just approved in late winter and is slowly getting into the users' bag of tricks to make this better.  If you are on Avonex you definitely want to ask about ti.....

Ojibajo · Answer

Last that I knew it was only approved in Europe, but the FDA has not yet approved it in the US. I could be mistaken though.

jibjen · Answer

Hi All,

I just asked for my doc to change over my script for the auto injecter for Avonex and will hope to have it for next months injections. My MS Nurse told me about it. I will probably start next noth..excited about an easier way to inject!!!!

JibJen

Lulu54 · Answer

oops! Thanks for catching that one.  We want the whole package here - Rebismart should be on our market, and soon.

sllowe · Answer

Hi Tammy,

I hope you are able to try it out. Looking forward to hearing the difference in injecting from you and Sidesteps.

Lu - the Rebiject is available in the US, just not he RebiSmart! And, I wish it were because even though I prefer manual injection, I'd definitely try that from what I've read.

Sidesteps · Answer

My Avonex nurse called and tole me to call my MS RN, so I did. My prescription for the pen was just sent in!!! Yay!!! I should have it for next months treatments!! Yay!!!! 

I think it will really help with the one issue I do have - I stop just before giving myself the shot (shot anxiety) and have to mentally push myself a bit. I think not being ale to see the needle will help me get over that. Yayyy!

Lulu54 · Answer

How crazy - that is something that they have to start the rx process over again.  I am very surprised at that but I guess it would be a different prescription.  Just like changing a drug from tablet to capsule.  I would think the approval process should go pretty smooth since you already use Avonex.

The Avonex PEN was approved a month or two ago and there is information on their website... http://www.avonex.com and also a brief video on how it works.

I know when I was on copaxone, I loved being able to use the autoinjector and did the shots for myself.  My husband and daughter both offered to help, but I really wanted to remain in control of my own treatment as long as possible.  

The pen for avonex looks like it could make that difference for you and the shorter needle length looks promising too.  When it comes to length, less is really better.  Their study numbers claim less pain for almost all of the people using the pen.

 I would contact the Avonex assistance line on their webpage and have them help with the process of changing with your insurance.  They have people who specialize in this and can take care of communicating with your doctor as well for the new rx.

Now if only our Rebif folks could get the Rebiject here in the States..... Come on FDA.