Avonex ???

[figuerpa]

I started Avonex 4 weeks ago yesterday. I have been doing ok with it. I do have the flu like symptoms but overall I am more tired than anything the day after taking it.

My question is, can Avonex symptoms stick with you through the week. Since starting it I have had this head cold, congestion going on, not sure if it is just a coincidence or if it is possible that it is from the Avonex. I am not going to stop taking it or anything because it isn't that bad, it is just annoying me lol.

Thank you,
Paula

[figuerpa]

Thanks everyone,

The cold has passed, I guess I was just more curious than worried. It was just weird that it started when I started Avonex.

I did opt for the pen, the first month it was manual injections and it was titrated 1/4 first shot 1/2 dose second shot 3/4 dose third shot and full dose from there out.

Now the first month I had the manual injections and they went well. I didn't give them to myself though, that needle is huge lol. Of course I would if I had :)

Started on the pen, and all I can say is Ouch!, With the manual injections I never felt it, the pen I feel the needle slam into my leg and I think the medicine goes in a lot faster and hurts/burns. I will see how it goes, I may go back to the manual injections.

I do take my Aleve before the injection, hydration is not a problem for me, I drink massive water on a daily basis. I did have one week about 5 hours after my shot that I got very sick, I had 3 blankets and the heater on and still was shivering like crazy, just felt overall horrible but this week all I felt was tired and not exsessivly. I still cooked and cleaned and continued on. I did rest a bit more in between tho lol.

My sister has been on Avonex for 10 years and she told me the first couple of months are the worst. And so far it is true, it is getting better with each injection. She said she still has some weeks where it wipes her out but for the most part she is fine with it..

Thanks again for all your responses, I am going to go read Shell's link :)

Paula

[TLC_31]

I am confident that the head cold and congestion have nothing to do with the Avonex. Additionally, even at their worst, side effects have never stuck with me through the week.

Because side effects for me were at their worst in the first few injections (titration was not offered to me in 2004), and that's generally what I've understood from others' experiences, it is reassuring to hear that you’re making it through these early injections OK.

I’ll add a note that while over-the-counter meds are a good idea to mitigate side effects, they don’t have to be specific ones. Just as some people respond better to Avonex vs. Copaxone (or vice versa, or others), some people will respond better to acetaminophen vs. ibuprofen, etc.

[jibjen]

Good point. Forgot about the water ;o)

Jibs

[sagecountry]

Hi Paula,

I also started Avonex 4 weeks ago. Had my first  full dose this past week after doing tritation. I  agree with everyone about the symptoms lasting all week as a coincidence. I have also been mostly lucky with the side effects. Just minor aches and pains, mostly in the night which makes me tired the next day.

Another thing to keep in mind, besides taking Ibuprofen and Aleve, is to make sure you stay hydrated. I do notice a difference when I haven't had enough water during the day.

good luck,
Barb

[jibjen]

Hi Paula,

I noticed as I was just starting I felt a bit off the next day but s time went on I am tolerating it without ANY issue.

Make sure you take your Advil before shot and then Aleve before you go to bed so you won't deal with the symptoms.

Works for me and beleive e if I miss the Advil or Aleve..I feel it the next day.

Jibs - have been on Avonex since April 2012

[sllowe]

FOUND IT!

Have fun with this one Paula! It's amazing to me when I read past things, I forget too much. Wow, do I miss Doc Q. What a blessing she was to all of us - learned so much from her.

http://www.medhelp.org/posts/Multiple-Sclerosis/WBC-Decrease---for-those-in-the-know-/show/918568

[sllowe]

Hi Paula,

I tend to feel like SarahL does that it's a coincidental cold.

You're concern is a valid one though - that if lowered immune system you would be more succeptible to cold, infection, etc. However, since the the disease modifiers are immune modulators, and not suppressants, your odds of lowered immune system are much less.

That's not to say that the DMDs cannot cause blood level changes. i.e., low wbc counts. This can be watched from time-to-time through blood draws, something they will do to watch along with liver enzymes, and thyroid function should be included in that scripts as well.

Personally, I did have low wbc count one time. It was not lowered to a level that my system was suppressed. So, I stopped for a bit of time, and then went back to injecting. I cannot remember the number, but know I posted something about it back then. If I find it, Quix answered it I believe, and it may be a good read if I can find it.

Glad to hear your flu-like are just annoying, because I truly hope Avonex is the one for you :) to stop this beast. They should fade away.

Did you opt for the pen? And, if so, are you still in titration?

((((((Hugs)))
-shell

[SarahL2491]

The research I did (when considering Avonex) stated (by doctors) that it does not decrease your immune system.  It is an immunodulator not an immunosuppressant, I think that's the way they put it.

Perhaps the coal is going around?  The flue symptoms were the reason I by-passed the drug, I am such a wimp!

Hoping you feel better soon