avonex?

[willowwoman7]

Is anyone on avonex? My dr. wants to switch me to avonex, but with having lupus, I really don't want to go on an interferon. I'm on copaxone, now but because I have large welts on my arms he wants to switch me. I don't want to switch. Do I have the right to deny a new medication I feel would be detrimental to me?

[willowwoman7]

I have been on copaxone only a short time. For the most part, the copaxone has been ok. The welts are only bad on my arms. Shared solutions suggested talking to my doc about perhaps an alternate site since that's the site that really bothers me. Relapses? I've had one, but only on copaxone about 6 weeks. One post injection reaction. Then the rest are ok. I really don't want to change at this point. I'm just going to talk to him about it, because I just don't feel the interferons are appropriate in my case because of my hypersensitivity to meds.

[essdipity]

How long have you been on Copaxone? Have you had any relapses in that time? And have you talked to the Shared Solutions people about the welts? Thye do suggest ways of minimizing the reaction, heat or cold or whatever. Maybe you don't have to change at this point, if you can just get the welts under control. I of course don't know how bad they are or how long they last, so I can't help that way, but it would be worth trying to overcome this, all other things being equal. I have minimal reaction to Copaxone, thank heavens, but everyone is different.

ess

[willowwoman7]

I have several concerns, I have hypothyroid, kidney desease, and in the past suffered a clinical depression. From what I've read, the thyroid and depression are contraindicaitons for using Avonex. I have extreme medication sensitivity, tend to have side effects easily. My mother died of chf. With all I've read about avonex, I truly feel it is a very poor choice for me.

[Quixotic1]

First off, you always have the right in this country to refuse a medication or any kind of treatment.  Likewise a physician can refuse to treat someone who doesn't follow his/her recommendations.  So it does go both ways.  Does the doctor feel the welts are an allergic reaction or will be permanent?  

Next, I am on Avonex and am, I think, doing well on it.  The once a week shot is not a problem for me.  Initially I had achy, stiff muscles for a day or so afterward, but now 10 months into treatment I have essentially no reaction at all.

What is the problem with Lupus and Interferon-beta?  I can understand a reluctance to go on Interferon-alpha, but I don't know anything about a problem with Avonex, Rebif or Betaseron and Lupus.  Interferon-alpha is far, far more immunosuppressive and is linked with the development of some autoimmune diseases, after treatment for things like Hep C and melanoma.

If you could give me some of your concerns, I could look up the issue and see what the medical literature says.

Quix