I was on Avonex for 5 years w no exacerbations or lesions until the last year when I got 1 lesion. I was switched to Rebif then. If R din't exist I would have stayed on A. Just one lesion in 5 years is excellent.

Then there is the flu which gets better but not quickly. I took the shot on Saturdays at 6PM and slept through the worst part of the symptoms and was perfect by Monday.

Be well,
ANN

Now for the negative suff.
 

You will learn that Avonex takes at least 6 months to start working properly. If your MS is active it will delay that time a lot. Do not expect to see much MRI results for 2 years.

The antibodies to other interferons may also prevent the Avonex for being fully effective. Your neuro can find the latest on this.

Good luck! Ask questions.

jackD

p.s. I took Avonex for 10 years. I stopped after no change in my MRIs in the last 6 years. I still take the supplements that I found helped the Avonex work and lowered the MS progression activity.

Hi Jack,W, and Ann
That was my fear about the liver thing but we will start at half and monitor closely. I also worry about how beta made me suicidal (I've never experienced that before). I wonder if Avonex brings that on. I will look into it. Yes, sir, I've heard good things about that new med. I could wait on its passing and take nothing until it does or start Avonex. Neuro thinks I should be on something.

DoctorT,

Depression is a problem w all interferons. I didn't know I had any on A but I surely knew it on R. Be careful.

I see that you had elevated liver enzymes on C. I haven't heard of that. That one is not an interferon.

Best to you,
ANN

Hi ANNagain,

yes, I have had elevated enzymes but it was not on Copaxone it was from Beta. I will def. be careful on it. It it makes me feel at all like the Betaseron did with suicidality I will not take it. That's my plan. I look forward to the new oral medication to be approved. I will look at that one closely too. :) Thanks for your input and your insights. :)