Hi Debbie, welcome. I hear you about Avonex sides. I stayed on it for 7 months, before giving up, because of the flu from hell.

With some peeps the sides deminish over time. Never stopped with me, so.......

I hope yours go away and you are helped by Avonex.

I originally stared on Betaseron and suffered the flu-like side effects. They lasted about 3 months. When I went off it to have a baby and then started taking Avonex I didn't have any further side effects. Just wanted to give you some positive feed back. I know so many have had horrible side effects from these meds. I hope the side effects ease up for you.

I did betaseron for 9months myself. Hated it!! Always make sure with the beta, avonex, and one more I think, always pre-medicate. That doesnt work for everyone, but make sure your doing that and if you still have problems, may be time for a change.

I did Beta for eight years..... the side effect were almost always there. That is why I went on Tysabri. Not saying that you should do that, but I do feel for you - it is like getting hit by a truck/having the hangover from hell.

When it was every second day, my quality of life was NOT GOOD. Now I know I am JC positive, I am thinking about trying Avonex.

Maybe I can cope with it once a week - but I am sorry that you are feeling so bad. Lots of people feel like that for the first few months and then the 'flu symptoms stop. I hope that you are one of them.

Regards

Lyn

i did beta and it gave me tiny minor side effects and I thought GREAT! but my first blood test showed my liver was very unhappy on it. I switched to Copaxone.

EVERY drug has side effects, from stinging to flu side effects to increased risk of infection or PML. Sometimes you get used to them and sometimes you dont.

I hope you feel better quick.