Okay, can people be frank with me now, if you’ve tried, or on Avonex, what side effects do you get, how did/do you react with it? I’m intrigued as this is the one I have decided to start with! Thank you!
Beth xxx
Hello, I can honestly say I have never regretted starting Avonex which I have been on since April last year. I won’t lie, the first injection came with the worst of it, fever, headache, calf muscle ache etc. but paracetamol and ibuprofen calmed it down. After that was pretty much fine. My routine is - take injection out of the fridge 30 mins before I inject then take 2 paracetamol. 4 hours after last paracetamol take another 2 then go to bed. I find that even if I don’t sleep the rest really helps. The anxiety you feel is completely normal, I was very nervous before I started but now I can see some improvement in certain aspects I am grateful for it even though I still get a little apprehensive sometimes! Good luck 
Sam xx
Thank you! Deffinately it me mind at rest, all I can do is give it a chance reyt?
Much appreciated!
Beth xx
Hi Beth, i was diagnosed in 2012. I switched from copaxone to avonex in april 2013 and have been very happy with it. I take ibuprofen before i inject (usually about 6pm) and then before bed. I dont have any side effects. The first injection caused flu like symptoms and feverish shaking but now i dont have any problems. The injection is into the muscle so you do feel it more than the sub cutaenious injectins but the injection pen is easy to use, and its only once. Week. Good luck! : ) Penny
Thank you! It seems everybody reacts after the first time, but gets better there after, that’s alreyt then! just another quick question, what day do you people take it? I thought Friday so school isn’t effected if I do react to it?
Beth xx
I am also making the move from Copaxone to Avonex as I relapsed whilst on Copaxone and the itching side effects were horrendous. I am petrified of the Avonex injection and how painful it will be when injecting - I feel sick just even thinking about it. Does it really hurt as much as i think it will - I still partake in martial arts and will be gutted if I have to miss training cos I have a dead leg so to speak.
Hi Amanda, the Avonex injection is worse but not much worse than the Copaxone but there is no itching or scarring afterwards. Your MS nurse should help you with your first jab. I had lots of shivering and feverishnes the first time but ok since. I also go to gym classes and it hasn’t stopped me. I definitely prefer it to copaxone but everyone is different. I’ve just read that an MS tablet Aubagio is going to be available as a choice to people on first line DMDs within the next three months so if you can’t cope with the injections that could be an option maybe. Good luck : ) Penny