Avonex or Rebif

New diagnosis and before diagnosis
1

Hi,

I’ve asked this question before but I still need some input.

I had the MS nurse round today and she was outlining the different tratment options. I have narrowed it down to two treatments, Avonex and Rebif. From what I can see they are the same drug, beta interferon 1-a but just given in different doses. Avonex is taken once a week and Rebif is taken three times a week. Avonex is injected into the muscle and Rebif is injected subcutaneously i.e. into the fat just below the skin. It would appear that Avonex has less side effects but is less efficient.

I start work in the New Year, so I am just wondering, should I try and minimise the side effects by taking Avonex or should I just go for it and try Rebif? Has anyone had experience of th two drugs they could share?

I don’t have to make a decision until the New Year any feedback would be great.

Thanks,

Adrian

2

They are the exact same 2 im looking at fella, purely because they are premixed.

However im swaying to the rebif as you get frequent doses, rather than once a week.

Interested to hear which you choose

3

Hi Adrian,

I have been on Rebif, sine April 2010. More than happy to share my personal take on it.

Cheers

Gareth

4

I started rebif 3 weeks ago. Chose Rebif because of smaller needles and rebismart. I’m a wuss!! You don’t even feel a scratch and machine so easy to use so injections nit a problem. First time I injected I did feel truly awful, have never been that poorly. Each time after that has been easier and am now sleeping through after 2 weeks. On 3 rd week and feeling pretty much back to normal. I started on 22 which my nurse said is unusual but that’s how my hospital does it, she said most centres start off with 8 and build up. Good luck with whichever you choose. Xxx

5

Great. Thanks for your replies. Really appreciate it. I have chosen to go the Rebif route. Have seen two nurses this week and the second said my MS was quite active, so I made the descision then and there. I am very wary about the side effects as I start a new job in the New Year and I haven’t worked for sometime. Ah well, just have to deal with it I suppose. I will tell you how I get one, as I think it is really helpful to share. I start on 22 aswell.

Thanks,

Adrian