Question:

I have been on Avonex about two months now, and since shortly after my first shot, I have been having what feels like muscular pain (not burning pain) in my upper arms for at least a day or two.  Recently, the arm pain seems almost constant.  Given the fact that I have almost constant muscle aches from fibromyalgia, which was diagnosed at about the same time I started on the Avonex, the flu-like symptoms from the Avonex are barely noticeable, but the pain in my upper arms/shoulders, especilally on the right side, is becoming worse.  Painkillers to little if any good, and the pain makes it hard for me to reach for things.  I think I’ve asked about this before, but after 8 weeks on Avonex, I’m beginning to worry more about whether this could be some kind of ongoing–not temporary–side effect.  I really had to fight to get on Avonex, and I don’t want to stop it unless absolutely necessary.  But the pain is getting harder to cope with. I would appreciate feedback from anybody who has taken Avonex, especially if you also have fibromyalgia. Thanks. –Laura R.M.

Response:

Hi, I was on Avonex for 2 years, and had to stop as the "flu like symptoms" were getting worse every week- mainly aching. I am not actually diagnosed with fibromyalgia, but my GP is pretty sure. I’m on Copaxone now, and doing really well. Good luck, Cathi "Laura R.M." <af…@lafn.org> wrote in message

news:[email protected]… – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> I have been on Avonex about two months now, and since shortly after my > first shot, I have been having what feels like muscular pain (not > burning pain) in my upper arms for at least a day or two.  Recently, > the arm pain seems almost constant.  Given the fact that I have almost > constant muscle aches from fibromyalgia, which was diagnosed at about > the same time I started on the Avonex, the flu-like symptoms from the > Avonex are barely noticeable, but the pain in my upper arms/shoulders, > especilally on the right side, is becoming worse.  Painkillers to > little if any good, and the pain makes it hard for me to reach for > things.  I think I’ve asked about this before, but after 8 weeks on > Avonex, I’m beginning to worry more about whether this could be some > kind of ongoing–not temporary–side effect.  I really had to fight to > get on Avonex, and I don’t want to stop it unless absolutely > necessary.  But the pain is getting harder to cope with. > I would appreciate feedback from anybody who has taken Avonex, > especially if you also have fibromyalgia. > Thanks. > –Laura R.M.

Response:

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