I was diagnosed in June 2004 and started Betaseron
immediately and have been injecting myself ever since. So
far so good, outside of the flulike side effects that I manage
with ibuprofen. I inject every other night before I go to bed
and take the ibuprofen just prior to my injection or as soon
as possible thereafter. The nurses at Betaseron are
supportive too and will call you a lot at first until you get the hang of it and feel
comfortable. They are also available by phone 24/7 in case you have questions
or concerns. I take an anti-depressant, Effexor XR. I started on that about a year
after my original diagnosis. Whether the Betaseron caused it, I can't say, but I
lean more towards the MS being the culprit and dealing with new feelings.
~Shirley
I'm on Betaseron and have been for 4 years. I can only share
my experience with you since we're all different and react
differently as a result. Starting with the 1/4 dose and
gradually increasing to the full dose by month's end is a kind
and gentle introduction. Still it took me a few more months
to adjust to the full dose and managing the flulike symptoms.
After 4 years I still get an occasional fluishness the day after my shot but it
generally only lasts until around midday. Ibuprofen (Advil..whatever) is my drug
of choice. I take 3 prior to my shot and 3 the next morning and sometimes
throughout the next day or whenever I start to feel that flu-type feeling.
Regardless, my point is that it's manageable for most of us that are on
Betaseron. The Betaseron nurses at the 24/7 helpline are very helpful and will
call and check on you periodically. Never hesitate to use them as a resource for
assistance. That's what they're there for. Also, please contact your Neuro if at
anytime you feel that the med is making you sicker instead of better. ~Shirley
Labels: Betaseron (Interferon beta-1b)
