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Real members of MyMSTeam have posted questions and answers that support our community guidelines, and should not be taken as medical advice. Looking for the latest medically reviewed content by doctors and experts? Visit our resource section.

Has anyone switched from Avonex to Tysabri?

A MyMSTeam Member asked a question 💭
Providence, RI

My neurologist suggested switching me to Tysabri instead of Avonex. I've been using Avonex for 2yrs now and my MS is aggressively progressing. I had another MRI of my c-spine and t-spine the other day - the results showed new lesions on my c-spine but my t-spine was normal.

Has anyone switched to Tysabri from Avonex? If so, were the side effects worse? I just dont know what to do .... Help!

February 20, 2014 (edited)
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Answer Summary

Members shared their experiences switching from Avonex or similar MS medications to Tysabri, offering reassurance to someone feeling anxious... Read more

Members shared their experiences switching from Avonex or similar MS medications to Tysabri, offering reassurance to someone feeling anxious about the change after new lesions appeared. Several members reported positive outcomes with Tysabri, noting minimal side effects like brief fatigue after early infusions, no new lesions, and a strong preference for it over other treatments, with one tip being to stay well-hydrated before infusions to make IV placement easier. A recurring theme was the importance of staying on a disease-modifying treatment without gaps, with one member sharing a difficult personal experience after being left without medication for months.

A MyMSTeam Member

When will I. Be totally healed
Waiting. Dear lord 🌿

🌿🌿🌿❤️❤️❤️❤️

August 12
A MyMSTeam Member

Tysabri is great, I can not tell you how much more I like them than any of the abc drugs and rebif, so I would give it a try

February 22, 2014
A MyMSTeam Member

I wasn't on avonex, but was on rebif. Didn't work for me. I've been on tysabari for two years. I love it

February 20, 2014
A MyMSTeam Member

I tested negative for JCV. I'm just scared of the unknown with this condition .... The only thing I hate about Avonex is the minimal bruising I have from injecting weekly. Frustration is just taking over that this point .....

February 20, 2014
A MyMSTeam Member

I was on Tysabri for 4and 1/2 years after taking CoPaxone for 3 years and loved it!!! The only problem is if you are JCV positive. You could develop PML. I was positive and made it thru the 2-4 yr. period where risk is at the highest. There is no data for after 4 yrs. so since I appear to be stable and because of my age (58) my neurologist has suggested I go off of a disease modifying drug for now. I went for monthly infusions and met some great people there with MS . We all would compare what the docs were saying nd keep up on each others lives births, weddings, graduations,vacations...

February 20, 2014

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