I was given the same choice and used Copoxone for several years without any major problems from the medication. I made the decision because of warnings from my doctor that the Avonex sometimes caused flu like symptoms as a side effect. I DO NOT know if that is true, have absolutely no personal experience with Avonex and suggest getting the opinion of Avonex users.

I was on Avonex for almost 8 years. It helped a lot. I did eventually need to switch because of new lesions. I am now on Rebif and am stable. No new lesions on my last MRI. I did try Copaxone but was allergic to it. I like the Rebif because it's only 3x per week. It's been around a long time. Avonex is good too because it's 1x per week, been around longer and it now has an auto injector. Plegridy would be even better because it's only 2x per month and is a slower releasing form of Avonex.

I was on avonex for a few months and was miserable! It was like I had the flu every weekend! I was told after 2 years you will get use to it. I was not going to be miserable for 2 years so I stopped. Im now on Tysabri and doing fine.

Avonex is an interferon. It has a pretty tough side effect profile: flu - like symptoms and depression. Many other disease modifying MS meds are also interferon in different forms but with the same effects. Avonex. must be injected intramuscularly...longer needle, much more specific injection sites but it can definitely be done . I just didn't like the sound of the side effects. My doctor said that 75% of patients did experience them on some level.
Who wants to have MS AND be sick in bed AND be depressed.
I did a lot of research. It's important to be a well informed consumer of our own health care...Copaxone has a very low side effect profile. The 40mg, 3 day/ week dosage has the same very low side effect profile except sometimes a greater site reaction (redness, itchiness at the injection site)
NONE of these meds have ever been proven to lower relapse rate but they have been proven to show a 30-40% decrease of lesions on MRI. It's strange but that's not the same thing.
Anyway, I've been on Copaxone 40mg 3 times per week for 8 months and am doing great. I do have some big time redness& itching at those injection sites but not ONE other problem.
And the support from the company is outstanding. Nurses train you in your home on the injections. The pharmaceutical company paid my $7000 insurance deductible. ..and I'm not low income.
Best of luck to you

I used Avonex for 13 years IM injection 1xwk. It help me to stay stable with no new lesions. I got needle fatigue & asked to try new oral med. Techfidura for 18 mths in & doing alright. Did take the JVC blood test a few months back after dr suggested as one patient got PLM, thankfully I'm negative & ok'd to continue. I also tested low for Vit D so I've been using supplements to correct the issue. I feel well most days. Learn to pace yourself, rest when needed, eat healthy and stay active. Best wishes to you. Study up on your options.