the auto-injector makes Avonex shots bearable

2 years ago, I read that Biogen was releasing a personal injector to its European clients. I was having a hard time with the injection and debating giving it up since it didn't seem worth the mental anguish ... before doing that, I went to Europe to see if I could get one. I did, and it has changed my life. Just knowing that you don't have to worry about the syringe falling from your hand, or your hand cramping up, has been such a relief. This is why I write .. it has helped me, and perhaps someone out there feels the same way I did, but didn't know this injector exists (and by the way, the injector got FDA approval in February 2005). If you want to find out more for yourself, the company who makes the personal injector is called Union Medico. They are a small company, and one of the founders has MS and struggled with Avonex which is why they developed this injector. Contact them. Tell them you want it. And pass this info on to your doctors ... if Biogen makes the injector available to its European and Canadian clients, surely they should do it for its American ones as well.

How did you get it in Europe? I will be in Ireland. Will I need a prescription? I am in USA now.

TY

Shinrone@optonline.net

Fiona wrote:

2 years ago, I read that Biogen was releasing a personal injector to its European clients. I was having a hard time with the injection and debating giving it up since it didn't seem worth the mental anguish ... before doing that, I went to Europe to see if I could get one. I did, and it has changed my life. Just knowing that you don't have to worry about the syringe falling from your hand, or your hand cramping up, has been such a relief. This is why I write .. it has helped me, and perhaps someone out there feels the same way I did, but didn't know this injector exists (and by the way, the injector got FDA approval in February 2005). If you want to find out more for yourself, the company who makes the personal injector is called Union Medico. They are a small company, and one of the founders has MS and struggled with Avonex which is why they developed this injector. Contact them. Tell them you want it. And pass this info on to your doctors ... if Biogen makes the injector available to its European and Canadian clients, surely they should do it for its American ones as well.

I was on Avonex for two years, but I gave it up.

I couldn't give myself the shots so my husband gave them to me. It was hard on him and me, they really hurt and he had a hard time getting it right.

My health has declined since I quit them 1 1/2 years ago. I have thought about going back on them, but I can't force myself too.

Now that I know this I will talk to my Dr. the next time I'm there.

Thank You & God Bless

Is this device avaiable in the US? If so, how do we get it? I have contacted physicans, insurance companies and the Union Medico company and have got no answers. Please help!!

I can't find where this is sold either...

I'm in Texas, have contacted my neuro recently about an autoinjector and I got no where. I then contacted Biogen-Idec (manufacturers of Avonex) and was told they are still in the "developing process" of the autoinjector and it's not available in the USA. Never mind the fact that Biogen charges my insurance company (and ME!!!) unbelievable amounts of money for the drug they managed to DEVELOP!!! They further told me the autoinjector has NOT been FDA approved for sale in the USA.

Does anyone have an actual PHOTO of the autoinjector that's made for Avonex and is available OUTSIDE the USA? I've got famiy in Germany and they're trying to locate one for me.

I've had MS for 13 years and have never had the nerve to inject myself and have to depend on a friend to administer it weekly. An autoinjector would make my life a LOT easier!!!

Thanks for any feedback or information on this subject.

Sorry, I forgot to tell you my name!