I really hope this helps you...
I spoke to a nurse about early March of 2010 and when I complained of how lousy the Avonex made me feel (I've been using Avonex since 1996 and it always gave me flu like symptoms for 2 to 3 days) she recommended eating fresh (unprocessed/uncanned/unheated) pineapple... before (about an hour to ninety minutes BEFORE) I inject because it has an enzyme in it (Bromelain) that helps lessen the side effects significantly, particularly if I nap after injecting. FYI: It is a natural anti- inflammatory. She also told me it had to be fresh (but I did have one MSer tell me she used canned and felt it still helped. Then again another told me the exact opposite). I find that the more pineapple I eat, the more it helps.
My Neuro recently told me she has been telling her patients about this and that she's been getting good feedback back (for ALL Interferons, NOT just for Avonex).
NOTE: she also emphasized drinking LOTS of water the day of and after the shot
UPDATE: sometimes the pineapple works fine by itself, other times it isn't as effective so I have started taking Natural Papaya & Pineapple Enzyme chewable tablets that I get at Trader Joe's ($2.49). Also - I have started making smoothies instead of eating the pineapple all by itself. The smoothies work REALLY well (I'm glad too - getting kind of tired of Pineapple). ;o)
p.s. according to my Neuro this is something that should help with all Interferons
~~~~~~~~~~UPDATE~~~~~~~~~~
I have switched to making pineapple smoothies (and now that I've become used to them pineapple doesn't appear to help as much as it used to).
Quick(ish) and easy smoothie "recipe":
one pineapple (or one half)
blueberries
blue flavored yogurt
coconut water
approx 6oz milk/cream/coffeemate (*the coconut cream is pretty good in this)
Put contents into blender and drink prior to injecting (gradually finish as much as possible).
