Multiple Sclerosis - MS LifeLines
Changing Treatment FAQs
Q: How can I tell if my current treatment is working?
Keep track of your symptoms and how you are feeling. This will allow your doctor to follow your disease and help show how well your medicine is working. If you think you are having symptoms, write them down, including when they happened, and for how long. You may have had a relapse. A periodic MRI* scan may be another way to see if your MS activity is getting better or worse. If the scan shows new lesions and you are having frequent relapses you and your doctor may want to consider another treatment.
*The exact correlation between MRI findings and the current or future clinical status of patients, including disability progression, is unknown.
Important Rebif safety information
Q: What can I do to minimize relapses?
Choosing the right treatment and staying on therapy is key. Rebif®interferon beta-1a) is clinically proven to reduce MS relapses (See Clinical Studies). Ask your doctor if Rebif is right for you. A balanced lifestyle is also important. Make sure you get enough rest (take a nap if you need one). Try to minimize stress. Eat well and exercise regularly. Keeping yourself healthy with MS may not prevent relapses, but will help you better deal with them when they occur.
Important Rebif safety information
Q: Is there an MS treatment that is proven to work better than Avonex?
In the only completed head-to-head study (EVIDENCE study) of MS therapies, patients taking Rebif were shown to have fewer relapses and fewer new lesion activity and area than those treated with Avonex.
The exact correlation between MRI findings and the current or future clinical status of patients, including disability progression, is unknown.
Important Rebif safety information
Q: How is Rebif different from Avonex®?
Both Rebif® and Avonex® (interferon beta-1a) are made of interferon beta-1a, a protein produced in mammalian cells, which is similar to the naturally occurring interferon in humans. However, while Avonex 30 mcg interferon beta-1a is taken once a week via intramuscular injection, Rebif 44 mcg is taken three times a week via subcutaneous (under the skin) injection. Rebif is a higher total dose of interferon beta-1a every week. In the only completed head-to-head study (EVIDENCE study) of MS therapies, patients taking Rebif were shown to have fewer relapses and fewer new lesion activity and area than those treated with Avonex. Avonex has a broader indication than Rebif.
The exact correlation between MRI findings and the current or future clinical status of patients, including disability progression, is unknown.
Important Rebif safety information
Q: How is Rebif different from Betaseron®?
Rebif is made of interferon beta-1a, a protein produced in mammalian cells that is similar to the naturally occurring interferon in humans. Betaseron® (interferon beta-1b) is a purified, sterile, lyophilized protein product produced by recombinant DNA techniques. Rebif is taken three times per week by subcutaneous injection, while Betaseron is injected every other day. Betaseron has a broader indication than Rebif. Click here to learn more.
The Betaseron syringe requires assembly and mixing, which involves 13 more steps than Rebif. The Rebif syringe is pre-assembled and pre-filled, which can save you time. Watch this video to learn more.
Important Rebif safety information
Q: How is Rebif different from Copaxone®?
Rebif is made of interferon beta-1a, a protein produced in mammalian cells that is similar to the naturally occurring interferon in humans. Interferon beta-1a works by moderating the body's immune response to prevent it from attacking the central nervous system. Copaxone® (glatiramer acetate injection) is a synthetic compound made up of four amino acids that works by reducing inflammation. Rebif is taken three times per week by subcutaneous injection, while Copaxone is injected daily. Click here to learn more.
Important Rebif safety information
Q: What if I am having a hard time dealing with the side effects of treatment?
Talk to your doctor. If you are having a hard time tolerating the side effects of your treatment, you may want to consider a new therapy. While all MS treatments are given by injection and have side effects, people respond differently to each one. There are many ways to manage these side effects and it is best to consult your doctor to see what might work for you. If your doctor thinks you should consider a new therapy, ask if Rebif® (interferon beta-1a) could be right for you.
Important Rebif safety information
Q: What if my injection sites often become red and irritated
Talk to your doctor. These reactions can occur at the injection site even when the injection has been given correctly. Your physician should examine any bruises or spots that remain longer than a few days. Local skin reactions are less likely to occur if you vary the injection site. If site reactions are lasting longer than a few days, you should discuss this with your doctor. Never inject a prior site that is red, painful, or swollen. If you are having intolerable site reactions you may want to consider a new therapy. Ask your doctor if Rebif® (interferon beta-1a) is right for you.
Important Rebif safety information
Q: How can I find someone to talk to about Rebif® therapy?
Call MS LifeLines® toll free: 1-877-447-3243 Monday through Friday, 8 AM to 8 PM ET. MS LifeLines specialists and trained nurses are available to answer your questions about Rebif treatment, dealing with side effects, and other MS related questions. Of course, you should always speak with your doctor or health care professional.
Important Rebif safety information
Avonex is a registered trademark of Biogen Idec.
Betaseron is a registered trademark of Bayer HealthCare Pharmaceuticals.
Copaxone is a registered trademark of Teva Neuroscience, Inc.
