"I learned to see life in a different way."
Dave, MS LifeLines Ambassador
Living with RRMS since 1998
Taking Rebif® since 2003
Family & Friends
When one family member has MS, everyone in the family is affected. Open and honest communication with loved ones is valuable and important. MS can bring to mind scary images. You need to combat your loved ones' fears with information. In the long run, communication builds trust.
MS Communication Skills 101
Gain a well-rounded perspective on ways to communicate with family and friends when you are newly diagnosed with relapsing MS.
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The unpredictability of MS can cause an outburst of feelings. Two of the most common feelings are anger and guilt (for feeling angry). So many changes are taking place—new responsibilities, changes in roles, and a possible loss of income. With these changes can come emotional reactions. These feelings are natural and normal. Try to talk frankly at calm moments. This can help every member of the family understand the strain each person feels.
It may be difficult, but you and your loved ones need to find time for your own activities. Socializing is a key source of well-being. Do not push your friends away because you think they don't understand. Give them the chance to be there for you. Try to spend time with others and enjoy hobbies. This can help restore a feeling of normalcy.
You and your partner
The strain MS places on relationships should not be taken lightly. Some people become so focused on their MS that they pay less attention to their partner. They may even lash out. It's important to try to be aware of how you are behaving toward your partner. Be aware that the initial shock you feel right after diagnosis is temporary and it will lessen over time. It should pass as you adjust to your MS.
MS can make partners sometimes feel sad and helpless. Some feel that they could have made a difference "if only..." Others try to help too much but may do so in the wrong ways. Provide your loved ones with as much information as you can about the disease. This way they will know how they can help.
"We talk about Jacob's MS all the time. If we didn't talk about it, then one of us might stress out and it could cause tension. So we try to keep it on the surface."
—Jenn, wife of MS LifeLines Ambassador Jacob, who was diagnosed with relapsing MS in 2002
The physical and emotional health of the caregiver should never be ignored. Whether you have MS or are living with someone who has MS, if you are feeling angry or sad, do not be afraid to involve an outside source for help. There are counselors and therapists you and your partner can talk with to help you get through the rough patches.
Brought to you by EMD Serono, Inc. and Pfizer Inc, the co-marketers of Rebif® (interferon beta-1a) in the US 
Prescribing Information - Medication Guide
This information is intended only for residents of the United States.
Rebif is used to treat relapsing forms of MS to decrease the frequency of relapses and delay the occurrence of some of the physical disability that is common in people with MS. Efficacy has been established in controlled studies up to 2 years in duration. Rebif is not approved for the treatment of chronic progressive multiple sclerosis. Rebif is available by prescription only in 22 mcg and 44 mcg pre-filled syringes and a titration pack.
Before beginning treatment, patients should discuss with their doctor the potential benefits and risks associated with Rebif. Let your doctor know if you have a history of depression, seizures, liver disease, thyroid problems, and blood count or bleeding problems or if you have had previous allergic reactions to medications. Tell your doctor about all medicines you take, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins and herbal supplements. Rebif and other medicines may affect each other causing serious side effects. Talk to your doctor before you take any new medicines. Rebif is not recommended for women who are or plan to become pregnant.
Potential serious side effects of Rebif include depression, liver problems, risk to pregnancy, injection site problems and severe allergic reactions. Allergic reactions are rare and may be associated with difficulty breathing and loss of consciousness, which requires immediate medical attention.
The most common side effects with Rebif are injection site reactions, flu-like symptoms (fever, chills, muscle aches, tiredness), depression, abdominal pain, increased liver enzymes, and blood cell count decreases. Let your doctor know immediately if you have any of these symptoms or feel sad, tired, hot or cold, experience hives, rashes, bruising, yellowing of the skin, or a change in body weight (gain or loss).
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch, or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
This information is not intended to replace discussions with your healthcare provider. For additional information about Rebif, please consult the Medication Guide or Prescribing Information and talk to your doctor. You can also call toll free 1-877-44-REBIF (1-877-447-3243). Rebif is available by prescription only.
MS LifeLines is an educational support service for people living with MS and their families. MS LifeLines and MS LifeLines Ambassadors are sponsored by EMD Serono, Inc. and Pfizer Inc.
Rebif, Rebiject II and MS LifeLines are registered trademarks and the Rebif logo is a trademark of EMD Serono, Inc. or its affiliates.
MS in Balance Your Life in Full is a service mark of EMD Serono, Inc. or its affiliates.
Copyright 2009 EMD Serono, Inc. All rights reserved.