"I learned to see life in a different way."

Dave, MS LifeLines Ambassador

Living with RRMS since 1998

Taking Rebif^® since 2003

Carpe Diem!

Recent Posts

Posts by Author

Tim

Author Bios

Tim

May 1, 2008

By MS LifeLines Ambassador Tim

Learning that the Latin phrase "carpe diem" means "seize the day" didn't make me classically educated, especially since I learned it from a movie, not in school. However, understanding and embracing the philosophy that it represents has perhaps made me a little wiser and ultimately better equipped to live with relapsing MS.

Like many people old enough to have seen the movie Dead Poets Society when it was released in 1989, I was greatly inspired when Robin Williams' school teacher character exhorted his students with "Carpe diem. Seize the day, boys. Make your lives extraordinary." Of course, I pretty much stuck to just saying it at the time — I was in my very early twenties and like most people of that age, I felt immortal. Maybe I'd seize tomorrow — what was the hurry?

Now that my life has a little more uncertainty in it though, I'm all about seizing the day. I don't feel fantastic every day any more, but when I do you can bet I'm going to do the best I can to enjoy it. For me, the most recent perfect example of this was last week. On Monday I was feeling fine and the weather forecast looked perfect for Tuesday (sunny, not too hot, not too cold). I was scheduled to work but my son had school vacation and my wife didn't have any classes that day. Did I let these circumstances pass me by — heck no! I took a personal day, we packed a picnic and all went canoeing and then got ice cream. Carpe diem! Maybe my life isn't extraordinary, but that day surely was.

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 is a service mark of EMD Serono, Inc. or its affiliates.

Copyright 2008 EMD Serono, Inc. All rights reserved.