"I learned to see life in a different way."
Dave, MS LifeLines Ambassador
Living with RRMS
In it for the Long Haul: Practical Tips for Sticking with Your Treatment
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I live alone, so it would be very easy for me not to take my relapsing MS medication. No one would know besides me and eventually maybe my doctor. However, with my friends' and family's involvement, it would be impossible for me to get away with that even if I wanted to.
I take my Rebif shots on Sunday, Tuesday, and Thursday. It amazes me how involved my friends are with my medication management. For instance, a few Sundays ago I had some people over for a cook out. As the evening dwindled down, one of my friends asked, "Hey, isn't it shot night?"
On top of having others involved with my medication management, I am also very active in managing it. What helps me to be compliant is building routines. Every Sunday, a group of my friends gets together for dinner and to watch our favorite TV show. I use this weekly gathering as a reminder to restart my shots for the week. I have Pilates class on Tuesdays and Thursdays and also use these classes as a reminder to take my shots that evening.
The biggest thing that keeps me focused is my motivation to keep living my life being as active as I can and for me that means taking my medication as prescribed. It is important for me to continue to find motivation in everything I do, every day.
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 2010 EMD Serono, Inc. All rights reserved.
