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Multiple Sclerosis - MS LifeLines

An educational and supportive community for people living with multiple sclerosis.

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

Joni's Journal

Leaving MS For a Day. How I Remind Myself Life is Not Always About MS

February 12, 2010

I live with relapsing MS every day of my life. But there are days I just want to enjoy life and not focus on MS. The easiest way for me to "live a day" without MS is to do something that doesn't have too many limitations for me. ...read more

Learning to Let Go: How MS Impacted My Focus on the Important Things in Life

December 21, 2009

Ok, so I'm a control freak. I can admit this, because I'm working everyday on becoming more of a reformed control freak. I used to have to have everything planned down to the hour for every day, every trip, and every assignment. The thing with relapsing MS is that sometimes you can't really plan so much. ...read more

How I stay up on what's new in MS.

November 30, 2009

Like many of us living with MS, I like to stay up to date on what is happening in the MS world. I mostly use the internet, and while there are a number of sites that contain great information about MS, there are 4 sites that I like to use in particular. ...read more

In it for the Long Haul: Practical Tips for Sticking with Your Treatment

October 6, 2009

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. ...read more

If I only knew then what I know now: What I've learned about MS since being diagnosed

September 24, 2009

The most important thing that I've learned since being diagnosed with multiple sclerosis is that my life didn't end when the doctor said, "You have relapsing MS." ...read more

How I Celebrate My Successes

September 9, 2009

Having relapsing MS isn't only something that I have to live with, but also something that my family and friends have to live with. ...read more

My Relationship with my MS LifeLines Nurse

August 5, 2009

I go to regular checkups with my neurologist every six months. I do all of the right things, like take my calendar that I use to keep track of my symptoms and my list of questions for my doctor. ...read more

Ever Had an MS Moment? Here's My Latest

July 27, 2009

Most of my relapsing MS symptoms are physical; however, occasionally I do have the very frustrating cognitive symptoms. ...read more

Knowing It's OK To Ask for Help from Others - Part 2

July 12, 2009

As I mentioned, when I learned to ask for help it was such an enlightening moment for me that I decided to try it again. ...read more

Taking "Me" Time

July 8, 2009

I really like to help others and it's very hard for me to say "no" to anyone. ...read more

Knowing It's OK To Ask For Help From Others

July 3, 2009

I am a fiercely independent woman. ...read more

Brought to you by EMD Serono, Inc. and Pfizer Inc, the co-marketers of Rebif® (interferon beta-1a) in the US EMD SeronoPfizer

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.