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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."

Dave, MS LifeLines Ambassador

Living with RRMS since 1998

Taking Rebif® since 2003

Living Well with MS

1. If MS LifeLines offered a live chat feature that allowed you to connect with an MS LifeLines representative on its website, would you use it?

2. Select from the list below categories that may cover the types of questions you would ask an MS LifeLines representative in a live chat online (check all that apply)?

3. If you could chat live with an MS LifeLines representative, how often do you think you would use this feature?

Become a member of MS LifeLines!

We want to get to know you! Join MS LifeLines and take our brief survey*, which will help us understand what's important to you. When you complete the survey, we'll send you a handy multi-purpose opener as a token of our appreciation (while supplies last).

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*Survey is only open to people living with relapsing MS. Each participant may receive one multi-purpose opener while supplies last.

Expert Perspective: Dr. Tariq Bhatti on MS and the Eye

Most people with relapsing MS will experience some sort of visual symptom at one time or another, according Dr. M. Tariq Bhatti, Associate Professor of Ophthalmology and Medicine (Division of Neurology) at Duke University Medical Center and author of numerous articles on optic neuritis in multiple sclerosis (MS). Optic neuritis, an inflammation of the optic nerve, is "by far the most common visual symptom associated with MS," says Dr. Bhatti. "It usually presents itself as a sudden, painful loss of vision in one eye, often coupled with blurred vision." Dr. Bhatti explains that optic neuritis is often one of the first noticeable symptoms of MS. Other visual problems include double vision and nystagmus, or uncontrolled eye movements.

The good news, stresses Dr. Bhatti, is that "while vision problems are common, the prognosis for recovery is good for most people." He cites a study that shows that more than 90% of people who have had optic neuritis regain at least 20/40 vision,1 which may be legally good enough to drive. He says the prognosis is also good for double vision and nystagmus, but these problems have not been as well studied.

Why Early Treatment of Relapsing MS Matters

IV steroid treatment may be prescribed to treat optic neuritis, as it may help to accelerate recovery, says Dr. Bhatti.2 But like all medications, steroids have side effects. So you should talk to your doctor about what is right for you.

Dr. Bhatti cautions that while steroids can provide benefit, it is only in the short term. While disease-modifying drugs (DMD) don't treat visual symptoms, they are proven to reduce disease activity and relapses and may even help delay progression of disability in relapsing MS. That's why Dr. Bhatti notes that starting DMD therapy early can help MS patients. Because optic neuritis is often one of the first symptoms of relapsing MS, Dr. Bhatti asserts, "it is critical for patients to pay attention to visual symptoms. We want them to be diagnosed and start on a DMD therapy as soon as possible."

Learn More

Find out more about MS and vision from Dr. Bhatti and from MS LifeLines® Ambassadors, who have real-life experience with vision problems, by watching Talk MS: Staying Focused: MS and the Eye and reading about MS LifeLines Ambassador Breana.

Dr. Bhatti and MS LifeLines Ambassadors are sponsored by EMD Serono, Inc. and Pfizer Inc. The information presented is for educational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice. Consult your healthcare provider if you have any questions or concerns about your condition.

1. Murphy MA. Clinical update on optic neuritis and multiple sclerosis. Medicine & Health Rhode Island. 2008;91:57. Available at: http://med.brown.edu/neurology/articles/mm5708.pdf. Accessed September 24, 2009.

2. Beck RW, Cleary PA, Anderson MM Jr, et al. A randomized, controlled trial of corticosteroids in the treatment of acute optic neuritis. The Optic Neuritis Study Group. New England Journal of Medicine. 1992; 326(9):634-5. Available at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/1734247?dopt=Abstract. Accessed September 24, 2009.

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 2009 EMD Serono, Inc. All rights reserved.