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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

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Our next program:
It's a Marathon: Strategies to Help Maintain Your Treatment Regimen
Wednesday, 11/18/2009

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1. Where do you find additional support?

2. In addition to emotional support, what is the most important way your caregiver supports you?

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.

Brian and Brittney Supporting the ones they love

A Devoted Husband to Wendi

"MS has been part of our relationship from the beginning," says Brian, who met his wife, Wendi, at an MS benefit. "I was clueless about MS then, but as our relationship grew, so did my knowledge of MS and how I can best support her." As the parents of three young children, they both have a lot of responsibilities. Wendi gets frustrated. She wants to go to all the school events and do all the after-school chauffeuring, but she gets tired." Brian urges her to let him help. It can be hard for her to accept that she can't do it all. But I tell her there's nothing wrong with getting some help. It doesn't mean she has to miss out on what's important."

A Caring Daughter to Shiela

Brittney would certainly agree. Her mother, Shiela, was diagnosed with relapsing MS when Brittney was just thirteen years old, though she had been sick for nearly 10 years prior to that. "I really didn't know my mom before she became ill. My philosophy is not to dwell on the negative but to focus on what I can do to make her life better." Like Brian, Brittney encourages her mother to pace herself. "If we have something special planned for one day, I tell her to take it easy the previous day."

While their situations are different, Brian and Brittney both do all they can to support their loved one with MS. They agree that it's important to provide support and motivation to stay on therapy, and they remind their loved one that MS does not have to stand in their way of enjoying life. As Brian sums up, "We try not to let MS limit us. We're going to live life to the fullest."

This story reflects the personal experiences of two people. Results and experiences vary from patient to patient. It is best to contact your doctor to discuss what's best for you. Brian and Brittney are MS LifeLines Ambassadors, and they have chosen to share their story with other people living with MS. MS LifeLines Ambassadors are sponsored by EMD Serono, Inc. and Pfizer Inc.

Hear Brittney's mother Shiela talk about the impact MS had on her daughter

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.