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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

MS & Work

Why do we work? Apart from making a living, working has important psychological and physical benefits as well. Generally speaking, working can make people happy, healthy, and socially active.

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Find out how Rebif can help slow the progression of your relapsing MS.
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Fortunately, many people are able to continue working productively long after they are diagnosed with MS. Whatever kind of work you do, it is important to know what your options are so you can decide how best to accommodate working and living with MS.

Seeking help and information

There are many state and federal laws that address work issues that people with MS face. You should learn about and, if appropriate, take advantage of a variety of sources of information and assistance.

Check with your state government or state commissions against discrimination for hotlines and information. There are also 2 federal laws, among others, that may be helpful.

  • The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
  • The Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)

Depending on your individual situation and your particular employer, it may be possible to seek a workplace accommodation that will help you continue working. It's important that you understand your rights and options. Read and make sure you understand your employer's leave and disability benefits. Seek the advice of experts in employment and disability for helpful information.

Contact state and federal government hotlines or the National Multiple Sclerosis Society at www.nmss.org or the National Organization on Disability at www.nod.org for additional resources.

Re-evaluating your career

If your present career has become too stressful or demanding, you may want to consider a new career. A career counselor or vocational rehabilitation specialist may be able to help. You should also investigate any continuing education or retraining benefits provided by your employer.

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

Copyright 2008 EMD Serono, Inc. All rights reserved.