"The best piece of advice that I've received to manage my MS is to take care of myself."
Shiela, MS LifeLines Ambassador
Living with RRMS since 2002
Taking Rebif® since 2003
Fatigue
Fatigue (Feelings of Tiredness)
Fatigue is one of the most common MS symptoms, occurring in nearly 80% of people with MS. Fatigue can feel like sleepiness or lack of physical or mental energy. Even though fatigue is common in MS, MS may not be the only reason you're feeling tired. Other factors that may cause fatigue are:
- Weather: MS fatigue can be worsened by heat and humidity
- Other medical conditions: Even something as simple as a minor infection can sap energy
- Medications: Some medications can cause fatigue as a side effect. Make sure your health care provider has the most up-to-date list of all medications you are taking
- Sleep problems: Problems falling asleep, staying asleep, or getting the right kind of sleep prevent people from feeling refreshed when they wake up
- Depression and anxiety are common in MS. If you or others close to you notice changes in your mood or loss of interest in once-favorite activities, be sure to tell your health care provider
Dealing with fatigue
There are a number of options you can discuss with your health care provider to help reduce fatigue:
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Conserve energy—
Rest whenever you can. Rest means doing nothing at all. By resting often you will leave strength for enjoyable activities. Plan and pace your activities. Set priorities. Focus on items that must be done. Learn to let go of any guilt that may be associated with not finishing tasks. And don't be afraid to rely on family and friends for some help.
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Occupational therapy—
helps people maintain skills they need for everyday living at home or work. It can help simplify tasks at work and home.
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Physical therapy—
helps people improve movement and function. Physical therapy and exercise can teach you energy-saving ways of walking (with or without assistive devices) and performing other daily tasks.
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Sleep regulation—
may involve treating other MS symptoms that interfere with sleep (eg, spasticity, urinary problems) and using sleep medications on a short-term basis.
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Psychological interventions—
such as stress management, relaxation training, membership in a support group, or psychotherapy.
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Medications—
Talk to your health care provider about specific treatments that may help relieve fatigue.
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.
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