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"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

Beating The Heat

Tips for Beating the Heat

During the hot summer months, everyone is looking for ways to stay cool, but staying out of the heat is especially important for people with multiple sclerosis (MS). Many people with MS find their symptoms are aggravated; therefore anyone with MS should take extra precautions to stay cool.

MS LifeLines® Ambassador Michelle, an avid athlete who has competed in triathlons, marathons, and bike racing, has been living with relapsing MS since 2001. Michelle learned to modify her training and competing in order to deal with the hot weather by adapting her schedule. Instead of training in the middle of the day, she works out at night or in the early morning when the weather is cooler. She also makes sure to hydrate with plenty of liquids, sometimes even pouring water on herself during her rides to keep cool. Like Michelle, whether it is participating in sports or spending time with family outdoors, you do not have to let the summer heat stop you from doing what you love.

The following tips list easy ways to beat the heat:

  • Use your air conditioner. This is one of the easiest ways to stay cool. Even if you don't have air conditioning in your home, go to a mall, a library, or any place that has air conditioning and enjoy theirs!
  • Don't go outside during the hottest times of the day. Instead, get out early in the morning before it has gotten too warm or at night, when things have cooled down. Also, be sure to stay out of the direct sun.
  • Drink lots of water. Carry an insulated water bottle to all of your summer activities. Many people with MS make the mistake of cutting back on water to accommodate their bladders, but this can lead to dehydration. Instead, plan trips to the bathroom or use medications directed by your doctor to control this symptom.
  • Wear cotton clothing. Cotton allows the skin to breathe, which can provide comfort in the hot weather. There are also several products designed to keep your body cool, including cooling vests.
  • Take cool showers or baths or go swimming. This will lower your body temperature and feel great!
  • Talk to your doctor about tips and specific suggestions for dealing with the heat.

To read more tips about living well with MS, visit www.nationalmssociety.org.

Our tips are for your reference and may or may not be right for you. As always, be sure to talk with your doctor about anything regarding your MS treatment.

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. 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 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.