"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
Symptom Management
Taking Control
The key to living with MS is to feel in control of MS. You can do this by keeping track of your symptoms, going to appointments with your health care provider, having regular magnetic resonance imagings (MRIs), and taking any medication your health care provider has prescribed.
The exact correlation between MRI findings and the current or future clinical status of patients, including disease progression, is unknown.
Following a well-balanced diet and a properly prescribed exercise program are also good foundations for health. Always talk with your health care provider or MS specialist before starting any symptom management program.
Staying on treatment
If your health care provider has prescribed a disease-modifying drug (DMD), it is important you follow your doctor's recommendations. The introduction of DMD's 15 years ago showed them as a breakthrough for people with relapsing MS. Since then 4 DMD's have been introduced to the market and have shown to slow the course of the disease.
If you are not taking a DMD, talk with your health care provider. He or she is there to help you. It's important that you communicate your needs. Together, you can go over the treatment options and decide whether DMD therapy is right for you.
Managing MS symptoms
It's very important for you to learn to listen to and take cues from your body. This will help you manage your MS symptoms.
When to call someone about your symptoms
You should ask your health care provider about when it is important for you to call. Some reasons to call may include:
- If you experience loss of vision or blurry vision
- If you have an abrupt change in bowel or bladder function
- If you think you have a urinary tract infection
- If you have feelings of depression or thoughts of hurting yourself
- Any time you are concerned about a symptom or feeling
This is not a complete list. Remember to check with your health care provider about when you should call.
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.
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.