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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

Memory

Memory loss is the most common mental change in MS. It can occur at any time in the course of your MS. Even if you do not have physical signs of the disease, you may experience memory loss. Some examples of memory loss are:

  • Forgetting names, telephone numbers, recent conversations
  • Difficulty remembering what you just learned
  • Not knowing why you entered a room
  • Losing or misplacing things

There is no clear proof the memory problems are due to damage in any single area of the brain. However, evidence does suggest that memory problems:

  • Occur when there are many lesions in different areas of the brain
  • Are a result of the breakdown in transmission of nerve impulses responsible for the ability to remember

There are 2 types of memory loss:

  1. Recent memory: newly learned information such as names of people you just met. It also includes things you are trying to remember for the future like a telephone number or taking your medication. Recent memory is most often affected by MS.
  2. Remote and procedural memory: information or a skill you learned a long time ago (eg, riding a bike). This type of memory is not as likely to be affected by MS.

Dealing with memory loss

You may want to be tested if you think you have memory loss. Talk with your health care provider about what you are experiencing and possible treatment options.

One common treatment option is rehabilitation. This means that you use memory exercises to help "retrain your brain."

There are different techniques you can try to help you remember:

  • Do things when you think of them because you may forget later.
  • Assign spots for items and always return them to where they belong.
  • Use checklists so you remember what you need to do.
  • Treat yourself to a new gadget, such as an organizer, PDA, or journal, to help you remember.
  • Prioritize; focus on only the most important things of the day.

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.