"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
Wellness
Wellness & MS
Wellness & Nutrition
Good health has a lot to do with what you put on your plate at every meal. Diet is an area where a person with MS can be in control. Studies show that sensible eating habits have a dramatic impact on many aspects of health. For instance, the risks of heart disease, certain types of cancer, and obesity can all be reduced by healthy eating. But you shouldn't stress yourself out trying regimented eating plans.
Read more about MS and Nutrition
Wellness & Exercise
We know the benefits of physical exercise: strength, stamina, and weight
control. Exercise may also have a protective effect against certain cancers and stroke, and reduces the risk of heart disease and diabetes.
But what does this all mean to a person who is constantly told to rest and not overdo it? What does this mean to a person with MS?
The first thing we need to do is change our perception of exercise.
Read more about MS and exercise
Wellness & Complementary and Alternative Therapies
Complementary describes those that are used along with conventional medical interventions. Alternative therapies are certain therapies used instead of conventional medicine.
Remember, only FDA-approved DMDs have been proven to be effective in the treatment of MS.
Read more about MS & Complementary and Alternative Therapies
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.