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Getting on multiple sclerosis treatment
Benefits of DMD treatment for relapsing MS
Disease-modifying drugs (DMDs) are FDA-approved and some have been proven to reduce relapses, reduce the development of new brain lesions as seen on MRI and slow disability progression in relapsing MS. For those who are appropriate candidates for DMD treatment, taking proactive steps to treat relapsing MS can modify the course of the disease.
How DMDs can help:
- Even if you don't have any symptoms, multiple sclerosis (MS) can still be active. Continuing with your treatment can reduce the frequency of relapses.
- Studies have shown that many people who use a disease-modifying drug have fewer multiple sclerosis (MS) attacks.
- Permanent damage to nerve fibers may occur early in MS with the destruction of myelin and axons.
The American Academy of Neurology (AAN) and the National Multiple Sclerosis Society (NMSS) advise treating active relapsing MS with a disease-modifying drug soon after diagnosis.
"Initiation of treatment […] should be considered as soon as possible following a definite diagnosis of MS with active, relapsing disease […]."—Executive Committee of the National MS Society's National Clinical Advisory Board
If you have been diagnosed with relapsing MS, talk with your doctor to find out which DMD treatment is best for you.
Continuing with DMD therapy for relapsing MS even when you're feeling good
Talk to your doctor if you are thinking about stopping your DMD therapy.
Some DMD therapies have been proven to slow the progression of disability of relapsing MS and it's important to take your therapy as prescribed.
If you're having trouble staying on treatment, call your health care professional and reach out for the support you need to help you stay on track.
"I ask patients to come up with one or two of the biggest reasons why they went on therapy in the first place and to write them down and keep referring to them. When you get to those places where it's hard to stay on therapy, it's important to remind yourself of those reasons."—Patricia Kennedy, RN, CNP and MSCN Nurse Practitioner and Patient Education Specialist, Can Do Multiple Sclerosis
The MS LifeLines® team is also here to help you start and stay on Rebif® (interferon beta-1a). Learn tips for taking Rebif.
MS LifeLines is here for you
The MS LifeLines Nurse Network provides training and support to individuals with relapsing MS.
Located throughout the United States, the MS LifeLines Nurse Network makes available diverse offerings to meet the needs of the MS community:
- MS-certified nurses provide education to people taking Rebif and their families about MS and tips for people taking Rebif.
- If you are taking Rebif, licensed and registered nurses can also provide one-on-one injection training for Rebif in your home.
Nurses are available by phone Monday through Friday, 8 AM to 10 PM ET and on weekends from 9 AM to 5 PM ET.
Talk to a health care professional if you have any questions or concerns about symptoms or side effects.
If you have questions about affording your therapy, MS LifeLines Reimbursement Specialists will help you understand your options for affording therapy and connect you with appropriate assistance programs, including those offered by MS LifeLines.
You can also connect with MS LifeLines in many ways—through web events, over the phone (call toll free 1-877-447-3243 at any time, day or night), or through live community programs.
Indication
- 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 treatment of chronic progressive MS.
- Rebif is available in 22 mcg and 44 mcg prefilled, preassembled syringes and a titration pack by prescription only.
Important Safety Information
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, or blood cell count or bleeding problems, or if you have had previous allergic reactions to medications.
- 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.
- 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 and risk of suicide
- Liver problems
- Risk to pregnancy
- Injection-site problems
- Severe allergic reactions. Allergic reactions are rare and may be associated with difficulty in breathing and loss of consciousness, which require 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
- Blood cell count decreases
Let your doctor know if you have any of these symptoms or feel sad, tired, hot or cold, or 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 doctor. For additional information about Rebif, please consult the Prescribing Information and Medication Guide 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. Speakers and MS LifeLines Ambassadors who participate in Talk MS or in live events are sponsored by EMD Serono, Inc. and Pfizer Inc. UNIQUELY [you] is a service mark of EMD Serono, Inc. or its affiliates. Rebif, Rebiject II and MS LifeLines are registered trademarks and the Rebif logo is a trademark of EMD Serono, Inc. or its affiliates.
Brought to you by EMD Serono, Inc. and Pfizer Inc, the co-marketers of Rebif® (interferon beta-1a) in the US.
This information is intended only for residents of the United States.
Copyright © 2011 EMD Serono, Inc. All rights reserved.
EMD Serono, Inc., One Technology Place, Rockland, MA 02370
