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MS Fact
An estimated 400,000 people in the United States are thought to have MS.
Treating Relapsing MS
If you or someone you know has been diagnosed with relapsing multiple sclerosis, you may be ready to learn more about treatment options.
While corticosteroids may help speed recovery from a relapse or exacerbation, and other treatments may help manage some symptoms, the only treatments proven to alter the course of relapsing multiple sclerosis are called disease-modifying drugs (DMDs). DMDs are proven to be effective therapies for the treatment of relapsing MS. Some are clinically proven to change the course of the disease by slow the progression of disability. That's why many health care professionals think it's important to start DMD therapy as early as possible after diagnosis of relapsing MS.
Changing the course of relapsing MS
Possible benefits of DMD therapy include:
- Slowing disability progression.
- Reducing the frequency of relapses.
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Reducing the development of new brain lesions as seen on MRI.
Note that the exact correlation between MRI findings and the current or future clinical status of patients, including disability progression, is unknown.
Although taking a disease-modifying drug can't prevent relapses from occurring, it is your best defense in modifying the course of the disease.
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. 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 © 2010 EMD Serono, Inc. All rights reserved.
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