What is the Rebif Information Kit?
An innovative, interactive guide filled with valuable information to help you discuss with your doctor whether Rebif therapy for MS might be right for you.
Request your free information kit.
Types of multiple sclerosis (MS)
There are four different types of disease courses in multiple sclerosis. Keep in mind that MS is different for everyone, and experiences vary from person to person. Your health care professional can determine a multiple sclerosis diagnosis and course, but because there is no single test for MS, this may take some time.
Relapsing multiple sclerosis (RRMS)
- Approximately 85% of people with multiple sclerosis are diagnosed with relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS)
- In relapsing MS, people have clearly defined periods—which your health care professional may refer to as relapses, exacerbations or attacks—when MS symptoms worsen or new ones appear.
- These relapses are followed by a long or short period of remission when symptoms partially or completely go away.
Disease-modifying drugs work to reduce disease activity and relapse and may even help slow the progression of disability when taken as directed.
Secondary-progressive MS (SPMS)
Another type of multiple sclerosis is secondary-progressive MS (SPMS). Some people, following an initial period with relapsing MS, may develop a secondary-progressive course in which symptoms and disability get progressively worse. Relapses and periods of remission are less common.
It is impossible for your health care professional to predict if, or when, you will go on to develop SPMS.
Rebif® (interferon beta-1a) is not indicated for the treatment of secondary-progressive MS.
Primary-progressive MS is relatively rare, occurring in about 10% of people living with multiple sclerosis. Typically, people living with primary progressive MS experience a slow, but steady, worsening of the disease from its onset, with no distinct periods of relapse or remission. The rate of progression varies for people with primary progressive multiple sclerosis and may even include periods of temporary minor improvement.
Rebif is not indicated for the treatment of primary-progressive MS.
MS is different for everyone, and experiences vary from person to person
Progressive-relapsing MS is also characterized by a steady worsening of the disease. Unlike primary-progressive MS, people living with progressive-relapsing MS typically experience acute periods of relapse from which they may or may not recover. This is also a relatively rare type of multiple sclerosis, occurring in approximately 5% of people living with multiple sclerosis.
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.
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