Multiple Sclerosis - MS LifeLines
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Tips on Taking Rebif
Tips On Taking Rebif® (interferon beta-1a)
Tip 1:
Apply a warm cloth or compress to the injection site after injecting.
Tip 2:
Bedtime injections are advised to allow you to sleep through many of the flu-like symptoms.
Tip 3:
Leave the air bubble in the syringe.
Tip 4:
Remove Rebif® (interferon beta-1a) from the refrigerator and bring to room temperature 1 to 4 hours before injecting.
Tip 5:
If you forget an injection, and it has been 48 hours since your last injection, take it as soon as you remember. Then, skip a day and take the next one. If it has been more then three days or you have taken the wrong dose, contact your doctor.
Tip 6:
Rotate your injection sites, moving between different areas of the arms, legs, abdomen, and buttocks. Do not inject in the same place twice in a row, and be sure to wait at least seven days before using a particular spot again. Refer to the diagram in the Medication Guide.
Tip 7:
If you are very thin, use only the thigh or the outer surface of the arm for injection. Refer to the diagram in the Medication Guide.
Tip 8:
Never mix Rebif with other drugs in the same syringe.
Tip 9:
Determine your own limits and plan your days to make maximum use of your energy.
Tip 10:
Many people with MS say they have to plan ahead more than they were used to doing in the past and that they have to change some of their activities and schedules. If fatigue is a problem, for example, several short rest periods each day may allow you to continue your usual routine, but at a slightly slower pace.
Tip 11:
Try to sleep fairly regular hours.
Tip 12:
Afternoon fatigue may benefit from a shift to an early work schedule or by a regular afternoon nap.
Tip 13:
There are medications on the market that may decrease fatigue — consult with your doctor.
Tip 14:
Follow a good diet with fiber added in the form of bran cereals, vegetables, and fruits. Bran is one of the cheapest and most easily available forms of natural laxatives. Prune or lemon juice, an orange, apple, or fig could be taken in the evening for someone on a morning schedule and in the morning for a person on an evening schedule — consult with your doctor.
Tip 15:
A regular exercise program or recreational sport you are able to do will benefit you in the long run by maintaining good physical condition. This does not mean terribly strenuous sports unless, of course, you are able to — consult with your doctor.
Tip 16:
Many people have found a regular swimming or yoga program helpful in maintaining muscle tone without becoming overly tired — consult with your doctor.
Tip 17:
Many MS Society chapters offer exercise programs, such as yoga, swimming and horseback riding. If there is no chapter in your area, other community groups may have beneficial programs — consult with your doctor.
