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"Balance...a medication that works for you, a support system and a doctor you trust."

Comparing Treatments

How do Relapsing MS therapies differ?

  Rebif®
(interferon beta-1a)		 Betaseron®
(interferon beta-1b)		 Copaxone®
(glatiramer acetate injection)		 Avonex®
(interferon beta-1a)		 Tysabri®
(natalizumab)
Thinnest needle in category* Yes
29 gauge		 No
27 gauge		 No
27 gauge		 No
23 gauge†		 No
23-25 gauge (variable)
Dosing Frequency 3 times per week Every other day Every day Once per week Every 4 weeks
Number of injections per year/Route of injection 156
(under the skin)		 182
(under the skin)		 365
(under the skin)		 52
(into the muscle)		 N/A (monthly, hour long IV infusion at registered infusion center)
Materials Needed for 1 Month of Treatment 12 prefilled, preassembled syringes 14 vials of powder
14 diluent syringes
14 vial adapter/needle
assemblies		 30 prefilled, preassembled syringes 4 vials of powder, 4 vials of diluent, 4 injection needles, 4 syringes, 4 Micro Pins®. Also available as 4 prefilled syringes (require assembly) Must be administered by medical professional

* The higher the gauge, the thinner the needle.

† A 25-gauge, 1'' needle for intramuscular injection may be substituted for the 23-gauge, 1 ¼'' needle by the prescribing physician, if deemed appropriate.

No conclusions regarding comparative safety of effectiveness of these products can be drawn based on this information.

Read frequently asked questions about comparing treatments.

Avonex is a registered trademark of Biogen Idec.

Betaseron is a registered trademark of Bayer HealthCare Pharmaceuticals.

Copaxone is a registered trademark of Teva Neuroscience, Inc.

Tysabri is a registered trademark of Elan Corporation, Inc.

Brought to you by EMD Serono, Inc. and Pfizer Inc., the co-marketers of Rebif® (interferon beta-1a) in the US EMD SeronoPfizer

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. 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 of EMD Serono, Inc. or its affiliates.

MS in Balance is a service mark of EMD Serono, Inc. or its affiliates.

Copyright 2008 EMD Serono, Inc. All rights reserved.