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Multiple Sclerosis - MS LifeLines

An educational and supportive community for people living with multiple sclerosis.

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"One day, one wonderful hour at a time."

Coni, MS LifeLines Ambassador

Living with RRMS since 2000

Taking Rebif® since 2002

Treating Relapsing MS

For most people diagnosed with relapsing MS, their greatest fear is serious disability . Although a possibility, it is important to know that being diagnosed with relapsing MS does not necessarily mean you will become severely disabled.

Worried about the cost of your MS therapy?

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Over time, MS disease activity leads to permanent nerve damage. This damage builds up and can eventually cause long-term disability in MS.

Not everyone experiences the same level of disease activity, so disability progresses at different rates for different people. Studies have shown that people who have more brain lesions and more relapses early on are likely to progress more quickly. But it is impossible for your health care provider to predict how quickly your MS will progress.

There is no cure yet for MS. But there are many treatments. Some only treat the symptoms of MS. Others are disease-modifying drugs, MS drugs proven to reduce disease activity and relapses, and even delay the progression of disability in relapsing MS in some cases. That's why many experts think it's important to start therapy as early as possible after diagnosis of relapsing MS. These drugs should be taken consistently and as directed by your health care provider.

Disease-modifying drugs (DMDs) used for treating relapsing MS include:

  • Rebif® (interferon beta-1a )
  • Copaxone® (glatiramer acetate injection)
  • Avonex® (interferon beta-1a)
  • Betaseron® (interferon beta-1b)
  • Tysabri® (natalizumab)

All medications have side effects. They may be most noticeable when you start therapy.

Learn more about Rebif and side effects.

Related Topics

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 the 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. Efficacy has been established in controlled studies up to 2 years in duration. 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 and the Rebif logo is a trademark of EMD Serono, Inc. or its affiliates.

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

Copyright 2009 EMD Serono, Inc. All rights reserved.