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As part owner of a travel agency, David enjoys scuba diving and traveling around the world. He also owns his own business that creates unique beverages. David believes his optimistic attitude helps keep him in control of his own life with relapsing MS.
As much as possible, when I’m taking my therapy, I want to go about my daily activities the same way I did before I started my therapy. I would say that most days for me are relatively simple: I get up, go to work, go home, settle in, go to bed and start over again the next day. Surprisingly, my days follow this schedule with few exceptions and I think I like keeping it that way. In fact, I look for ways to try to keep that routine consistent while taking my therapy for relapsing MS.
What are some of the things I considered in choosing a DMD (disease-modifying drug)?
First, I spoke with my neurologist about the DMDs and which might be right for me. If every DMD worked for every person, this would be an easy process, but that is not the case. I trust my neurologist’s experience with different DMDs.I am always interested in my neurologist’s opinion, for every aspect of my health related to MS, and a DMD is just one aspect.
Next, I considered the profile of different DMDs. For example, with my travel schedule it would be more practical to take injections fewer times per week. I also asked myself if I could I manage the side effects that were typically seen with a particular DMD, or would that be too disruptive with my schedule?
Finally, I stay informed by reading the research and available information on all of the approved DMDs. I subscribe to several free magazines that focus on MS related information and make time to review the articles so that I stay up to date on DMDs and their successes (and failures). I figure that the more I know and understand about the DMDs available, the more confident I will be about the choice we made.
Choosing the “right” DMD is no easy task for anyone with MS. It becomes a balancing process where we measure our confidence with a DMD through research, and match that with our neurologist’s recommendation.
I have a wonderful relationship with my neurologist so I place great emphasis on his recommendation. Luckily, like everything else in regards to my MS, I look at the choices and find the right balance.
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.
Prescribing Information (PDF) - Medication Guide (PDF)
This information is intended only for residents of the United States.
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