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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.
When I was a kid I remember my grandmother telling me not to drink after dinner so I wouldn’t wet the bed. Yikes! It sounded so harsh but I always took her advice and reduced my chances of morning embarrassment. I knew my grandmother was right — she was always right!
When we are young we are taught lessons on how to control our bodily functions. We learn fairly early that when we get to the point where we do “The Dance”, we may have waited too long.
I drink like a fish, and not one of those small tropical fish either. I can polish off a two-liter soda in a short while, and wash it down with a glass or two of water. You see, I work at a laboratory where I’m responsible for tasting samples of beverages all day. A close restroom is my best friend; I can cut a path to the restroom in no time flat. When we remodeled our offices at work I made a strategic play to get the office closest to the bathroom, and I was awarded the coveted space. There are some victories in life that you just never forget. That was one of them.
It’s true. MS gave me tiny bladder!
Can you believe it? How ironic that a guy who “drinks for a living” has to go to the bathroom more in a day than others have to go in a week! As if bowing to an ancient curse, I often head to the bathroom skipping and jumping as fast as I am able. Listen, we all have challenges with MS and getting “tiny bladder” is just one of them, and for me, not the worst. So I look at the bright side: the constant trips to the john give me exercise that I might not get otherwise. Yes, I have turned my tiny bladder into an exercise plan. How clever is that?
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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