Joni's Journal

Vibrant and motivated, Joni isn't going to let relapsing MS get in the way of her goals. Follow her story as she balances her life with her relapsing MS.

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This journal reflects the personal experience of one person and others can be different. It is best to contact your physician to discus what's best for you. Joni is an MS LifeLines Ambassador and has chosen to share her story with others living with MS. MS LifeLines and MS LifeLines Ambassadors are sponsored by EMD Serono and Pfizer.
Tuesday, January 26, 2010

If I Only Knew Then What I Know Now: What I’ve Learned About MS Since Being Diagnosed

The most important thing that I’ve learned since being diagnosed with multiple sclerosis is that my life didn’t end when the doctor said, “You have relapsing MS.” After diagnosis, I went through the stages of grief, denial, anger, bargaining and acceptance. But after acceptance, I still thought that life as I knew it was over.

Of course, I’ve had to make some modifications in my life as a result of my diagnosis, but it’s far from over. For a couple of years after diagnosis, I scaled back the amount of activities I took part in. Most of this was due to the fear of not being able to complete what I started. However, as time progressed, I realized that I could do more than what I was limiting myself to.

Now, I’m as active as I was before diagnosis, just in a different way. I know my limits and listen to my body to make sure I don’t over do it. Had I known how to adjust my activities and not just quit them, I would have been able to do so much more for those first couple of years after I was diagnosed. The good news is that now I know, and I can tell all of you not to make the same mistakes I did.

Check back on February 9th for Joni’s next journal entry.

Posted by: WebMD Blogs, January 26, 2010
Return to Relapsing MS Treatment

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.
EMD SERONO | Pfizer

Prescribing Information (PDF) - Medication Guide (PDF)

This information is intended only for residents of the United States.

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