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, February 9, 2010

How I Celebrate My Successes

Having relapsing MS isn’t only something that I have to live with, but also something that my family and friends have to live with. I have an amazing group of people to help support me during tough times, and it’s only fair that they also help me celebrate my successes.

It doesn’t matter how large (positive results from my latest MRI) or small (completing a project) of a success I have, I like to celebrate it. For me a celebration can be a small dinner party or a weekend away. The most important part of a celebration for me is the people I choose to celebrate with.

Sometimes it may be a personal success that I want to celebrate on my own. In this case, I will often do something that I enjoy such as treating myself to a pedicure or just relaxing outside and reading a book.

For the most part, every day that I can continue to live the way that I want, I consider being a success. I celebrate these days by looking forward to the next one.

Posted by: WebMD Blogs, February 9, 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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