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 16, 2010

How I Stay Up on What’s New in MS

Like many of us living with MS, I like to stay up to date on what is happening in the MS world. I mostly use the internet, and while there are a number of sites that contain great information about MS, there are 4 sites that I like to use in particular.

The first is the National MS Society’s website (www.nationalmssociety.org). I really like list of recent news releases and the dates that they were released. I pick the ones that interest me the most. Just one click later I can read the article that pertains to that headline. I also check out my local chapter’s specific website to see what events are coming up in my area.

Another website I visit is MS LifeLines (www.mslifelines.com). I really like to check out the program tab to see what events and guest speakers are going to be in my area. I’ve attended many of these events, and often leave having learned something new, either from the guest speaker or from others at the event that have MS. I also like to look at the archived webevents when there is a topic that is related to what I’m dealing with in my life.

I also like to use search engines like Yahoo, Google or Bing to get up to date news about MS. On some of these, you can sign up and have an email sent to you every day with links to new articles that relate to the phrase you put in. I usually search on the phrase ‘”multiple sclerosis”. The cool thing is some of the articles that pop up are from various newspapers around the country profiling someone with MS. It’s nice to read some others’ stories of hope and determination.

I also use WebMD (www.webmd.com). Using Multiple Sclerosis in the search field, I often can find a wide variety of information.

There is a lot of information available for anyone who wants it. The important part is to keep seeking knowledge!

Posted by: WebMD Blogs, February 16, 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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