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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.
How I remind myself life is not always about MS
I live with relapsing MS every day of my life. But there are days I just want to enjoy life and not focus on MS. The easiest way for me to “live a day” without MS is to do something that doesn’t have too many limitations for me.
One of my favorite activities is to paint pottery. Many communities have places that have ready made pottery and supplies needed to just paint it and make it your own. My friends and I go to a local store that has a workshop filled with various paints. It’s how we sometimes spend our ‘girl’s days’. I like it because it’s very relaxing. It also works as a stress reliever. Who cares if I mess up on something I’m painting. I’m the only one that knows when it doesn’t turn out right. On top of that, it’s a great place to just chat and catch up with everyone.
I also like to attend live events. It’s great to go to a concert or sporting event and concentrate on what I’m watching as opposed to what I’m going through. I especially enjoy attending sporting events. I know it can be fun to watch from home, but sometimes the clean up afterwards can be a hassle, especially if I’m too tired to do the clean up. Any sporting event will do; it’s the excitement of the game that I’m looking for, mainly because I don’t have time to think of anything else.
I like these events because they are something I do with family and friends. Every time I can spend anytime with them, I am reminded that life is about having happy, healthy relationships, and not always about MS.
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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WebMD does not endorse any specific product, service, or treatment.
