Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Support Group

REBIF is an interferon beta-1a which is similar to AVONEX. Here is the subtle difference between the two:
The specific activity of interferon beta-1a in Avonex and Rebif are 200 and 270 million IU/mg interferon beta-1a, respectively

More info:
BETASERON is an interferon beta-1b
Interferon beta-1a (Avonex, Rebif) is 10-times more active per milligram of protein than interferon beta-1b in standard antiviral assays.

In general: Interferon beta belongs to the class of interferons, which are species-specific proteins produced in response to viruses as well as a variety of other natural and synthetic stimuli.

Interesting, confusing, and promising at the same time!
Dr O.

I have been taking Rebif injections now going on three years. I haven't had new lesions for 2 1/2 years now. I no longer have the dreaded flu-like symptoms every M<T<F like I used to, but I learned to take 2 Aleve or 4 Tylenol 1 hour before giving myself the injection and right before I went to bed. The only thing I have a problem with is I always have site reactions, redened areas that seem to take a long time to fade to normal skin coloration to the point that it is difficult sometimes to find an injection site.

I was diagnosed with MS 6 months ago and the Drs. first and ONLY suggested medication for me was Rebif. I injest three days a week, T<TH<SU. When I was first injecting, I too experienced the flu-like symtoms you spoke of. I would wake in the middle of the night with hip pain, muscle ache, headache, sweats, chills, etc. After discussing whether it was safe to take a pain/fever reducing medication prior to my injections, I began to do so about an hour before injection times. It helped dramatically. I am currently pleased with the results I am having with Rebif. The only concern I have at this are the same ones you have mentioned, about the discoloration or bruising left on my skin, for quite sometime after injection. I guess I can live that, compared to the alternative.

I have been taking Rebif ever since I was diagnosed, about 1 1/2 years ago. I recently had an MRI done and I have no new lesions! So I guess it works for me..

I was on Avonex for 2 yrs. I had several small flareups that oral steroids took care of then I had a major relapse that I had to get a 5 day course of solumedrol. Avonex wasnt working like its supposed to. ( antibodies ) I was switched to Rebif. Dr. said he wanted to up the ante. Its been a year now and Ive had no new symptoms!

When I was first dxed, I was on Avonex with modest results. I too had neutralizing antibodies after a couple of years, and switched to Copaxone. I lasted 6 months. I found the daily injection regemin difficult to comply with -- at the time I was on the drug I was caregiving for both of my Grandparents and the injections were just one more thing for me to do.

I began taking Rebif as part of a clinical study that was testing the autoinjector with the traditional needle. It was by far the most effective interferon for me, though the flu-like side effects never lessened for me. Unfortunately, I lost my health insurance, and could no longer pay for the drug once the trial was over. I was off the drug for a year and a half and experienced quite a bit of progression. When I did finally qualify for Medicare, I went back on the drug with little success.

I'm now considered worsening RRMS/possible SPMS, and if you've browsed my journal, know that I just had my first dose of Novantrone last week.

-Karen

Also on Rebif having the flu like symptoms only if I do not take motrin or tylenol prior to injection. dx in 2005 and no new lesions at last mri in 2006! Hang in there!!!

any body here have a great way of dealing with site reactions?you know , redness, swelling ,heat and itchy?

I've been on Rebif for 3 weeks now. I will start taking Tylenol or Aleve 1 hour prior from now on. I get redness on any injections on my legs, but not my belly. When I inject my belly, however, I can feel the liquid inside for a brief moment. My legs don't get the redness immediately - I get it a day or two later! how weird! soreness there too. For my belly, I can't even tell where I injected myself - later that day or ever!

I am supposed to start rebif this week or whenever I get it. I am a little scaredow after reading all the everyone has to say about it. But I do have one suggestion from being a nurse- try ice on the injectino site first and heat right after. I see a lot of patients who have ms and they have been giving me suggestions/advice. Hope this helps :)