Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Support Group

I've been on Rebif for a little over four months now and for me the red spots generally take about 2 weeks to completely fade. I don't always get a red spot. Be sure to do the massage after the injection. I manually inject whenever possible and I make sure that I take my time injecting the stuff since it stings less that way especially when you start injecting the 44 mcg. Also make sure you take it out of the refrigerator for at least an hour or so before to give it time to come to room temperature before injecting. You can try an ice pack or hot pack. I don't use either though.

Neener

thanks for info is the stuff helping you

I have been on .44 for about four years. Here are some things I can suggest...

1. Room temp is important. If you forget to take it out, just hold it close in hand for a few minutes, it will warm up quickly.

2. Ice before, and then when you are cleaning with alcohol, kind of massage the area briefly.

3. Inject manually if you can. I noticed a huge decrease in the redness when I stopped using the injector.

4. Be sure to get as much "fat" as you can to inject to. Let it go slowly as you are injecting.

5. Make sure you are "clean" with the injection. Straight in and straight out.

6. When you are cleaning the area, include at least a few minutes of massage. You should almost be able to "feel" the spread of the med. If you find it helpful, use heat afterwards. I did for a while when I was still using the injector and found that it helped.

Generally, I don't have alot of red spots anymore. On my stomach seems to be the worst. I do tend to rub my thighs when I am sitting more than a few minutes,and I think that actually helps.

Hope this helps...

I have been on it for over a year and an half now and still get the spots. It is "normal". We are lucky here in Aus as now they have realeased the Rebif formula that dows not sting as much-hopefully it will get to the US soon.

thanks for all the help the autoinjector failed to go off today not sure any got in me

I have been on Rebif since last July. Started with 12.5 for 2 wks. then 22 for 2 wks. then 44 which is my maintainence . Yes i do have red spots that shows up couple days after inj. and stays for over a wk. sometimes. I just inj. near by the red spots. I use the Rebiject. Am too chicken not to.

Good luck to you

Throw that autostabber in the closet! It hurts A LOT more. To get up the courage to try it manually, I self injected with one of the sterile water practice shots my nurse gave me. Once I got the needle in, I was like, "that's it?" It's so much better. The autostabber jams the needle in too fast and you can't control the flow of the medicine. Slower is better. Just pinch up a good piece of chub. Shoot really slowly. I've also used the end of a cold water bottle. It ices the area and provides a "target" for you to shoot into. Helpful for spacing.

I've been on Rebif for a year and a half, and I don't get red spots any more. I also don't need to take Advil any more, either. Eventually, I think your body gets used to it.

Good luck!

smljuly04

It's hard to say if the Rebif is working yet. I just got over a relapse which started the end of March and lasted until the 3rd week of June. I hadn't been on the Rebif for very long. My neuro was ready to switch me to Tysabri, but I reminded her that I had only been on Rebif since the end of February so she said we would try it for a while longer. Good luck. Be sure to ask questions if you wonder about something. You can always call MS Lifelines or call your nurse, but I've found the folks here on DS to be one of my best resources since they are actually using Rebif and have firsthand experience. Take care.

Neener

My husband has been on full strength Rebif for...about 3 years. He gets red spots almost every time. They stick around for a few weeks as his stomach always has a few spots when I see him without his shirt.

Playmist has some good suggestions.
The other thing I might add is my husband also takes motrin before he injects himself manually (better than self injector when you get the hang of it). It helps him in a couple of ways.

Best wishes to you
EP

I can relate, sometimes the red spots last for weeks , just be sure to use alcohol swabs. I found out the hard way!