I am on Rebif and my red blood count is fine!

I am on Rebif for several years, and have no problem. But I have had the prooblem on and off for alot of my life, from not eating properly. Sometimes the appetite goes up and down, or we just don't eat as well as we should, so many other things to worry about. Always ask if it could be your medication, or some interaction if you are taking others, but if you have lost some appetite or have changed something in your diet, be sure to talk about that. Also, if you are doing less exercise or have changed your routine, remember that the foods you eat or the vitamins you take sometimes have to be adjusted.

...hmm, I have been on Rebif for about 8 years ... the VA gives me monthly blood-tests, (I guess because I am on so many meds, and they want to keep an eye on liver-function).

My red blood cell count is fine, but my WHITE blood cell count has been elevated for quite some time. They have occasionally decided to put me on anti-biotics, but they have never "cleared-up" my white blood cell count ... shrug

Hmmm this is all food for thought. Thanks guys! I DID notice on the literature that came with Rebif it did say in the small print that changes in blood cell counts could be an adverse side effect. I'll just keep an eye on it and talk to new doc.

Just to clarify, this can be a problem, and this is why my doctor does tests for this and liver enzymes as well every six months. Which is how I know if I have or haven't had any problems. I was thinking that if this is what the test shows, and your doctor is aware, then they must feel it is in an acceptable range, or maybe will watch ot see if it will straighten out once you have been on a little longer. If your doctor didn't indicate that you should have it retested soon, JMO, I would ask why and ask that it be done. Also, I would make sure to find out what it was before the Rebif and if there is something else going on. Even if you can change it some with iron, the thing you want to remember is that you need to know why, and when, it became low.

I am on Betaseron and have run into the issue of anemia. When my first test was done, I got a call from the Dr. saying that I was "highly anemic" and need to be retested in a month. I started by taking a multi vitamin with iron with my night time meds. The next test was better but not all the way. Now I also take an iron supplement in the morning. This seems to have done the trick as my last test was good!
Thankfully this was an easily addressed side effect!

Iwas anemic long before taking Rebif and I now have to take a Procrit shot (yippee more shots) every so often when my iron level drops. Then I'm given a break and when it drops again, I start the process over. So if you're anemic to begin with it makes the situation worse--but it is treatble. And yes, as far as i know, I'll be taking the Procrit the rest of my life.