How to use Rebif Syringe

Read the Medication Guide and Instructions for Use provided by your pharmacist before you start using this medication and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

If you are using this medication at home, learn all preparation and usage instructions from your health care professional. Before using, check this product visually for particles or discoloration. If either is present, do not use the liquid. Learn how to store and discard medical supplies safely.

To increase comfort, remove this medication from the refrigerator and let it warm to room temperature for about 30 minutes before injecting. Do not warm up this medication in any other way such as heating in the microwave or placing in hot water.

Inject this medication under the skin as directed by your doctor, usually 3 times a week, at least 48 hours apart (such as Monday, Wednesday, and Friday). It is best to use this medication near bedtime to reduce side effects.

Before injecting each dose, clean the injection site with rubbing alcohol. Change the injection site each time to lessen injury under the skin. Do not inject into skin that is red, sore, scarred, or infected. Inject this medication in the thigh, abdomen, buttock, or the back of the upper arm as directed by your doctor. Tell your doctor of any skin reactions that do not go away after a few days.

The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment. To reduce your risk of side effects, your doctor may direct you to start this medication at a low dose and gradually increase your dose. Follow your doctor's instructions carefully. Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, use it at the same time for each scheduled dose.

Tell your doctor if your condition gets worse.

Side Effects

Pain, redness, or swelling at the injection site may occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor promptly.

Most people have flu-like symptoms such as headache, tiredness, fever, chills, and muscle aches when they first start this medication. These symptoms usually last about 1 day after the injection and improve or go away after a few months of continued use. You can lessen these side effects by injecting this medicine at bedtime and by using fever reducers/pain relievers such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen before each dose. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

Remember that this medication has been prescribed because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.

Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including: mental/mood changes (such as new or worsening depression, thoughts of suicide, psychosis), feeling too hot or cold (more than others around you), blue fingers/toes, easy bleeding/bruising, pus or change in skin color at the injection site, joint pain/swelling, signs of kidney problems (such as a change in the amount of urine), signs of liver problems (such as nausea/vomiting that doesn't stop, loss of appetite, stomach/abdominal pain, yellowing eyes/skin, dark urine), new or worsening symptoms of heart failure (such as shortness of breath, swelling ankles/feet, unusual tiredness, unusual/sudden weight gain).

Get medical help right away if you have any very serious side effects, including: seizures.

This medication may lower your ability to fight infections. This may make you more likely to get a serious (rarely fatal) infection or make any infection you have worse. Tell your doctor right away if you have any signs of infections (such as sore throat that doesn't go away, fever, chills, cough).

A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.

This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

In the US - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch.

In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

Precautions

Before using interferon, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to products containing human albumin; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

Some brands of this medication contain albumin made from human blood. Even though the blood is carefully tested, and this medication goes through a special manufacturing process, there is an extremely small chance that you may get infections from the medication (for example viruses such as hepatitis). Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: bleeding/blood problems, heart problems (such as heart failure, angina, fast/irregular heartbeat), liver disease, mental/mood disorders (such as depression, psychosis, suicidal thoughts), seizure disorder, thyroid disease.

Interferon can make you more likely to get infections or may make current infections worse. Stay away from anyone who has an infection that may easily spread (such as chickenpox, COVID-19, measles, flu). Talk to your doctor if you have been exposed to an infection or for more details.

Tell your health care professional that you are using interferon before having any immunizations/vaccinations. Avoid contact with people who have recently received live vaccines (such as flu vaccine inhaled through the nose).

Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).

During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.

This medication passes into breast milk in small amounts, but is unlikely to harm a nursing infant. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Interactions

Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.

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Overdose

If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center.

Notes Notes

Do not share this medication with others.

Lab and/or medical tests (such as complete blood count, liver/thyroid function) should be done while you are using this medication. Keep all medical and lab appointments.

Missed Dose Missed Dose

If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember, then skip the next day. Do not use this medication 2 days in a row. Do not double the dose to catch up. Follow your usual schedule the next week.

Storage Storage

Store in the refrigerator away from light. Do not freeze. You may store this medication at room temperature for up to 30 days, but refrigeration is better. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medications away from children and pets.

Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.

Images

Rebif Titration Pack 8.8 mcg/0.2 mL-22 mcg/0.5 mL subcutaneous syringe

Rebif Titration Pack 8.8 mcg/0.2 mL-22 mcg/0.5 mL subcutaneous syringe

Color: clearShape: Imprint:

This medicine is a clear, clear, solution

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CONDITIONS OF USE: The information in this database is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of healthcare professionals. The information is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, drug interactions or adverse effects, nor should it be construed to indicate that use of a particular drug is safe, appropriate or effective for you or anyone else. A healthcare professional should be consulted before taking any drug, changing any diet or commencing or discontinuing any course of treatment.