User Reviews for Rebif (with albumin) subcutaneous

I was diagnosed with R&R MS September of 2003, I began Rebif the following Winter. I went off the medication for 2 years and started it again May 2010. I tolorate Rebif very well, my only side effect is injection site redness. I've only had the one MS episode, my residual issues are limb tingling and numbing sensations that worsen from weather changes and/or fatigue.

I was dx in Aug. 2007 and started on Betaseron. After 14 months on that, I had an allergic reaction. I was put on Rebif. After about 1 year on Rebif I had the same allergic reaction that I had to the Betaseron. The reaction was itching all over, hives, chills and some shortness of breath. The injection site reactions were bruising with round red splotches and tenderness of the injection sites. I'm not on any medication right now and am waiting to be approved to get on Copaxone. My symptoms before the reaction to Rebif were little to none. I never had the flu like symptoms with Rebif or the Betaseron.Read More Read Less

I am sick for more r=then 4 hours in the middle of the nite I feel like I am dying but then I feel fine

I was diagnosed in February 2010 and started Rebif in March. After 3 months on this medication, I have had only the occassional headache (and I can't guarantee that it's the Rebif), but no other flu-like symptoms. My first blood work came back fine, no elevation of liver enzymes. The injection site reactions are there, I get red splotches and was bruising pretty badly. However, the MS Lifelines nurse suggested changing the injector depth and so far no bruising after doing that. I rotate through my stomach, thighs, lower back and then the next time instead of thighs I do my arms. Seems to work to give each tender area (thighs and arms) a break. The injector is pretty easy to use, however I have to have my husband's help when using it on my arms. I can't seem to do them one handed. Otherwise, pretty easy to use. The medication does sting sometimes, but not everytime, however it's brief. Massaging the spot afterwards helps a great deal. All in all, I recommend this medication. 3x times a week is better than every day in my book. I will have my first MRI later this year to see how the medication is working. I hope it is! So far I don't think I've had any flare ups, although I was put on oral steroids for 5 days, but my Neuro couldn't be positive it wasn't related to just being sick with a cold or virus. Regardless, I do recommend you try this medication, however everyone is different. Best of luck!Read More Read Less

INJECTION SITES RED AND SWOLLEN BUT OVER ALL MY EXPERIENCE MS RELAPSE SLOWED DOWN

Diagnosed with MS in 2005 started taking Rebif. I could tell a big improvement about 6 months into treatment. Almost 5 years later, and I am happy with my life and my choice to take Rebif. I have some side effects, usally the morning after my injection but not enough to keep me from going to work everyday.

Was diagnosed Dec. 18th 2003. Was in a clinical trial April 2004. Started Betaseron. Turned out I was on double dose. No side effects at all. After 41/2 years trial ended. I had more lesions on my brain and cervical spine. Dr. put me on Copaxone. Was on for 1 year. Major skin issues on my legs. Major tissue damage. Many indentations. Then I was put on Rebif. Has been about 9 months and feel lousy. My white count is half of what the low normal should be. I have no shin issues. Make sure I massage site after injecting. My last MRI had more in my spine. I really want to get get off of it and see how I feel.Read More Read Less

I have been on Rebif since my MS diagnosis in early 2004, but I am going to stop using it now (Jan 2010). It has been a great medicine for me up until late summer 2009, when I started getting MS symptoms. Up until then, I only had minor symptoms such as occasional minor numbness and tingling, so while on Rebif my MS was in control for over 5 years. After the flu-like symptoms when I first started the injections, I have had no problems with the 3X/week injections. I use the Rebiject, but on occasion have done the manual shot. I have had NO problems with injection site reactions. I warm the syringe up to room temp, and rotate between right and left leg, butt, and belly. (Can't bring myself to do the arms.) I rub the skin after the injection to make the medicine spread/absorb, and to lessen any sting. The pain is not bad. Sometimes it feels a little hot when you inject the med, nothing too bad. I find the abdomen and butt locations hurt least. But again, the pain is quite minor if any. I was not thrilled when I was told I needed to self inject, but once you get used to it IT IS NO BIG DEAL. The benefit of the medication far outweighs any distaste for the delivery mechanism! I keep track of my injection locations on my kitchen calendar. So, if your dr. recommends rebif, be assured it is not bad. I am about to go on copaxone, since my MRI's are showing new lesions, and my balance/walking has deteriorated significantly over the past few months. For some reason the interferon is no longer working for me. But it was great while it did!Read More Read Less

I have had MS for almost 12years and have lost most of the mobility&sensation in my left leg. I have also developed spondylosis of the lower and upper spine. Rebif at first had severe side effects:migrains, severe chills, nasal congestion.Now, after 3 months, these effects are almost gone. Very happy and looking forward to work at home on my computer.

I was diagnosed December of 2007. I was put on Rebif immidiately and have had no further advances of the disease. Redness at injection site and chills on injection day still continue. Those looking for an answer with the elevated liver tests, it did almost take a year for mine to come down to normal. So hang in there. There are many advances every day for this and I keep a positive attitude and don't let my limitaions get to me. My grandmother had MS and was diagnosed in her 20's and lived a productive healthy life to her 60's before needing to be in a wheel chair, she then still lived on to her 80's. So keep strong and always move forward.Read More Read Less

I do have redness where I gave my injections.

I was dx in May of 2009, and Rebif was suggested as a good choice. For the most part, I don't mind, other than sometimes disliking 3x/week injections - but if it is going to help me, it's worth it. I started with the titration pack, and after being at 44mcg for about a month, the flu like symptoms really decreased. EXCEPTION being that if I get a vaccine of any kind, and have Rebif that night, I'll throw a high fever. I have managed to wean myself completely off of taking any painkillers after my shots, as Rebif is bad for the liver, and so are painkillers. The nurses check in with me every month or so, and seemed glad to hear that I am able to do so. Unfortunately, despite what they seem to believe, there is no end to the injection site reactions. I use the autoinjector, which definitely helps (the two times I had to do without was horrible!), but that is a personal choice... some find it to be the opposite. Although they suggest using all sites, my legs react too much, and I have small arms, so I have stuck with the abdominal area. Regardless of their suggestions, there is always a red area which lasts from one to two weeks. My largest concern now is the effect on the liver. My blood tests at 3 months showed elevated AST and ALT readings, although the hospital didn't seem concerned. I am trying to eat healthier and take reasonable supplements in hopes it prevents damage, but it terrifies me that the same medicine I may need to function may indeed destroy me! Read More Read Less

I was diagnosed in Aug 2005 because of a problem with my optic nerve that lasted only 2 weeks. My dr started me on Rebif right away and I have not had any relapses. However, since being on the Rebif for 4 years, my Thyroid is all messed up and I have to take daily meds. These meds have completely messed up my menstral cycle and I go for months without a period. My blood count is low and am now anemic. My hair is also falling out and I had extreme lower back pain and stiffness. So against my dr's orders, I stopped taking the shots 3 weeks ago. Already, I feel better and my mind seems clearer. My back pain is easing up and I have more energy. I can't wait to see how I feel after 6 weeks without the shots. Good luck to everyone who is on it, I know everyone has a different experience.Read More Read Less

the shot is a little painfull, and leaves a hard substance under the skin at the injection site which is a little painfull to touch

Started on Avonex, now on Rebif. No flu-like symptoms for me. Site reactions every injection, splotchy red spots. Auto injector is great.

Been on Rebif since diagnosis 9/2007. Occasional injection site flare ups and flu symptoms, but have had no exacerbations since beginning treatment. Easy to inject yourself, but my husband usually does it for me. Much better than IV steroids to control exacerbations!! Thanks Rebif!

MS since 1992; Copaxone from 01-09, just started Rebif two months ago. Relapses wouldn't quit this year, s the drs switched me to Rebif. Very few side effects (maybe joint pain but that could from unrelated causes -- too much gardening!). Don't know yet if it will reduce relapses in the long term. I can only hope!

i have been on rebif for one year,the flu like symptoms followed by a migrain are siill present. i have missed some doses due to my not wanting to feel sick all the timeas far as it effectivnes i still have 1 or 2 highlighted lesion on my brain. will see next time if my mri improved.

Rebif is not the drug for me. I felt like I had the flu 24/7. My dr. still felt I should continue, but I have a job and a family. I can not be sick all the time. I hated the auto-injector & preferred just taking the injections. I can not take NSAID's & tylenol did nothing to help. The nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, & constant headache was not worth any benefit in my opinion. I also felt miserably depressed & did not feel taking an antidepressant was the right choice for me since I was not depressed prior to taking Rebif. I was also very upset with the drug company & their assistance program. After numerous attempts of telling them I did not want a nurse to come out & that I was not responding well. They kept calling & calling despite my requests that they please stop & insisted that tylenol would make the symptoms tolerable for me. After 6 months of this, I changed my #. After the worst year of my life (physically-I got down to 98 lbs at 5'5", I stopped the Rebif. Interferon is not for me. Now I have no insurance to fund any treatment, but I feel better than I did with Rebif even with relapses!Read More Read Less

I rarely get the flu-like symptoms that are supposedly so common with Rebif. Every now and then I'll get a low fever, headache and chills, but it passes quickly and it's no big deal. I use a Rebiject II auto injector, and it's pretty easy. Once you get used to it, you can do it in less than 5 minutes. My biggest problem with Rebif has been the injection site reactions. I used to get huge red welts every time I injected, but it's starting to decrease a little now, after 9 months on it. I've tried every remedy the MS Lifelines nurses recommended, but what's worked best for me is to apply raw, unfiltered, organic apple cider vinegar to my injection sites once or twice a day. Sounds crazy, but I see a noticeable improvement since I started the vinegar. As far as how the Rebif is performing for me, my 6-month MRI showed fewer lesions and I've had no major exacerbations in the past year. I wish the Rebif could lessen my everyday MS symptoms, but I guess they haven't invented a drug that can do that yet. For now I'm just happy to slow the progression of the disease and not get any exacerbations. Before the Rebif, I had 2 major exacerbations in one year. Hang in there! Stay positive! Best of luck to you. Read More Read Less