If you're taking Rebif to treat your relapsing multiple sclerosis, you should know that there are side effects you may experience. The most common side effects with Rebif are:
- Injection-site reactions
- Flu-like symptoms
- Depression (potentially serious in some cases)
- Abdominal pain
- Elevated liver enzymes
- Blood abnormalities
Some less common, but potentially serious side effects with Rebif are:
- Hepatic dysfunction
- Risk to pregnancy
- Injection-site reactions
- Allergic reactions
To best deal with side effects, it's important to partner with your doctor by reporting all your side effects and following your doctor's advice. Learn about 2 types of side effects you may be able to do something about—flu-like symptoms and injection-site reactions.
Tips which might help manage flu-like symptoms
The flu-like symptoms you may have after taking Rebif are not the same as the flu. Unlike the flu, these symptoms are not caused by a viral infection and may go away over time. They commonly include muscle aches, fever and fatigue. Diarrhea and vomiting are not usually associated with Rebif treatment.
While these flu-like symptoms may be unpleasant, it's important to stay on therapy and do what you can to manage them. The following tips may help you reduce flu-like symptoms, but be sure to get your doctor's approval before trying anything on this list:
Take an over-the-counter pain reliever/fever reducer (such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen) as directed by your doctor.
- If you still have symptoms, you can also take these types of pain relievers throughout the day after taking Rebif
- Although these medications are sold without a prescription, they can still have side effects, so read the dosing instructions carefully
Be flexible with when you take Rebif. Everyone is different. You can experiment to see what is best for you. But make sure you take Rebif 3 times per week, and that your injections are at least 48 hours apart.
- Many people inject Rebif before bed so they can sleep through many flu-like symptoms they may have
- Flu-like symptoms may take longer to develop for some people. In these cases, some health care providers suggest taking Rebif earlier in the day
Be smart about keeping cool. People with MS tend to overheat easily, which can make flu-like symptoms—such as fever—feel worse.
- On days you might experience symptoms, think about dressing in light layers that can easily be removed
- During warm weather, try to limit your time outdoors or in the sun and high humidity
- There are also a number of products and gadgets designed to help people keep cool (such as special pillows and vests with cooling technology). Ask your doctor or nurse for more information
Stay well hydrated. Drinking enough fluids is important.
- Being dehydrated can make flu-like symptoms worse.
These tips have been recommended by some health care providers. Talk to your doctor to find out what’s best for you.
Tips which might help manage injection-site reactions
Injection-site reactions are any type of change to the skin where you inject Rebif. They can occur within hours or even days after injecting, and are usually mild and manageable. Some types of reactions are redness, itching, and swelling. It's important not to get discouraged about these reactions, and to do your best to stay on therapy.
- Before injecting Rebif, bring the syringe to room temperature. If refrigeration is not available, Rebif may be stored at or below room temperature (25°C/77°F) for up to 30 days and away from heat and light. Remove the syringe from the refrigerator at least 1 to 4 hours before the injection. Keep in mind that Rebif syringes should never be warmed in the microwave or placed in boiling water.
- Use the proper injection technique as instructed by your health care provider. Please see the Rebif Medication Guide.
- Thoroughly clean the injection site with an alcohol swab or cotton ball before injecting. If using alcohol on the site, allow it to dry before injecting. You can also try soap and water instead of alcohol.
- To help minimize discomfort, apply an ice pack for no more than 2 minutes to the area before and after the injection. If ice does not help, try a warm compress instead.*
- Rotate the injection sites and only inject into healthy tissue. Do not inject in the same place twice in a row. Wait at least 7 days before using a particular spot again. Do not inject into an area where you feel lumps, firm knots, or pain.
- Gently massage the area in a circular motion for at least 2 minutes after to help disperse the medicine and reduce irritation.*
- Monitor your injection sites over several days for redness, swelling, or tenderness. If they worsen over time, contact your doctor.
These tips have been recommended by some health care providers. Talk to your doctor to find out what’s best for you.
