Relapsing MS Treatment:Stop Wishing, Start Learning

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About Rebif

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This information is intended only for residents of the United States.

Important Safety Information

Rebif is used to treat relapsing forms of MS to decrease the frequency of relapses and delay the occurrence of some of the physical disability that is common in people with MS. Rebif is not approved for treatment of chronic progressive MS. Rebif is available in 22 mcg and 44 mcg prefilled, preassembled syringes and a titration pack by prescription only.

Before beginning treatment, patients should discuss with their doctor the potential benefits and risks associated with Rebif. Let your doctor know if you have a history of depression, seizures, liver disease, thyroid problems, or blood cell count or bleeding problems, or if you have had previous allergic reactions to medications. Tell your doctor about all medicines you take, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. Rebif and other medicines may affect each other causing serious side effects. Talk to your doctor before you take any new medicines. Rebif is not recommended for women who are or plan to become pregnant.

Potential serious side effects of Rebif include depression, liver problems, risk to pregnancy, injection-site problems, and severe allergic reactions. Allergic reactions are rare and may be associated with difficulty in breathing and loss of consciousness, which require immediate medical attention.

The most common side effects with Rebif are injection-site reactions, flu-like symptoms (fever, chills, muscle aches, tiredness), depression, abdominal pain, increased liver enzymes, and blood cell count decreases. Let your doctor know if you have any of these symptoms or feel sad, tired, hot or cold, or experience hives, rashes, bruising, yellowing of the skin, or a change in body weight (gain or loss).

Compared with Avonex in a clinical trial, side effects were generally similar despite the higher, more frequent dosing of Rebif. Differences included people taking Avonex had more flu-like symptoms than those taking Rebif. People taking Rebif had a greater number of injection-site reactions, elevated liver enzymes, and decreased white blood cell counts. Events that occurred more frequently with Rebif posttransition versus prior use of Avonex included injection-site disorders, hepatic function disorders, and white blood cell disorders.

Rebif, Rebiject II, and MS LifeLines are registered trademarks and the Rebif logo is a trademark of EMD Serono, Inc. or its affiliates.

Avonex is a registered trademark of Biogen Idec.

Betaseron is a registered trademark of Bayer HealthCare Pharmaceuticals.

Copaxone is a registered trademark of Teva Neuroscience, Inc.

Tysabri is a registered trademark of Elan Corporation, Inc.

Micro Pin is a registered trademark of B. Braun Medical Inc.

MS ActiveSource is a registered trademark of Biogen Idec.

BETAPLUS is a trademark of Bayer HealthCare Pharmaceuticals Inc.

You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch, or call 1-800-FDA-1088.

This information is not intended to replace discussions with your healthcare provider. For additional information about Rebif, please consult the Medication Guide or Prescribing Information and talk to your doctor. You can also call toll free 1-877-44-REBIF (1-877-447-3243). Rebif is available by prescription only.

MS LifeLines is an educational support service for people living with MS and their families. MS LifeLines and MS LifeLines Ambassadors are sponsored by EMD Serono, Inc. and Pfizer Inc.

MS LifeLines, Rebif and Rebiject II are registered trademarks of EMD Serono, Inc. or its affiliates.

MS in Balance is a service mark of EMD Serono, Inc. or its affiliates.

© Copyright 2009 EMD Serono, Inc. All rights reserved.

WebMD does not endorse any specific product, service, or treatment.

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