Rebif® (interferon beta-1a) FAQs
How Rebif works
- What is Rebif?
- Is Rebif proven effective?
- How is Rebif different?
- Has Rebif been studied against any other relapsing MS drug?
Side effects with Rebif
- What are the potential serious side effects of Rebif?
- What are the common side effects of Rebif?
- What can I do to help with flu-like symptoms?
- What can I do to help with injection-site reactions?
- Are there any other possible side effects of Rebif?
How to take Rebif
- How will I receive my Rebif prescription?
- How is Rebif taken?
- Who can help me learn how to give myself injections?
- How often do I take Rebif?
- What should I do if I forget to take an injection?
- What should I do if I take the wrong dose?
- What is Rebiject II®?
- How should I store Rebif?
- Can I warm up Rebif before I take it?
Living with Rebif
- Can I travel with Rebif?
- What if I become pregnant while I am taking Rebif?
- Is there a patient assistance program available for Rebif?
Choosing a therapy
- How can I tell if my current treatment is working?
- What can I do to reduce relapses?
- How is Rebif different?
- Where can I learn more about Rebif?
- What if I am having a hard time dealing with the side effects of treatment?
- What if my injection sites often become red and irritated?
- How can I find someone to talk to about Rebif therapy?
How Rebif works
- Q. What is Rebif?
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A. Rebif is a brand name for a product called interferon beta-1a. Interferons belong to a family of proteins that occur naturally in the body. These proteins help direct the body's immune system. Rebif is manufactured through a biotechnology process that makes it identical to the structure of the natural interferon beta-1a produced by the body.
- Q. Is Rebif proven effective?
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A. Rebif was studied in a large placebo-controlled 2-year clinical evaluation of interferon beta-1a in relapsing MS. Called the PRISMS* study, it included 560 people and measured how they responded to either dose of Rebif, Rebif 22 mcg or Rebif 44 mcg, versus placebo. Patients who received Rebif did significantly better than patients who received placebo. Rebif is a treatment that has been proven effective in all three key relapsing MS treatment areas:
- Rebif reduced the frequency of relapses.
- Rebif slowed the progression of disability.
- Rebif reduced the development of active brain lesions as seen on MRI.
The exact correlation between MRI findings and the current or future clinical status of patients, including disability progression, is unknown.
*PRISMS study: Prevention of Relapses and Disability by Interferon beta-1a Subcutaneously in Multiple Sclerosis.
- Q. How is Rebif different?
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A. Rebif is the only self-injected relapsing MS therapy proven to work across all 3 key treatment goals: slowing disability progression, reducing relapse rate and reducing the development of active brain lesions as seen on MRI.
Rebif also differs in how it is prepared and taken—offering product features designed for your convenience.
- Q. Has Rebif been studied against any other relapsing MS drug?
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A. Rebif is the only relapsing MS treatment proven to work better than another in a class I clinical trial.
The EVIDENCE‡ study, a head-to-head trial, compared Rebif with Avonex for an average of 64 weeks. Rebif 44 mcg was given to 339 people 3 times per week just under the skin, at least 48 hours apart. Avonex 30 mcg was given to 338 people once per week into the muscle.
Over 64 weeks, Rebif was proven to work better compared with Avonex at:
- Reducing MRI lesion activity.
- Preventing relapses.
Of the 605 people who completed the head-to-head phase of the EVIDENCE study, 73% of people taking Avonex and 91% of people taking Rebif chose to take Rebif 44 mcg in the extension phase of the study (n = 495), which lasted an average of 8 months.
Compared with their last 6 months on Avonex, relapse rates and the number of new T2 brain lesions were reduced for people switching from Avonex to Rebif 44 mcg. People who continued on Rebif 44 mcg also experienced continued reductions in relapse rates.
People who remained on Rebif had a 26% reduction in relapses after another 8 months of Rebif treatment, relative to their last 6 months in the comparative phase.
The exact correlation between MRI findings and the current or future clinical status of patients, including disability progression, is unknown.
Certain side effects occurred more frequently in people who changed from Avonex to Rebif: injection-site disorders, increased liver enzymes and decreased white blood cell counts. These events also occurred more frequently with Rebif posttransition versus prior use of Avonex.
‡ EVIDENCE study—EVidence for Interferon Dose-response: European North American Comparative Efficacy study.
Side effects with Rebif
Please refer to the Medication Guide (PDF).
- Q. What are the potential serious side effects of Rebif?
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A. Before you start taking Rebif, talk with your doctor about the possible benefits and side effects of Rebif. The potential serious side effects include:
Depression. Some patients treated with interferons, including Rebif, have become seriously depressed (feeling sad). Some patients have thought about killing themselves and a few have committed suicide. Depression (a sinking of spirits or sadness) is not uncommon in people with multiple sclerosis. However, if you are feeling noticeably sadder or helpless, or feel like hurting yourself or others you should tell a family member or friend right away and call your doctor as soon as possible. Your doctor may ask that you stop using Rebif. You should also tell your doctor if you have ever had any mental illness, including depression, and if you take any medications for depression.
Liver problems. Your liver may be affected by taking Rebif, and in a few instances patients have developed severe liver injury. Your health care professional may ask you to have regular blood tests to make sure that your liver is working properly. If your skin or the whites of your eyes become yellow or if you are bruising easily, you should call your doctor right away.
Risk to pregnancy. If you become pregnant or plan to become pregnant while taking Rebif, you should stop using Rebif immediately and call your doctor. Rebif may cause you to lose your baby (miscarry) or may cause harm to your unborn child. You and your doctor will need to decide whether the potential benefit of taking Rebif is greater than the risks are to your unborn child.
Allergic reactions. Some patients taking Rebif have had severe allergic reactions leading to difficulty in breathing and loss of consciousness. If you think you are having an allergic reaction, you should stop therapy immediately and contact your doctor. Allergic reactions can happen after the first dose or after you have taken Rebif many times.
Injection-site reactions. Rebif may cause redness, pain or swelling at the injection site. A few patients have developed infections or an area of severe skin damage (necrosis). If one of your injection sites becomes swollen, painful or infected and does not heal within a few days, call your doctor.
- Q. What are the common side effects of Rebif?
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A. 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).
- Q. What can I do to help with flu-like symptoms?
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A. Flu-like symptoms are one of the most common side effects of Rebif. Not everyone experiences them, but the symptoms can range from fever, chills and sweating to muscle aches and tiredness. For many people taking Rebif, flu-like symptoms tend to diminish over time. With planning and guidance from your health care professional, you may be able to help manage flu-like symptoms.
There are steps you can take that may help you with flu-like symptoms:
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Take an over-the-counter pain reliever/fever reducer as directed by your doctor.
- Taking them just before an injection may help to reduce flu-like symptoms.
- Some medications are available without a prescription, but they can still have some side effects; read dosing instructions carefully.
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Find a time of day that works for you.
- Some people inject Rebif before bed so they can sleep through some of their flu-like symptoms.
- Others find that injecting earlier in the day works best for them.
- Be sure to keep up a consistent three-times-per-week injection schedule (at least 48 hours apart) as prescribed by your doctor.
These tips have been recommended by some health care professionals. It's important to remember that flu-like symptoms associated with Rebif are not caused by a viral infection. If you have questions or concerns, call your doctor.
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Take an over-the-counter pain reliever/fever reducer as directed by your doctor.
- Q. What can I do to help with injection-site reactions?
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A. The term "injection-site reaction" refers to redness, pain, irritation and swelling that may occur at the site of your injection. It's one of the most common side effects of Rebif, but with a few simple strategies, you may be able to help manage these reactions. Talk to your doctor or health care professional about how to help manage these reactions. Some suggestions include:
- Bring the syringe to room temperature. Removing the syringe from your refrigerator 1–4 hours before injection may help to reduce irritation. Keep in mind that Rebif syringes should never be warmed in the microwave or placed in boiling water.
- Clean your injection site beforehand with soap and water or alcohol swabs. If you use alcohol, allow the area to dry before injecting to reduce irritation.
- Rotate your injection sites! Be sure to rotate your sites each time, and don't reuse the same injection spot for at least 7 days. Your MS LifeLines® treatment journal can help you to keep track of your injections.
- Apply an ice pack to the site for no more than 2 minutes before and after injecting. This can help to minimize discomfort. If ice doesn't help, try a warm compress instead.*
- Massage the area in a circular motion for at least 2 minutes after injection.*
- Monitor your injection site over several days for redness, swelling or tenderness. If the site worsens over time, contact your doctor.
- See how it's done. You can refresh yourself on proper injection technique by watching our easy-to-follow training video.
*These tips have been recommended by some health care professionals. Talk to your doctor about what's best for you.
- Q. Are there any other possible side effects of Rebif?
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A. You should also be aware of other potential but less-common side effects that have been reported by some people taking Rebif. They include:
Thyroid problems. Your thyroid function may change, and you may be asked to have regular blood tests to monitor your thyroid function. Symptoms of thyroid change include feeling cold or hot all the time and/or an unexplained change in your weight. Contact your doctor if you experience these symptoms.
Less severe allergic reactions. Some patients have had hives, rash, skin bumps or itching while they were taking Rebif. If you think you are having an allergic reaction, stop using Rebif immediately and contact your doctor.
How to take Rebif
Please refer to the Medication Guide (PDF).
- Q. How will I receive my Rebif prescription?
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A. The syringes are provided in convenient weekly or monthly supply packs. Your doctor will explain what your starting dose should be and how to increase to recommended dose.
- Q. How is Rebif taken?
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A. Rebif is injected just under the skin (subcutaneous injection). Rebif is available in ready-to-use prefilled syringes, so you don't have to worry about mixing any solutions before injection. No extra syringes, needles, needle assembly or other materials are needed. There is also an auto-injector available.
- Q. Who can help me learn how to give myself injections?
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A. Your health care professional may teach you and/or your caregiver the proper way to inject Rebif. Your doctor may also refer you to MS LifeLines where you can arrange for a licensed and registered nurse to visit your home, at no charge, to provide injection training for Rebif. Do not give yourself an injection until you are comfortable with the dosing and injection process.
- Q. How often do I take Rebif?
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A. Rebif injections should be taken on the same three days a week. Injections should be at least 48 hours apart. Many people choose to take their injections on Monday, Wednesday and Friday so that they have injection-free weekends. After you decide which three days work best for you, stick with those to help make your injections part of your weekly routine.
- Q. What should I do if I forget to take an injection?
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A. If it has been two days since your last injection, take your injection as soon as you remember it. Then skip a day and take the next one. If it has been more than three days, contact your doctor.
- Q. What should I do if I take the wrong dose?
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A. If you accidentally take the wrong dose, call your doctor right away.
- Q. What is Rebiject II?
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A. Rebiject II is an auto-injector designed for use with Rebif. Rebiject was designed to make injections easier than a Rebif manual injection. For people who prefer not to see the needle when injecting, the Rebiject II keeps the needle hidden both before and after injecting. Rebiject II is for use only with Rebif premeasured, prefilled glass syringes and is available exclusively for Rebif users. Rebiject II is available free of charge through MS LifeLines. Call 1-877-447-3243 Monday through Friday, 8 AM to 10 PM ET and weekends from 9 AM to 5 PM ET.
You should only use the Rebiject II auto-injector after you have received proper training from a medical professional. The MS LifeLines Nurse Network may be able to provide injection training to you in the comfort of your home. Call 1-877-44-REBIF (1-877-447-3243) to learn more.
- Q. How should I store my Rebif?
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A. Rebif should be stored in the refrigerator at 2°–8°C/36°–46°F. Do not freeze. If a refrigerator 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.
- Q. Can I warm up Rebif before I take it?
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A. You can allow your Rebif prefilled syringe to reach room temperature before use (typically, 1 to 4 hours before the injection). Doing this may help minimize injection-site discomfort.
Remember to temporarily store your Rebif somewhere safe and out of the way like a kitchen cabinet so that exposure to light and heat is limited. Room temperature should be less than 77° Fahrenheit. Rebif syringes should never be warmed in the microwave or placed in boiling water.
Living with Rebif
- Q. Can I travel with Rebif?
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A. If you will be spending time away from home, taking your Rebif along should be easy. First, pack the supplies you'll need for your trip. A handy travel kit that can carry all your injection supplies is available free through the MS LifeLines support program. If a refrigerator is not available while you are traveling, Rebif may be stored at or below room temperature (25°C/77°F) for up to 30 days and away from heat and light. For this reason, the travel kit provides a reusable ice pack to help maintain Rebif syringes at the correct temperature while you travel.
Rebif should be stored in the refrigerator at 2°–8°C/36°–46°F. Do not freeze. You should check the temperature of the refrigerator you are using while traveling to avoid unintentionally freezing Rebif. For small hotel refrigerators, store Rebif away from the unit's cooling element and small freezer compartment.
If you are traveling by car, don't leave Rebif on the dash, in the glove box or in the trunk. This is important even if you have it in the insulated pack provided in the travel kit. Keep your syringes with you in the climate-controlled area of the car.
If you are flying, plan to carry your Rebif syringes onboard with you in your carry-on luggage. Be sure to check the latest FAA regulations regarding traveling with injectable medicines. These are subject to change and may require certain documentation.
- Q. What if I become pregnant while I am taking Rebif?
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A. Be sure to tell your doctor if you are or plan to become pregnant. If you become pregnant while taking Rebif, you should stop using Rebif immediately and call your doctor. Rebif may cause you to lose your baby (miscarry) or may cause harm to your unborn child. You and your doctor will need to decide whether the potential benefit of taking Rebif is greater than the risks Rebif poses to your unborn child.
- Q. Is there a patient assistance program available for Rebif?
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A. Yes. When it comes to helping you start and stay on Rebif therapy, MS LifeLines is committed to making sure cost is not a barrier to finding affordable access. There are a number of programs available. If you need assistance affording Rebif, call MS LifeLines Reimbursement Specialists for information on financial support options toll-free at 1-877-447-3243 Monday through Friday, 8 AM to 8 PM ET and Saturday from 9 AM to 5 PM ET.
Choosing a therapy
- Q. How can I tell if my current treatment is working?
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A. Keep track of your symptoms and how you are feeling. This will help your doctor follow your disease and determine how well your medicine is working. If you think you are having symptoms, write them down, including when they happened and for how long. You may have had a relapse. A periodic MRI scan may be another way to see if your MS activity is getting better or worse. If the scan shows new lesions and you are having frequent relapses, you and your doctor may want to consider another treatment. However, the exact correlation between MRI findings and the current or future clinical status of patients, including disability progression, is unknown.
- Q. What can I do to reduce relapses?
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A. Choosing the right treatment and staying on therapy is key. Rebif is clinically proven to reduce MS relapses. Ask your doctor if Rebif is right for you.
- Q. How is Rebif different?
-
A. Rebif is the only self-injected relapsing MS therapy proven to work across all 3 key treatment goals: slowing disability progression, reducing relapse rate and reducing the development of active brain lesions as seen on MRI.
Rebif also differs in how it is prepared and taken—offering product features designed for your convenience.
- Q. Where can I learn more about Rebif?
-
A. Talk to your doctor to find out if Rebif may be right for you. You can also call MS LifeLines toll-free: 1-877-447-3243 Monday through Friday, 8 AM to 10 PM ET and weekends from 9 AM to 5 PM ET. MS LifeLines specialists and trained nurses are available to answer your questions about Rebif treatment, dealing with certain side effects and other MS-related questions.
- Q. What if I am having a hard time dealing with the side effects of treatment?
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A. Talk to your doctor. While many DMD treatments are given by injection and have side effects, people can respond differently to each treatment. There may be ways to help with certain side effects, and it is best to consult your doctor to see what might work for you. Ask your doctor if Rebif could be right for you.
- Q. What if my injection sites often become red and irritated?
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A. Talk to your doctor. These reactions can occur at the injection site even when the injection has been given correctly. Your physician should examine any bruises or spots that remain longer than a few days. Local skin reactions are less likely to occur if you vary the injection site. If site reactions are lasting longer than a few days, you should discuss this with your doctor. Never inject a prior site that is still red, painful or swollen. Ask your doctor if Rebif could be right for you.
- Q. How can I find someone to talk to about Rebif therapy?
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A. Talk to your doctor to find out if Rebif may be right for you. You can also call MS LifeLines toll-free: 1-877-447-3243 Monday through Friday, 8 AM to 10 PM ET and weekends from 9 AM to 5 PM ET. MS LifeLines specialists and trained nurses are available to answer your questions about Rebif treatment, dealing with side effects and other MS-related questions.
