Q & A - MS LifeLines^® Ambassador Carolyn

Carolyn's video biography

MS LifeLines Ambassadors are sponsored by EMD Serono, Inc. and Pfizer Inc.

Q: What was the most compelling reason to choose Rebif^® (interferon beta-1a) for your relapsing MS?: A:
My doctor and I chose Rebif because of its proven efficacy in clinical trials and well-established safety profile.

The most common side effects with Rebif include injection-site reactions, flu-like symptoms (fever, chills, sweating, muscle aches, and tiredness), depression, abdominal pain, increased liver enzymes and blood cell count decreases. For many people, flu-like symptoms will lessen or go away over time. You should talk to your doctor about whether you should take an over-the-counter medication for pain or fever reduction before or after taking your dose of Rebif.

Please see important safety information below and the Rebif Medication Guide and Prescribing Information in the top right corner of this website, and speak with your doctor for more information.

Q: What types of symptoms led you to see your doctor and ultimately be diagnosed with relapsing MS?: A:
I had a vision problem that escalated to the point where I lost sight in one eye. At that moment, my doctor was suspicious that what I was experiencing was an early red flag for MS, but I didn't want to hear it. I was treated with steroids and my vision returned—that was all I cared about. Then several years passed, and I had another serious symptom of an electrical-like sensation in one of my legs shortly after a car accident. My doctor ordered an MRI and told me I had evidence of a new MS lesion on my spinal cord.

Q: What is the best piece of advice that you've received to help you with your relapsing MS?: A:
STAY ON TREATMENT! No matter how well you may be feeling, it doesn't mean it's time to go off treatment. You should continue to stay on treatment as prescribed.

Q: Did you experience any flu-like symptoms or injection site reactions? If so, were there any specific tips that you found helpful in managing these side effects?: A:
I did not have the flu-like symptoms that can be a common side effect of Rebif. However, as a precaution when I first started treatment, I took an analgesic at night right after my shot, which my doctor had recommended. My doctor also suggested that it might be helpful to rub the injection site for about 30 seconds after my injection to help manage injection-site reactions. I found this did the trick for me!

These tips have been recommended by some healthcare professionals. Talk to your doctor to find out what's best for you.

Potential serious side effects of Rebif include depression and risk of suicide, 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.

Please see important safety information below and the Rebif Medication Guide and Prescribing Information in the top right corner of this website, and speak with your doctor for more information.

Q: How have your relationships with your family and your friends changed since the diagnosis of relapsing MS?: A:
I did not tell my family for a long time because I felt embarrassed by my diagnosis. I finally told them after I had a significant relapse, and it was a HUGE burden off of my shoulders. I never realized how much stress it caused me to hide my condition from them. I would make so many excuses, feeling so guilty but not wanting to worry them. I really feel I gained much needed emotional strength after letting go of my secret. Revealing my MS set me free!

Q: Dealing with relapsing MS means finding new ways to do familiar things. How have you and the people in your life been able to accommodate your day-to-day needs and routine?: A:
My family plans get-togethers in the mornings or early afternoons now. They realize that I would probably miss events in the evenings because I tend to run out of energy later in the day. We celebrate occasions early so I can attend, and it has worked out great!

Q: What advice would you give others who have been recently diagnosed with relapsing MS?

Consider letting your family know about your MS if you are hiding it from them. The strength that they can give you is immeasurable. The burden of keeping MS a secret from those you love may just not be worth it.
Stay on treatment—give yourself a chance to reduce future relapses.
Surround yourself with positive people—don't listen to stories from people about someone they know who has MS and isn't doing well. Keep your eye on the ball—concentrate on your body and your mind, and make your decisions based on how you feel and what you need with the help of your doctor and loved ones.

This story reflects the personal experience of one person. Results and experiences vary from patient to patient. It is best to contact your doctor to discuss what's best for you. Carolyn is an MS LifeLines Ambassador, and she has chosen to share her story with other people living with MS. MS LifeLines Ambassadors are sponsored by EMD Serono, Inc. and Pfizer Inc.

Want to talk to someone about living with relapsing MS or taking Rebif therapy?
Call 1-877-447-3243, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Indication

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.

Important safety information

What is the most important information I should know about Rebif?

Rebif will not cure multiple sclerosis (MS) but it has been shown to decrease the number of flare-ups and slow the occurrence of some of the physical disability that is common in people with MS. Rebif can cause serious side effects, so before you start taking Rebif, you should talk with your doctor about the possible benefits of Rebif and its possible side effects to decide if Rebif is right for you. 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 a few patients have developed severe liver injury. Your health care provider 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 while taking Rebif you should call your doctor right away. 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 breathing, and loss of consciousness. Allergic reactions can happen after your first dose or may not happen until after you have taken Rebif many times. Less severe allergic reactions such as itching, flushing or skin bumps can also happen at any time. If you think you are having an allergic reaction, stop using Rebif immediately and call your doctor
Injection-site problems. Rebif may cause redness, pain or swelling at the place where an injection was given. Some patients have developed skin infections or areas of severe skin damage (necrosis) requiring treatment by a doctor. If one of your injection sites becomes swollen and painful or the area looks infected and it doesn't heal within a few days, you should call your doctor. For more information, please see medication guide

Who should not take Rebif?

Do not take Rebif if you:

Have had an allergic reaction such as difficulty breathing, flushing or hives to another interferon beta or to human albumin

If you have any of the following conditions or serious medical problems, you should tell your doctor before taking Rebif:

Depression (a sinking feeling or sadness), anxiety (feeling uneasy or fearful for no reason), or trouble sleeping
Liver diseases
Problems with your thyroid gland
Blood problems such as bleeding or bruising easily and anemia (low red blood cells) or low white blood cells
Epilepsy
Are planning to become pregnant

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.

What are the possible side effects of Rebif?

Flu-like symptoms (fever, chills, sweating, muscle aches and tiredness)
Skin reactions. Soreness, redness, pain, bruising or swelling may occur at the place of injection
Depression and anxiety. Some patients taking interferons have become very depressed and or anxious
Liver problems
Abdominal pain
Blood problems. You may have a drop in the levels of infection-fighting blood cells, red blood cells or cells that help to form blood clots. If the drop in levels are severe, they can lessen your ability to fight infections, make you feel tired or sluggish or cause you to bruise or bleed easily
Thyroid problems. Your thyroid function may change. Symptoms of changes in the function of your thyroid include feeling cold or hot all the time, change in your weight (gain or loss) without a change in your diet or amount of exercise you are getting
Severe allergic reactions. Allergic reactions are rare and may be associated with difficulty in breathing and loss of consciousness, which require immediate medical attention

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).

Refer to the Instructions for Use that comes with the Rebif^® Rebidose^® (interferon beta-1a) autoinjector.

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 doctor. For additional information about Rebif, please consult the Prescribing Information and Medication Guide and talk to your doctor. You can also visit www.rebif.com or call toll-free 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. Speakers and MS LifeLines Ambassadors who participate in Talk MS or in live events are sponsored by EMD Serono, Inc. and Pfizer Inc. UNIQUELY [you] is a service mark of EMD Serono, Inc. or its affiliates. Rebif, Rebif Rebidose, Rebiject II and MS LifeLines are registered trademarks and the Rebif logo is a trademark of EMD Serono, Inc. or its affiliates.

Brought to you by EMD Serono, Inc. and Pfizer Inc, the co-marketers of Rebif^® (interferon beta-1a) in the US.

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

Q & A - MS LifeLines® Ambassador Carolyn

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Indication

Important safety information

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Q & A - MS LifeLines^® Ambassador Carolyn