Rebif® (interferon beta-1a) can cause serious side effects. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the symptoms listed below while taking Rebif.
In addition to speaking with your healthcare provider, MS LifeLines nurses can offer support and answer questions you may have.
Flu-like symptoms are one of the most common side effects of Rebif. These can range from fever, chills, and sweating to muscle aches and tiredness. These symptoms are not actually flu, and they are not caused by a viral infection—nor do they include vomiting and diarrhea. For many people, these symptoms lessen or go away over time.
If you have questions or your symptoms are concerning, talk to your healthcare provider. Here are some steps you can take that may help you manage flu-like symptoms:
Please see Important Safety Information below and the Rebif Medication Guide and Prescribing Information at the top of this page. Speak with your healthcare provider for more information or about any side effects that you may have.
Neurologist Randall T. Schapiro, MD, FAAN, President of The Schapiro MS Advisory Group and paid consultant of EMD Serono, Inc., discusses ways to help manage one of the common side effects that can occur with treatment for RMS: flu-like symptoms.
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, you should call your healthcare provider right away. Here is some information that may help you with injection-site discomfort:
MS LifeLines is always here if you have questions or concerns about taking Rebif.
Randall T. Schapiro, MD, FAAN
President, The Schapiro MS Advisory Group
Paid consultant to EMD Serono, Inc.
Before beginning treatment, you should discuss the potential benefits and risks associated with Rebif with your healthcare provider.
Rebif can cause serious side effects. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the symptoms listed below while taking Rebif.
Rebif will not cure your MS but may decrease the number of flare-ups of the disease and slow the occurrence of some of the physical disability that is common in people with MS.
Do not take Rebif if you are allergic to interferon beta, human albumin, or any of the ingredients in Rebif.
Before you take Rebif, tell your healthcare provider if you have or have had any of the following conditions:
Tell your healthcare provider about all medicines you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins and herbal supplements.
The most common side effects of Rebif include:
Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effect that bothers you or that does not go away.
These are not all the possible side effects of Rebif. For more information, ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch, or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
Before beginning treatment, you should discuss the potential benefits and risks associated with Rebif with your healthcare provider.
Rebif can cause serious side effects. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the symptoms listed below while taking Rebif.
Rebif will not cure your MS but may decrease the number of flare-ups of the disease and slow the occurrence of some of the physical disability that is common in people with MS.
Do not take Rebif if you are allergic to interferon beta, human albumin, or any of the ingredients in Rebif.
Before you take Rebif, tell your healthcare provider if you have or have had any of the following conditions:
Tell your healthcare provider about all medicines you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins and herbal supplements.
The most common side effects of Rebif include:
Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effect that bothers you or that does not go away.
These are not all the possible side effects of Rebif. For more information, ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch, or call 1-800-FDA-1088.