3 INJECTION OPTIONS

Which injection option is right for you?

Rebif® is administered subcutaneously, which means that you inject Rebif® with a short, thin needle directly under the skin.

There are 3 injection options for Rebif®:  

Rebif® prefilled syringe

  • Ready to use
  • No mixing or assembly required

Rebiject II® autoinjector

  • Works with the Rebif® prefilled syringe
  • Ability to adjust the injection depth into skin
  • Available at no additional cost

Rebif® Rebidose® (interferon beta-1a) autoinjector

  • Portable, prefilled, single-use autoinjector
  • Needle remains hidden before and after injecting

Rebif® may cause redness, pain, or swelling at the place where an injection was given. In some cases, patients have developed skin infections or areas of severe skin damage (necrosis) requiring treatment by a healthcare provider. If one of your injection sites becomes swollen and painful or the area looks infected, call your healthcare provider right away. For more information, please see the Medication Guide.

 

Dosing & Titration

There are 2 dosing options:

  • 22 mcg
  • 44 mcg

When you first begin treatment, your healthcare provider may start you off with an 8.8 mcg dose as part of the Rebif® Titration Pack. With Rebif®, titration means starting at a lower dosage and gradually building up to the full dosage. This may help your body adjust to Rebif® when you’re starting treatment and may lower the rate of flu-like symptoms. The titration period for Rebif® lasts 4 weeks and consists of 12 injections.

Here’s what that might look like for a 44 mcg dose*:

chart

Rebif® prefilled syringe

Image of the Rebif® prefilled syringe

Not actual size

Rebif® comes ready to use in premeasured, prefilled syringes that already contain medicine and do not require needle assembly. What this means is that you don’t have to worry about mixing any solutions before injection. No twisting, turning, pulling, or adjusting of the syringe is necessary before injecting. The Rebif® prefilled syringe can also be used with the Rebiject II® autoinjector. You should use the Rebif® prefilled syringe only after you have received proper training from a healthcare professional. An MS LifeLines® Nurse may be able to provide injection training for you.

To learn more about how to use the prefilled syringe, see the video and other instructions below.

Rebif® Prefilled Syringe and Rebiject II® Autoinjector Video

Watch this video to learn about 2 ways to take Rebif® 

  1. Pinch the skin around the cleaned injection site to lift it up a bit, and hold the syringe like a pencil or a dart.

  2. While still pinching the skin, use a quick, firm motion to insert the needle straight under the skin at about a 90-degree angle.

  3. With the needle inserted, stop pinching the skin and gently, steadily push the plunger all the way down.

  4. Remove the needle and apply gentle pressure to the injection site with a dry cotton ball or sterile gauze. Applying a cold compress or ice pack to the injection site after injection may help reduce local skin reactions.

  5. Discard the empty syringe and cap in the syringe disposal container,* and keep a record of the date and injection site in your treatment tracker.

  6. Check recent injection sites for redness, swelling, or tenderness. Contact your healthcare professional about any skin reaction. You can also contact an MS LifeLines® Nurse Support Specialist, who can give you tips that may help manage these reactions.

For more information about the Rebif® prefilled syringe, call MS LifeLines® toll-free at 1-877-447-3243. For complete instructions on the use of the Rebif® prefilled syringe, please refer to the Medication Guide.

*Regulations for needle disposal vary. Consult your physician or pharmacist for the regulations in your area.

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Rebiject II® autoinjector

Image of the Rebiject II® autoinjector

The Rebiject II® autoinjector is for use only with the Rebif® prefilled syringe and is designed to automate the injection process. It is for use only with Rebif® preassembled, prefilled glass syringes and is available exclusively for Rebif® users. It gives you the ability to adjust how deeply the needle will go under your skin. Rebiject II® is available at no additional cost.

You should only use the Rebiject II® autoinjector after you have received proper training from a healthcare professional. An MS LifeLines® Nurse may be able to provide injection training for you. Call 1-877-447-3243 to learn more.

To learn more about how the Rebiject II® autoinjector works and how to use it, read the instructions that come with the autoinjector.

  1. Check that the gray needle-cap remover is completely attached to the end of the needle-depth adjuster.

  2. Prepare the injector plunger.
    Hold the syringe housing on a flat, hard surface. Align the dark yellow, round end of the device plunger to the gray needle-cap remover. Push the injector body down until it can go no farther and you hear a “click.” The injector plunger is now set. Do not remove the gray needle-cap remover or the syringe plunger.

    Note: The Rebiject II® is pre-set to administer an injection 10 mm (3/8 inch) under the skin when the setting reads [>>>]. If your healthcare provider directs you to change the depth setting, follow the instructions in the Maintenance and Troubleshooting Guide section of the Instructions for Use, which is provided with your Rebiject II® autoinjector.

  3. Insert the Rebif® syringe into the syringe housing.

    • Hold the syringe housing firmly on a flat surface.

    • Insert the Rebif® syringe, needle-cap end first, into the syringe housing. Be sure to keep the needle-cap on the syringe.

    • Using gentle pressure, guide the syringe into the syringe housing until 1 to 3 “clicks” are heard.

    • The syringe is now locked in the housing.

  4. Screw the syringe housing and injector body together.

  5. Pull the needle-cap remover from the syringe housing.
    Dispose of the needle-cap, but keep the needle-cap remover for subsequent injections.

  6. Prepare and perform the injection.

    • Choose your injection site as directed by your healthcare provider. Refer to the Medication Guide for injection site selection and additional tips.

    • Prepare your injection site as directed by your healthcare provider.

    • Place the Rebiject II® lightly against your skin so that you can see the indicator window.

    • Apply light pressure so that the injector body moves downward toward the syringe housing. This releases the safety lock so that the release button can be pressed.

  7. Inject Rebif® medication.

    Press the injector release button and continue to hold the Rebiject II® in place on your skin for at least 10 seconds. The contents will be automatically injected.

  8. Check the indicator window.
    You will see a series of black lines moving against a yellow background. Once the injection is complete, the lines will stop moving.

  9. Lift the Rebiject II® from the skin and apply gentle pressure to the injection site with a dry cotton ball or sterile gauze.
    Applying a cold compress or ice pack to the injection site after injection may help reduce local skin reactions.

  10. Disassemble the Rebiject II®.

    • Unscrew the syringe housing from the injector body.

    • The syringe needle will now be exposed. Be careful when handling.

    • Remove the syringe from the syringe housing.

    • Dispose of the empty needle and syringe properly in the syringe disposal container.*

    11. *Regulations for disposal vary. Consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist for regulations in your area.

  11. Reattach the needle-cap remover and the needle-depth adjuster, and store the Rebiject II® in its case. Remember to clean your Rebiject II® prior to storing. The Rebiject II® may be cleaned by wiping with a damp cloth if needed. Do not use soap or place in boiling water, a microwave, or an autoclave.

  12. Keep a record of the date and injection site in your treatment journal.
    Check recent injection sites for redness, swelling, or tenderness. Contact your healthcare provider about any skin reaction that does not clear up in a few days. You can also contact an MS LifeLines® Nurse Support Specialist, who can give you tips that may help manage these reactions.

If you need help

Contact your doctor, nurse, or other healthcare professional, or call MS LifeLines® toll-free at 1-877-447-3243, Monday through Friday, 8 AM to 8 PM ET, and Saturday, 9 AM to 5 PM ET, if:

  • You are unsure about any of these steps

  • The Rebiject II® prefilled autoinjector is not working properly

  • You cannot perform the injection using the Rebiject II®

A live representative answers every call, day or night.

Replacement

Every effort has been made to ensure that the Rebiject II® will function correctly for at least 2 years. After 2 years of operation, your Rebiject II® should be replaced. A new Rebiject II® can be obtained by calling MS LifeLines®, toll-free, at 1-877-447-3243.

Warnings and safety precautions

  • Do not inject yourself using the Rebiject II® autoinjector until you have been properly trained by a doctor, nurse, or other healthcare provider.

  • The Rebiject II® autoinjector must only be used with your prescribed prefilled glass syringes of Rebif® and should not be used with any other brand of interferon or medication.

  • Do not share the Rebiject II® autoinjector with anyone. Doing so may result in injury and/or the transmission of infectious blood-borne diseases. Adhere to strict safety and antiseptic precautions at all times.

  • Always keep the Rebiject II® autoinjector and Rebif® out of the reach of children.

  • Do not operate or store the Rebiject II® autoinjector with an empty syringe.

  • Do not point the Rebiject II® autoinjector at yourself or others when loading the syringe or at any other time.

For more information about the Rebiject II® autoinjector, call MS LifeLines®, toll-free, at 1-877-447-3243. For complete instructions on the use of the Rebiject II® autoinjector, please refer to the instructions that came with it.

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Rebif® Rebidose® (interferon beta-1a)

Image of the Rebif® Rebidose® (interferon beta-1a) prefilled syringe

Rebif® Rebidose® is a prefilled, preassembled single-use autoinjector.

  • No assembly required

  • Portable, goes where you go

  • Covered needle before and after the injection

In this section, you can learn more about Rebif® Rebidose® and what people said in a user trial. You should only use Rebif® Rebidose® after you have been given proper instructions by a healthcare professional. An MS LifeLines® Nurse may be able to teach you how to inject.

Speak to your doctor to see if Rebif® or Rebif® Rebidose® is the right option for you.

To learn more about using Rebif® Rebidose®, watch the video below.

Rebif® Rebidose Single-Use Autoinjector

Watch this video to learn about one way to take Rebif®.

What people said in a user trial

In a short-term, open-label user trial*:

of the people who tried Rebif® Rebidose® rated it as very easy or easy to use

rated it as very easy or easy to hold

said that they would be comfortable using it away from home†‡

Do not try to give yourself injections at home until you understand, and are comfortable with, how to prepare your dose and give the injections.

*In this user trial, Rebif® Rebidose® was evaluated for 12 weeks by 109 patients with relapsing MS who had previously taken Rebif® using the prefilled syringes or the reusable Rebiject II® autoinjector.
†See storage and disposal information below.
‡Rebif® should be refrigerated (between 36 °F and 46 °F [2 °C and 8 °C]). Do not freeze. If refrigeration is not available, Rebif® Rebidose® can be stored at room temperature (36 °F to 77 °F [2 °C to 25 °C]) for up to 30 days away from heat and light.

 

How to use Rebif® Rebidose®

Remember to always use the injection technique advised by your healthcare provider. If at any time you have questions or concerns, please contact your healthcare provider or call MS LifeLines® at 1-877-447-3243.

For complete injection instructions, please refer to the Instructions for Use.

If you need help

Contact your doctor, nurse, or other healthcare professional, or call MS LifeLines® toll-free at 1-877-447-3243, Monday through Friday, 8 AM to 8 PM ET, and Saturday, 9 AM to 5 PM ET, if:

  • You are unsure about how to use the Rebif® Rebidose® autoinjector

  • Rebif® Rebidose® is not working properly

  • You need help with injection training

A live representative answers every call, day or night.

Warnings and safety precautions

  • Do not share Rebif® Rebidose® with anyone. This may result in injury and/or transmission of infectious blood-borne diseases. Adhere to strict safety and antiseptic precautions at all times.

  • Always keep Rebif® Rebidose® and Rebif® out of the reach of children.

  • Do not point the Rebif® Rebidose® at yourself or others at any time.

  • Do not heat or microwave the medication.

In the unlikely event of failure of your Rebif® Rebidose®, please contact MS LifeLines® at 1-877-447-3243. They will help you obtain a replacement.

For more information about the Rebif® Rebidose® autoinjector, call MS LifeLines® toll-free at 1-877-447-3243 Monday through Friday, 8 AM to 8 PM ET, and Saturday, 9 AM to 5 PM ET. For complete instructions on the use of the Rebif® Rebidose® autoinjector, please refer to the Instructions for Use.

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Storage and disposal

Storing Rebif®

Rebif® should be refrigerated between 36 °F and 46 °F (2 °C and 8 °C). Do not freeze. If a refrigerator is not available, Rebif® may be stored between 36 °F and 77 °F (2 °C and 25 °C) for up to 30 days and away from heat and light.

Disposing of Rebif® after use

  • Dispose of properly
    Put your used Rebif® injectors in an FDA-cleared sharps disposal container right away after use. Do not throw them away (dispose of) in your household trash.

  • Follow community guidelines
    When your sharps disposal container is almost full, you will need to follow your community guidelines for the correct way to dispose of it. Regulations for needle disposal vary. Consult your physician or pharmacist for the regulations in your area. For more information about safe sharps disposal, go to the FDA’s website at: www.fda.gov/safesharpsdisposal.

  • Don’t dispose of Rebif® in household trash

 

Get a free brochure with info about Rebif®

Want to learn more about Rebif®?

Download our comprehensive guide, which features information on efficacy, safety, dosing, support and more.

[Or, call MS LifeLines® at 1-877-447-3243 to request a copy be mailed to you.]

DOWNLOAD BROCHURE
Question mark icon

Have questions about Rebif®?

Check out Frequently Asked Questions.

SEE FAQs

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION AND INDICATION

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Important Safety Information

Do not take Rebif if you are allergic to interferon beta, human albumin, or any of the ingredients in Rebif.

Rebif can cause serious side effects. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the symptoms listed below while taking Rebif.

  • Behavioral health problems including depression and suicidal thoughts. You may have mood problems including depression (feeling hopeless or feeling bad about yourself), and thoughts of hurting yourself or suicide.
  • Liver problems or worsening of liver problems including liver failure. Symptoms may include nausea, loss of appetite, tiredness, dark colored urine and pale stools, yellowing of your skin or the white part of your eye, bleeding more easily than normal, confusion, and sleepiness. During your treatment with Rebif you will need to see your healthcare provider regularly and have regular blood tests to check for side effects.
  • Serious allergic and skin reactions. Symptoms may include itching, swelling of your face, eyes, lips, tongue or throat, trouble breathing, anxiousness, feeling faint, skin rash, hives, sores in your mouth, or skin blisters and peels.
  • Injection site problems. Rebif may cause redness, pain, itching or swelling at the place where your injection was given. Call your healthcare provider right away if an injection site becomes swollen and painful or the area looks infected. You may have a skin infection or an area of severe skin damage (necrosis) requiring treatment by a healthcare provider.
  • Blood problems. Rebif can affect your bone marrow and cause low red and white blood cell and platelet counts. In some people, these blood cell counts may fall to dangerously low levels. If your blood cell counts become very low, you can get infections and problems with bleeding and bruising. Your healthcare provider may ask you to have regular blood tests to check for blood problems.
  • Pulmonary arterial hypertension. Pulmonary arterial hypertension can occur with interferon beta products, including Rebif. Symptoms may include new or increasing fatigue or shortness of breath. Contact your healthcare provider right away if you develop these symptoms.
  • Seizures. Some people have had seizures while taking Rebif.

Before you take Rebif, tell your healthcare provider if you have or have had any of the following conditions:

  • mental illness, including depression and suicidal behavior
  • liver problems
  • bleeding problems or blood clots
  • low blood cell counts
  • seizures (epilepsy)
  • thyroid problems
  • drink alcohol
  • are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known if Rebif will harm your unborn baby. Tell your healthcare provider if you become pregnant during your treatment with Rebif
  • are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Rebif may pass into your breastmilk. Talk with your healthcare provider about the best way to feed your baby if you take Rebif

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:

  • flu-like symptoms. You may have flu-like symptoms when you first start taking Rebif. You may be able to manage these flu-like symptoms by taking over-the-counter pain and fever reducers. For many people, these symptoms lessen or go away over time. Symptoms may include muscle aches, fever, tiredness, and chills
  • stomach pain
  • change in liver blood tests

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 may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or visit  www.fda.gov/medwatch.

Indication

Rebif® (interferon beta-1a) is a prescription medicine used to treat relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis, to include clinically isolated syndrome, relapsing-remitting disease, and active secondary progressive disease, in adults. It is not known if Rebif is safe and effective in children.

Please see Rebif® Prescribing Information and Medication Guide.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION AND INDICATION

+

Important Safety Information

Do not take Rebif if you are allergic to interferon beta, human albumin, or any of the ingredients in Rebif.

Rebif can cause serious side effects. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the symptoms listed below while taking Rebif.

  • Behavioral health problems including depression and suicidal thoughts. You may have mood problems including depression (feeling hopeless or feeling bad about yourself), and thoughts of hurting yourself or suicide.
  • Liver problems or worsening of liver problems including liver failure. Symptoms may include nausea, loss of appetite, tiredness, dark colored urine and pale stools, yellowing of your skin or the white part of your eye, bleeding more easily than normal, confusion, and sleepiness. During your treatment with Rebif you will need to see your healthcare provider regularly and have regular blood tests to check for side effects.
  • Serious allergic and skin reactions. Symptoms may include itching, swelling of your face, eyes, lips, tongue or throat, trouble breathing, anxiousness, feeling faint, skin rash, hives, sores in your mouth, or skin blisters and peels.
  • Injection site problems. Rebif may cause redness, pain, itching or swelling at the place where your injection was given. Call your healthcare provider right away if an injection site becomes swollen and painful or the area looks infected. You may have a skin infection or an area of severe skin damage (necrosis) requiring treatment by a healthcare provider.
  • Blood problems. Rebif can affect your bone marrow and cause low red and white blood cell and platelet counts. In some people, these blood cell counts may fall to dangerously low levels. If your blood cell counts become very low, you can get infections and problems with bleeding and bruising. Your healthcare provider may ask you to have regular blood tests to check for blood problems.
  • Pulmonary arterial hypertension. Pulmonary arterial hypertension can occur with interferon beta products, including Rebif. Symptoms may include new or increasing fatigue or shortness of breath. Contact your healthcare provider right away if you develop these symptoms.
  • Seizures. Some people have had seizures while taking Rebif.

Before you take Rebif, tell your healthcare provider if you have or have had any of the following conditions:

  • mental illness, including depression and suicidal behavior
  • liver problems
  • bleeding problems or blood clots
  • low blood cell counts
  • seizures (epilepsy)
  • thyroid problems
  • drink alcohol
  • are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known if Rebif will harm your unborn baby. Tell your healthcare provider if you become pregnant during your treatment with Rebif
  • are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Rebif may pass into your breastmilk. Talk with your healthcare provider about the best way to feed your baby if you take Rebif

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:

  • flu-like symptoms. You may have flu-like symptoms when you first start taking Rebif. You may be able to manage these flu-like symptoms by taking over-the-counter pain and fever reducers. For many people, these symptoms lessen or go away over time. Symptoms may include muscle aches, fever, tiredness, and chills
  • stomach pain
  • change in liver blood tests

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 may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or visit  www.fda.gov/medwatch.

Indication

Rebif® (interferon beta-1a) is a prescription medicine used to treat relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis, to include clinically isolated syndrome, relapsing-remitting disease, and active secondary progressive disease, in adults. It is not known if Rebif is safe and effective in children.

Please see Rebif® Prescribing Information and Medication Guide.

US-REB-00529
Last update 12/2023


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Use and access of this site are subject to the terms and conditions set out in our Legal Statement and Privacy Policy. 

EMD Serono is the Healthcare business of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany in the U.S. and Canada. Rebif, MS LifeLines, Rebiject II, Rebidose, and the Rebif logo are registered trademarks of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, or its affiliates.

©2023 Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany or its affiliates.  All rights reserved. EMD Serono Inc.

US-REB-00529
Last update 12/2023