Rebif

Product Information

Please note that the Rebif Initiation Pack is an exclusive product and orders cannot be cancelled once ordered.

What is Rebif (Interferon beta-1a)

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 similar to the structure of the natural interferon beta-1a produced by the body.

Interferons, like Rebif, have many actions that affect the immune system. Some of these properties are thought to maintain and preserve nerve function. Rebif is thought to help reduce the damage to the vital components of the central nervous system. Although there is no cure for MS, Rebif has been proven to slow the course of the disease.

How are the Rebif Injections used and supplied?

Rebif is injected just under the skin (subcutaneous injection). Rebif is available in ready-to-use pre-filled 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. 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.

What happens if I miss a dose of the Rebif Injections?

If you miss a dose and 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. If you accidentally take the wrong dose, call your doctor right away.

Which body part is best to inject the Rebif injection?

It is important to plan where on your body you are injecting each time. Do not inject in the same place twice in a row, and be sure to wait at least seven days before using a particular spot again. This will help lessen the chance of having a serious skin reaction at the spot where you inject Rebif. Rotate between injection sites, moving between different areas of the arms, legs, abdomen, and buttocks. It's a good idea to keep a record of your injection sites on a calendar. The best sites for giving yourself an injection are those areas with a layer of fat between the skin and muscle, such as your thighs, the outer surface of your upper arms, your stomach, or buttocks. Do not use the area near your navel or waistline. If you are very thin, use only the thigh or outer surface of the arm for injection. Do not inject Rebif into an area of your body where the skin is irritated, reddened, bruised, infected, or abnormal in any way.

What side effects are associated with using Rebif injections?

Like all medications for relapsing MS, there are some side effects with Rebif as well. You should talk with your doctor or pharmacist about the possible benefits and side effects of Rebif. The potential serious side effects include:

-Depression. This is not uncommon in people with MS. 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. Inform 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 therefore your healthcare 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 stop using Rebif immediately and call your doctor. Rebif may cause you to lose your baby and/or cause harm 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.

-Flu-like symptoms. Most patients have flu-like symptoms (i.e. fever, chills, sweating, muscle aches, and fatigue).

-Blood abnormalities. Rebif may affect your blood cell counts, so you may be asked to have regular blood tests to make sure your blood cell levels have not dropped. If you have difficulty fighting an infection, feel tired or sluggish, or bruise or bleed easily, contact your doctor.

Nighttime injections are recommended to allow you to sleep through many of these symptoms. Take a non-prescription pain reliever/fever reducer recommended by your doctor before or after injecting Rebif to help reduce symptoms.

-Swelling, redness, and irritation may occur at the injection site. Talk to your doctor about how to minimize these reactions. Some suggestions include:

-Bring Rebif (interferon beta-1a) to room temperature to reduce irritation by removing from the refrigerator 1 to 4 hours before injection.
-Use the proper injection technique.
-Apply ice to area before and after injection.
-Gently massage area after injection for at least 2 minutes. This helps disperse medicine and reduce irritation.
-Inject only into healthy tissue.
-Wait at least 7 days before injecting in the same spot.
-Check the site for redness, tenderness, or swelling 2 hours after injection. If you have a skin reaction and it doesn't clear up in a few days, contact your doctor or nurse.

Rebif is the only product that has been proven effective in all three of the following key areas:

-Significantly reducing the number of active brain lesions and T2 lesion area (or area) as seen on MRI
-Reducing frequency of relapses
-Delaying disability progression

Rebif should be stored in the refrigerator at 2