Rebif®
Interferon beta-1a
Quick Facts
Rebif (Interferon beta-1a) is a cytokine immunomodulator that reduces inflammation and immune response.
Self-injected under the skin
3 times per week
Relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis in adults, including clinically isolated syndrome, relapsing-remitting MS, and active secondary-progressive MS
Potential Benefit:
Rebif compared to placebo:
- 32% fewer relapses over 2 years
- 78% fewer new or enlarging T2 brain lesions at 2 years.
- 84% fewer T1 lesions at 9 months
- Rebif delayed time to onset of disability progression versus placebo
Common Potential Side Effects
Flu-like symptoms, injection-site skin reaction, white blood count and liver test abnormalities
Prescription Assistance:
For assistance finding additional resources that might help cover the costs of your prescription, contact MSAA.
Hear from the Expert
Lori Hendin Travis, MD
“One of the nice things about multiple sclerosis right now is we have so many different options in treatment.”
DRUGMAKER
EMD Serono
HOW Rebif® WORKS
Rebif (Interferon beta-1a) is an immunomodulating therapy made from proteins naturally produced by the body to fight viral infections. Rebif reduces inflammation and helps control and prevent the immune system from attacking the myelin sheath and damaging nerves.
FDA-Approved
Rebif® was FDA approved in 2002 to treat relapsing forms of MS, including clinically isolated syndrome, relapsing-remitting disease, and active secondary-progressive disease, in adults.
Potential Side Effects
Flu-like symptoms, injection-site skin reaction, white blood count and liver test abnormalities. More serious adverse events include: seizures, liver problems, including liver failure, depression and suicidal thoughts. Rebif® can affect bone marrow causing low red and white blood cell and platelet counts.
OTHER KEY INFORMATION
Testing completed prior to starting Rebif® includes:
- Complete Blood Count
- Liver function test
Regular testing completed after starting Rebif® includes:
- Liver function test at months 1, 3, 6 of treatment and periodically thereafter
- In individuals with thyroid disorders, check thyroid function tests periodically as well
- As with other DMTs, MRI scan of brain before initiation and periodically thereafter also recommended
Patient advocates talk about
their treatment experience
-
Kristie Salerno Kent
“I have had situations where treatments aren’t approved at first. My doctors, nurses, they actually go to bat for me and made it happen.” -
Azure Antoinette
"I will be undergoing my first disease-modifying therapy to help treat multiple sclerosis in my body and while I’m very nervous, I am equally as excited and looking forward to the positive effects of how I will feel physically, and mentally, and emotionally." -
Damian Washington
“Nobody’s going to be looking out for your best interests better than you.” -
Cathy Chester
“I think it’s really important to talk about how to age with this illness.” -
Lauren Hutton-Work
“Just because you have this disease does not mean that your work life should be awkward or uncomfortable.” -
Chernise Joseph
“My first neurologist was a frontline neurologist, he wasn’t an MS specialist.” -
Julian Gamboa
“If you’re newly diagnosed with multiple sclerosis remember it’s always okay to get a second opinion.” -
Lauren and Sam Alcorn
“Our future is uncertain and we have to enjoy each other and love each other in the present.” -
Shawn Feliciano
“I want to know what medications might work best for someone who’s Hispanic.” -
Darlene Feigen
“The sooner you get on a therapy the better it is in the long run.” -
Birgit Bauer
“At the end of the appointment you should have an answer to the most important questions.” -
Ellen Tutton
“I looked up all the different disease-modifying therapies and compared them to my lifestyle.” -
Victoria Marie Reese
“I’m trying to show my daughter that taking care of yourself is cool.”
×