Pronunciation: in-ter-FEER-on BAY-tah
Generic Name: Interferon Beta-1aBrand Name: Rebif
Rebif is used for:
Treating relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis (MS) to reduce the number of flare-ups and slow down the development of physical disability associated with MS.
Rebif is a protein identical to one found in the body. How Rebif works is not fully understood. It is thought to interfere with other chemicals in the body that cause flare-ups of MS.
Do NOT use Rebif if:
- you are allergic to any ingredient in Rebif
Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.
Before using Rebif:
Some medical conditions may interact with Rebif. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:
- if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding
- if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement
- if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances
- if you have a history of liver problems or high liver enzyme levels, blood problems (eg, anemia), thyroid problems, bone marrow depression, heart disease, seizures, alcohol abuse or dependence, depression, or suicidal thoughts or behaviors
Some MEDICINES MAY INTERACT with Rebif. Tell your health care provider if you are taking any other medicines, especially any of the following:
- Medicines that may harm the liver (eg, acetaminophen, methotrexate, ketoconazole, isoniazid, certain medicines for HIV infection) because the risk of side effects on the liver may be increased. Ask your doctor if you are unsure if any of your medicines might harm the liver.
This may not be a complete list of all interactions that may occur. Ask your health care provider if Rebif may interact with other medicines that you take. Check with your health care provider before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.
How to use Rebif:
Use Rebif as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.
- Rebif comes with an extra patient information sheet called a Medication Guide. Read it carefully. Read it again each time you get Rebif refilled.
- Rebif is usually given as an injection at your doctor's office, hospital, or clinic. If you will be using Rebif at home, a health care provider will teach you how to use it. Be sure you understand how to use Rebif. Follow the procedures you are taught when you use a dose. Contact your health care provider if you have any questions.
- Do not use Rebif if it contains particles, is cloudy or discolored, or if the vial is cracked or damaged.
- Use the proper technique taught to you by your doctor. Inject deep under the skin, NOT into muscle.
- Keep this product, as well as syringes and needles, out of the reach of children and pets. Do not reuse needles, syringes, or other materials. Ask your health care provider how to dispose of these materials after use. Follow all local rules for disposal.
- If you miss a dose of Rebif, use it as soon as possible and skip your dose the following day. Do not take Rebif on 2 consecutive days. Return to your regular dosing schedule the following week. If you accidentally take Rebif on 2 consecutive days or take more than your prescribed dose, contact your doctor immediately.
Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Rebif.
Important safety information:
- Some patients become depressed or suicidal while taking Rebif. If you begin to feel depressed or suicidal, contact your doctor.
- Rebif may harm your liver. Your risk may be greater if you drink alcohol while you are using Rebif. Talk to your doctor before drinking alcohol while you are using Rebif.
- Rebif commonly causes flu-like symptoms. Talk to your doctor about whether you should take a nonprescription medicine for pain or fever reduction before or after taking Rebif.
- Rebif contains albumin, which comes from human blood. There is a very rare risk of getting a viral disease or a central nervous system disease called Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease from products with albumin. No cases of these problems have been found in patients who have used Rebif.
- Lab tests, including blood cell counts, liver function tests, and thyroid function tests, may be performed while you use Rebif. These tests may be used to monitor your condition or check for side effects. Be sure to keep all doctor and lab appointments.
- Use Rebif with caution in the ELDERLY; they may be more sensitive to its effects.
- Rebif should be used with extreme caution in CHILDREN; safety and effectiveness in children have not been confirmed.
- PREGNANCY and BREAST-FEEDING: Rebif may cause harm to the fetus. If you think you may be pregnant, contact your doctor. You will need to discuss the benefits and risks of using Rebif while you are pregnant. It is not known if Rebif is found in breast milk. If you are or will be breast-feeding while you use Rebif, check with your doctor. Discuss any possible risks to your baby.
Possible side effects of Rebif:
All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome:
Drowsiness; flu-like symptoms (eg, headache, tiredness, fever, chills, back pain, muscle aches, weakness); pain, redness, or swelling at the injection site; stomach pain.
Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur:
Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); change in vision; chest pain; dark urine; depression; easy bruising or bleeding; extreme tiredness or weakness; fast or irregular heartbeat; feeling cold or hot all the time; infection at the injection site; seizures; suicidal thoughts or behaviors; unexplained change in weight; yellowing of the eyes or skin.
This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, contact your health care provider. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. To report side effects to the appropriate agency, please read the Guide to Reporting Problems to FDA.
See also: Rebif side effects (in more detail)
If OVERDOSE is suspected:
Contact 1-800-222-1222 (the American Association of Poison Control Centers), your local poison control center, or emergency room immediately.
Proper storage of Rebif:Store Rebif in the refrigerator, between 36 and 46 degrees F (2 and 8 degrees C). Do not freeze. If refrigeration is not available, Rebif can be stored at or below 77 degrees F (25 degrees C) for up to 30 days. Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Keep Rebif, as well as needles and syringes, out of the reach of children and away from pets.
General information:
- If you have any questions about Rebif, please talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
- Rebif is to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people.
- If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, check with your doctor.
- Check with your pharmacist about how to dispose of unused medicine.
This information is a summary only. It does not contain all information about Rebif. If you have questions about the medicine you are taking or would like more information, check with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
Issue Date: February 1, 2012
Database Edition 12.1.1.002
Copyright © 2012 Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc.
More Rebif resources
- Rebif Side Effects (in more detail)
- Rebif Use in Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
- Rebif Drug Interactions
- Rebif Support Group
- 10 Reviews for Rebif - Add your own review/rating
- Rebif Prescribing Information (FDA)
- Rebif Advanced Consumer (Micromedex) - Includes Dosage Information
- Rebif Consumer Overview
- Interferon Beta-1a Professional Patient Advice (Wolters Kluwer)
- Avonex Consumer Overview
- Avonex Prescribing Information (FDA)
Compare Rebif with other medications
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