Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Support Group

I just started Rebif.. This is my second week. Are you doing the shot right before you go to bed? And are you taking Aleve or anything before you do the shot? I've been doing that and so far haven't had any side effects. Next week I bump it up to 22 though.. so who knows. I've also been drinking a ton of water - especially on shot days. I've read on here how some people have no side effects.. some have all of them.. and sometimes they go away after a couple of weeks/months of taking it. It's just different for everyone.

Msamy, my side effects with Rebif have been relatively mild in the beginning, to where I don't feel anything now after being on it for almost 5 months.
I started with the 8.8 dose and gradually boost it to 44.
If you've been on it a long time and the side effects are really bad, you should consult your doctor and consider trying something else.
Good luck to you. Peace always

Also.. I don't know if this has anything to do with Rebif.. but I've noticed I have more energy on the days after I do my shot.. Then the day of my shot I am exhausted... but that could be from doing too much the day before because I feel so good??

My wife is on the Rebif and her neuro made several key suggestions:

#1. Take Naproxen (600mg) around an hour before you inject, and inject before you go to bed at night. That way you mostly sleep away the worst 12-15 hrs. Eat a bit with the Naproxen by the way.

#2. The following morning, make sure you have breakfast with some energy foods (AKA carbohydrates) and if you're still feeling the symptoms, more anti-ache or anti-flu symptom meds.

#3. If you have a capable and willing and gentle handed significant other, massage in the ache areas but not the injection sites seems to help.

This is all excellent advice - can't add more than just my experience. Been on Rebif since December 2, so now it's 5 months. The symptoms are just now ebbing away. Not so tired next day, fever still there, but shorter duration, especially after a BIG glass of water & 3 advils. Slight fatigue now, almost unnoticeable. Injections site reactions: 1 inch red mark, not at all sensitive. My expectations (hopes?) are that by my 1st anniversary of the Rebif start, my symptoms will be mostly gone. You could try something else, there are the other three CRABs, keep checking the posts on this site, there are lots of stories to help you and give you ideas - it's all chemistry and how it mixes with your body, you just have to find the right mix. Good luck, don't give in.

I've been on Rebiff 44mg for 1 year. I find that premedicating with alleve, advil or something helps. I take it at 8pm everyh night and find the flu symptoms start after 3 hrs. I typically do not wake from them. Obvioiusly you might be more prone to the effects. I had no issues with copaxone. Has your neuro tried that? Dont forget, the rebiff is hard on teh liver too. We are all not the same. Good luck. OH> IF I go more than one week without the shot, I feel the effects more. GOOD LUCK>

I WAS ON AVONEX FOR 10 YEARS,IT MADE ME REAL SICK,REBIF SOMETIMES MAKE ME FEEL TIRED,BUT WHEN THEY UP MY DOSE IT REALLY BURNED AND TURNED RED.IT SIDE EFFECTS ARE BETTER THEN AVONEX.

I actually have dodged the flu symptoms, havebeen at 44 mg for a month now, my problems are tender injection spots, and when i hit 44 mg i got severe depression and paranoia, something we are working on....hard to say if its working sonce i have had 3 Solumedrol treatments at the same time.

I have just started my 44 doses. I too have the red spots that show up after. And they seem to hurt worse than the others. I got a patch from my doctor today that I can put on my leg or wherever to numb it before the injection. Also am starting Adderall with my provigil for the fatigue. Only dx since Feb 08 and fatigue is getting worse.