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Rebif (interferon beta-1a) is a prescription medication approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for treating adults with relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis.
These insights are based on 5,407 comments about Rebif from MyMSTeam members. These are the experiences of a small number of people and are not meant to be medical advice.
Rebif is a synthetic form of interferon beta-1a, a type of signal molecule in the immune system. It is not known exactly how it works to help individuals with multiple sclerosis.
Doctors prescribe Rebif for adults with relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis, including clinically isolated syndrome, relapsing-remitting disease, or active secondary progressive disease.
Rebif is given as a shot under the skin. It is usually taken three times each week on the same days, with at least 48 hours between doses. Treatment often starts at a low dose and is slowly increased to a target dose over the next four weeks.
With training and a doctor’s guidance, individuals or caregivers can give the injections at home.
The recommended starting dose of Rebif for multiple sclerosis is 20 percent of the prescribed dose injected under the skin three times per week, then increased over a four-week period.
For individuals who respond to treatment, the recommended maintenance dose is 22 micrograms or 44 micrograms injected under the skin three times per week.
If needed, a doctor may lower the dose or stop treatment for a time until side effects improve. This information is based on the prescribing information, but your healthcare provider may tailor your treatment plan. Always follow their guidance.
These insights are based on 5,407 comments about Rebif from MyMSTeam members.Members who use Rebif often say that practical routines can make treatment easier to manage. Across the community, people most often mention ways to reduce injection discomfort, ease flu-like side effects, stay on schedule, keep up with lab monitoring, and speak up early about mood changes or other reactions that do not feel right.
Rotate injection sites and find the injection method that works best.
“The only reason I chose Rebif was it gave me the option of having an auto injector. It was the only way I could get the injections done.”
Use simple steps to ease flu-like side effects.
“The only time I’ve experienced bad side effects (chills, aches) is when I forgot to take Motrin before I injected. I won’t forget again.”
Get blood work when your doctor orders it.
“I thought that everything was OK until I went in for blood work one day. That same evening they called me and told me to stop taking it immediately! My white blood cells were very low.”
Tell your doctor about mood changes or side effects that do not go away.
“It took me a while to realize that they were not part of my MS, but due to the medication (anxiety, insomnia, fevers, migraine attacks, depression).”
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In clinical trials of Rebif for relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis in adults, the most common side effects occurred in about 20 percent to 92 percent of people. They include:
Rebif can cause serious side effects that require immediate medical attention. These include:
Get medical help right away if you think you are having a serious reaction.
The Rebif website offers the MS LifeLines Co-Pay Assistance Program. Eligible people with commercial insurance may pay as little as $0 copay.
To learn more, visit the financial support specialists page or call 877-447-3243.
Before starting Rebif, your doctor will check your blood cell counts and liver function.
Tell your doctor if you have any allergies to interferon beta-1a, human albumin, or any ingredients in Rebif. Do not take Rebif if you are allergic to interferon beta, human albumin, or any of the ingredients in Rebif.
Tell your doctor about all medicines you take, including prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines, and supplements.
Before you take Rebif, tell your healthcare provider if you have or have had any of the following conditions:
You should also tell your healthcare provider if you drink alcohol.
If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding while taking Rebif, talk with your doctor about the risks and benefits. It is not known if Rebif will harm your baby if you are pregnant. Rebif may pass into your breast milk.
Talk with your healthcare provider about the best way to feed your baby if you take Rebif.
These answers are fact-checked by our editorial staff.
How effective is Rebif?
In a two-year study of people with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis, Rebif reduced the average number of relapses by up to 32 percent compared to placebo (an inactive treatment). At two years, more people taking Rebif were relapse-free, compared with placebo. Rebif also delayed the time to first relapse and reduced brain lesions compared to placebo.
In another study, people taking Rebif were more likely to remain relapse-free at 24 and 48 weeks than people taking another medication (interferon beta-1a, sold as Avonex).
Can Rebif cause depression in people with multiple sclerosis?
Yes. Depression, suicidal thoughts, and suicide attempts have been reported more often with interferon medicines, including Rebif. People should report symptoms of depression or suicidal thinking right away. You may need to stop treatment if depression develops.
What tests or monitoring are needed with Rebif for multiple sclerosis?
Your doctor will check your blood and liver function one month, three months, and six months after you start Rebif. After that, these tests will be done from time to time if you do not have symptoms. People with bone marrow problems may need more frequent blood tests.
Thyroid tests are checked every six months if you have had thyroid problems before, or when your doctor thinks it is needed.
On MyMSTeam, people share their experiences with multiple sclerosis, get advice, and find support from others who understand.
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