
What is Rebif (Interferon)?
Rebif (interferon beta-1a) is a subcutaneous injection used to treat relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis (MS), including relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS), active secondary progressive MS (SPMS), and clinically isolated syndrome (CIS). It is most commonly used in those with active secondary progressive disease, relapsing-remitting disease, and clinically isolated syndrome. This medication is not a cure for multiple sclerosis and is prescribed only for managing relapse symptoms of the disease and reducing the frequency of such episodes.
Rebif is not a cure for multiple sclerosis but assists in the reduction of flare-ups and symptoms of the condition, reducing the frequency of hospitalizations, the use of additional medication for patients to manage their symptoms, and also encouraging a decrease in brain lesions and progression of the disease.
How is Rebif Used?
Rebif is a subcutaneous medication to be injected under the patient’s skin approximately three times per week. Patients prescribed Rebif should follow their prescribing physician’s instructions regarding the frequency of injection. Most commonly, patients using Rebif will be instructed to inject the medication with a minimum of 48 hours between doses. A Monday-Wednesday-Friday injection schedule is often recommended for the sake of simplicity. Injecting the medication close to the patient’s bedtime is also recommended to reduce the experience of any unpleasant side effects.
When using this medication, patients may choose to allow the solution to sit outside of the refrigerator for approximately thirty minutes to warm up before use, as using it directly after removing it from refrigeration is often uncomfortable when the medication is injected under the skin. Rebif should not be heated to room temperature before injection by any other means. This medication should not be placed in hot or warm water, and it should not be microwaved.
This medication should not be injected into any areas of the skin that appear sore, red, infected, or scarred. The location of the injection site should also be changed for each dose to lessen the likelihood of skin damage or injury. Rebif should be injected under the skin in any of the following areas of the patient’s body: the buttocks, abdomen, thighs, or backside of the upper arms. Patients using this medication should follow their prescribing physician’s specific instructions regarding the frequency and location of the injections. Rotate injection sites with each dose to minimize skin irritation or lipoatrophy. Recommended sites include the abdomen (avoiding a 2-inch radius around the navel), thighs, upper arms, and buttocks.
Before injecting this medication, patients should first sterilize the injection site with rubbing alcohol to reduce the chances of infection.
Patients using Rebif for the treatment of their condition should ensure that they use the medication regularly, as instructed by their physician, to gain the most benefits from the medication. If you are using this medication as instructed and experience a worsening of your condition, please contact your doctor.
It is normal for patients to experience some redness or irritation at the site of injection. However, this should subside within a few hours. If you have injected Rebif and experience swelling, redness, or pain that worsens in intensity or does not fade away after the time you inject your next dose of medication, contact your doctor.
Storage
Rebif should be stored in the refrigerator at temperatures within the range of 36°F (2°C) to 46°F (8°C) and should never be frozen. Rebif may safely reach a high temperature of 77°F (25°C) for a span of thirty days, but will need to be disposed of after this time period has ended.
This medication should also be protected from exposure to light.
Keep this medication out of the reach of pets and children at all times.
Patients should not use their medication if it appears to have particles in it or has changed colors. If your solution of Rebif has changed in color or consistency, please contact your pharmacist for additional assistance.
When disposing of a Rebif prefilled syringe or autoinjector, these items should not be thrown into the patient’s household trash. These items should be disposed of in an FDA-approved sharps disposal container, but for patients who are unable to acquire this type of container, a heavy-duty plastic container with a puncture-resistant and tight-fitting lid will suffice. Please label any such homemade sharps disposal container appropriately to warn others of the risks posed by both the used needles as well as the hazards of medical waste from both the used medication and the items having made physical contact beneath the patient’s skin. When your Rebif sharps disposal container has become full, please contact your physician or local pharmacist for proper disposal instructions.
Uses
Rebif is prescribed for the following variations of multiple sclerosis:
- active secondary progressive multiple sclerosis
- clinically isolated syndrome (CIS)
- relapsing multiple sclerosis
- relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis
How Does Rebif Work?
The active ingredient in Rebif, interferon beta, is an immunomodulator. This type of chemical assists in regulating the immune system. As multiple sclerosis in all of its forms involves the patient’s immune system attacking the body itself, balancing and regulating the immune system of these individuals is the ideal treatment tactic for managing the symptoms of such an autoimmune disorder.
When used for the treatment of various types of multiple sclerosis, this medication functions by inhibiting the overactivity of the cells within the patient’s body that are actively attacking the individual’s nervous system.
Dosage
Rebif is available in two dosages:
- 22 mcg
- 44 mcg
This medication is also available in three different injection options:
- Rebif Rebidose (interferon beta-1a) autoinjector
- Rebiject II autoinjector
- Rebif prefilled syringe
A patient’s prescribed dosage of this medication may vary depending upon the specific condition for which it has been prescribed, as well as how well they respond to the use of Rebif for treatment. Some patients may have their doctor initially prescribe lower doses of Rebif at the beginning of treatment with the medication to reduce the likelihood of experiencing adverse side effects, increasing the dose over time as the patient becomes more tolerant. Most patients begin with a titration dose starting at 8.8 mcg three times per week, increasing to 22 mcg, and then to the full 44 mcg maintenance dose over a 4-week period to minimize flu-like side effects.
Overdose
If you have intentionally or accidentally injected too much Rebif, seek emergency medical attention immediately.
The reported symptoms of a patient who overdosed on this medication include redness of the skin and a rise in body temperature.
Patients with significant mental health concerns, especially a preexisting diagnosis of depression, are at an increased risk of suicidal ideation and suicide attempts when using Rebif. These individuals should disclose any relevant psychological diagnoses to their prescribing physician before beginning treatment with this medication.
Side Effects
It is normal for patients to experience irritation, swelling, or redness at the site of injection when using Rebif. However, there are also additional side effects that have been reported with the use of this medication.
The most common side effects of taking Rebif are as follows:
- chills
- fatigue
- fever
- flu-like symptoms
- headache
- muscle aches
- stomach pain
Most of the common side effects pass soon after the first few days after an injection has been administered. Patients may use over-the-counter medications to manage these symptoms (e.g., ibuprofen, acetaminophen).
Some of the following side effects may occur and should be discussed with your doctor if they remain persistent or increase in severity while taking Rebif:
- abdominal pain
- behavioral changes
- blue toes or fingers
- changes in urine output
- changes in skin color occurring at the injection site
- dark-colored urine
- depression that is new or worsening
- difficulty regulating body temperature
- easy bruising or bleeding
- fatigue
- heart failure symptoms that are new or worsening
- jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes)
- joint swelling or pain
- loss of appetite
- mood changes
- nausea that doesn’t stop
- psychological changes
- psychosis
- pus at the injection site
- shortness of breath
- sudden or unusual weight gain
- swelling of the ankles or feet
- symptoms of kidney trouble
- symptoms of liver trouble
- suicidal ideation
- vomiting that doesn’t stop
Please seek immediate emergency medical assistance if you experience seizures while taking this medication. Patients should also seek out emergency medical attention if they experience any symptoms of an allergic reaction while taking Rebif:
- difficulty breathing
- dizziness that is severe or may indicate fainting
- itchiness
- rash
- swelling of the throat, tongue, or face
Due to Rebif’s ability to lower a patient’s immune response, individuals taking this medication are at a higher risk of infection during treatment. Please contact your physician if you experience any of the following symptoms of infection while using this medication:
- chills
- cough
- fever
- persistent sore throat
Warnings & Precautions
Rebif is associated with a number of significant side effects that have been reported by patients using the medication for the treatment of their relapsing form of multiple sclerosis. Please inform your doctor of any preexisting health conditions as well as any family history of applicable conditions, before beginning treatment with this medication.
Blood-Related Conditions
Rebif is capable of affecting a patient’s platelet and blood cell counts as well as impacting their bone marrow. This medication may result in low levels of white and red blood cells to the extent that the condition becomes hazardous. Patients taking Rebif for treatment will typically have regular blood tests performed to monitor their platelet and blood cell counts to avoid an increased risk of bleeding issues, bruising, and infections.
Psychological Changes
Rebif has been linked to an increased risk of behavioral and psychological changes in patients using the medication for treatment. Patients taking Rebif whothat begin to experience new or worsening depression, significant changes in mood and behavior, or suicidal ideation should contact their prescribing physician immediately and seek emergency medical attention if needed. If you are experiencing suicidal thoughts or impulses, please contact the Suicide Prevention Lifeline by dialing 988 or visiting the Suicide Prevention Lifeline website and using their online chat option.
Liver Risks
This medication can result in changes to the liver that may impact its function and worsen preexisting liver conditions. Patients taking Rebif for treatment will have their condition monitored throughout treatment to manage symptoms of liver impairment. If you are taking Rebif, inform your doctor if you experience any of the following symptoms of liver failure or impairment: confusion, dark-colored urine, easy bleeding or bruising, fatigue, jaundice (yellowing of the eyes or skin), loss of appetite, nausea, or pale-colored stools. Liver function tests (LFTs) should be conducted at baseline, then periodically during treatment.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Rebif should not be used by patients who are currently pregnant or breastfeeding. Individuals using this medication for treatment who become pregnant or believe they may be pregnant should consult their physician immediately. If you are currently using Rebif and would like to breastfeed, please consult with your doctor before doing so, as Rebif may be passed through a patient’s breastmilk.
Additional Medical Conditions
If you have any of the following medical conditions, exercise caution when taking Rebif and discuss your medical history with your doctor before beginning this medication:
- any mental health conditions
- bleeding issues
- blood clots (risk or history)
- depression
- epilepsy or other seizure-related conditions
- liver disease
- low blood cell counts
- regular alcohol consumption
- suicidal ideation or behavior
- thyroid issues
Drug Interactions
Speak to your doctor about any medications or herbal supplements you are currently taking before beginning treatment with Rebif. Discuss any concerns you may have with your doctor or a trusted pharmacist.
The following medications may potentially interact with Rebif and increase your chances of experiencing adverse side effects:
- baricitinib
- cladribine
- clozapine
- corticosteroids
- deferiprone
- fingolimod
- filgotinib
- inebilizumab
- leflunomide
- natalizumab
- ozanimod
- ponesimod
- sarilumab
- sodium iodide 131
- siponimod
- talimogene laherparepvec
- theophylline-derived CYP1A2 inhibitors
- tocilizumab
- upadacitinib
- ustekinumab
- zidovudine
Rebif may also potentially interact with other medications used for chemotherapy or that impact the patient’s immune system. Patients using Rebif should consult with their physician before receiving any live vaccines or other immunizations.
Other Substances That May Interact with Rebif
Patients using Rebif are also advised to limit their consumption of alcohol while using this medication for treatment. Although alcohol does not directly interact with Rebif or affect its efficacy, both alcohol and Rebif negatively impact a person’s liver function. Using both of these in conjunction places the patient at a higher risk of liver damage and worsening of any preexisting liver conditions.
Alternative Medications
For patients who are unable to take Rebif or experiencing significant adverse side effects, alternative medications may be used to treat some of the associated conditions for which this medication is commonly prescribed:
Frequently Asked Questions
Disclaimer
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