This Is MS Multiple Sclerosis Community: Knowledge & Support

Hi! My mom has MS and hypothyroidism (Hashimoto's specifically). She's been on Copaxone but she just had a scan and they found new lesions, so they're thinking of switching her. But she's read that you shouldn't take Rebif if you have thyroid problems.

Does anyone have experience dealing with both a thyroid problem and Rebif?

Also, has anyone had problems with their white blood cell count being too low?

Thanks so much for your help!

Hi!I'm on Rebif since 2001.I have problems with my body ,exactly extra kilograms on me ,despite of my strong diets. I was wondering what the problem is? I have visited endocrinology ,last month!I have got another diganosis except MS , it is Hypothyroidism! My neuro have told me that hypothyroidsm is contraindication of Rebif , it is happening often.The dose of Rebif is slowdown one time per week while I take a therapy for hypothyroidism. The dose of Rebif is going to slowup thrice per week after therapy for hypothyroidism!Well,that is my experience!Take Care and evruthing the best!
PS:despite of all that I take CellCept 250mg per day

Hi, I've been on Rebif for almost two years. (started March 04).

It's kind of like "what comes first, the chicken or the egg". I was borderline hypothyroid before starting Rebif. Then for the last year and a half, my TSH levels were all over the place.

I have 75's, 88's, and 100 doses in my cabinet. My family Dr. keeps a close eye on it, with levels done every three months.

He said that my metabolism is all over the place, partly due to taking Provigil, Rebif and etc.

Finally, in December 05, my TSH was in the normal range with a dosage of 88 Synthroid.

So, back to the quote. My mother was hypothyroid, started in her late 50's. From what I understand, this can run in families. I also started having slightly hypo. test results in my late fifties.

Did the Rebif cause the crazy ups and downs for the last year and a half?
I think it was certainly a factor. The literature with the med. states caution if you have thyroid disease. But-------I was already starting to be hypo. before being diagnosed with MS. Would my levels have gone crazy without the Rebif? MS Specialist says yes. PCP says maybe!

I have done very well on the Rebif. No new lesions in two years. For me, the thyroid issues can be addressed a lot easier than progression of the MS.

Best Wises, Bobble43

I have no insight on the hypothyroidism, but my WBC counts have at times been below normal but not dangerously so. They seem to bounce around a bit, as do a lot of the blood chemistry levels.

carolsue

I had graves disease. I was severely hyperthyroid, They fed me radioactive iodine and killed it dead as a doornail. I have to take a huge dose of thyroid because I do not absorb it. 300 a day of armour thyroid. I seem to be doing fine. Maybe its not making a change because I dont have a thyroid to affect?
Robin