This Is MS Multiple Sclerosis Community: Knowledge & Support

I was wondering, how long was it before you started experiencing flu like symptoms from Rebif?

Honestly, I wasn't expecting side effects for a little while, at least until I stepped up to 44 mcg full dose...

I've only had three shots, and I'm wondering if this is normal? My throat's sore, and I've got a small fever....and it's not strep throat (which I've been exposed to), I was just at a doctor's yesterday!

I'm new to Rebif as well; I've been taking it for 1 month now. The fever and sore throat are possbile side effects, but I would report them to your doctor. To alleviate your concerns, definitely call the MS Lifelines # and talk to a nurse. Last week I increased from .08 to .22 mcg and felt like I had a hang-over the following morning. The nurse advised me of the importance of drinking lots of water, as the Rebif increases your body temp which can cause dehydration. I really dread taking the .44 mcg and hope I can handle it. As it is, I've been pounding lots of Gatorade and water, but it hasn't alleviated all side effects. I hate having to prepare for my Rebif shot every other day, and then spending the alternate days recovering from the shot. I look forward to when the side effects have decreased!

Karri T

I'm new to Rebif as well; I've been taking it for 1 month now. The fever and sore throat are possbile side effects, but I would report them to your doctor. To alleviate your concerns, definitely call the MS Lifelines # and talk to a nurse. Last week I increased from .08 to .22 mcg and felt like I had a hang-over the following morning. The nurse advised me of the importance of drinking lots of water, as the Rebif increases your body temp which can cause dehydration. I really dread taking the .44 mcg and hope I can handle it. As it is, I've been pounding lots of Gatorade and water, but it hasn't alleviated all side effects. I hate having to prepare for my Rebif shot every other day, and then spending the alternate days recovering from the shot. I look forward to when the side effects have decreased!

Karri T

I have been on REBIF for about 2 years with little side effects.

I use the following regimen:

30 minutes PRIOR to shot time, take 2 extra-strength Tylenol.
About 5 minutes PRIOR to shot, place REBIF needle under armpit.
(This will warm it up to your body temp before it enters your body).
Lie down for 5 - 10 minutes after shot.

So far I have only had two or three occasions where I had any real after shocks from the stuff.

Good luck to both of you.

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Carpe Diem

I also have been on Rebif for over 2 years. I had flu-like symptoms at the beginning on the 22mcg dose but they were treatable with ibuprofen. These symptoms are much less noticeable now and I no longer bother to manage them with ibuprofen. I do notice that every once in a while, after a shot, I feel a little feverish for a couple hours.

I definitely agree that warming up the syringe to body temp before the shot makes it much more tolerable but never noticed whether it affects my flu-like symptoms.

good luck,
carolsue

I had the Rebiff flu for quite awhile. A tylenol before injecting go to sleep A tylenol in the morning. I am not sure how l;ong I had to do this but is was about 250 pills worth. Now I don't have a problem. The Rebif was a good excuse for not doing yardwork though. I have been using it for about 2.5 years. Occasionally a lttle twitching but no vision or other problems.