This Is MS Multiple Sclerosis Community: Knowledge & Support

I am starting Rebif this week. I was diagnosed with RRMS last week. Does anyone have any tips to controll the flu-like symptoms associated with Rebif? The MD recommended naprosyn two hours before dose and for the followig 24hours. Does anyone have a better idea? Thanks...

Well, I would say try it first. See if you get the symptoms. I started Rebif, and so far (knock on wood) I havent had any side effects. Now I have to tell you that I have only been on my 8.8 dose. Tonight I go up to my 22 dose. I am not taking anything until I know I need it. I have a cousin who has been on Rebif for a long time, and she doesnt have any side effects either. Some people tolerate it, some dont. But I would wait and see. I went ahead and got my doctor to prescribe me 800mg Ibuprophen (sp) just incase. Good Luck!

i'm on rebif 44

Take one Ibuprofen 400mg on a full stomach at about 9pm...take the injection at 9.30.

Does the trick for me. Without that pain killer it's a nightmare.

I've been on 44 for 3 years and I still have to take advil but now I take it a 1/2 hour to an hour after injection. I still occasionally wake up achey with the shivers then i take 2 more. It usually does the trick. When I first started I would take 2 advil an hour before and pretty much go right to bed. I tried to sleep through whatever symptoms I got. You really need to see what works best for you. For the first injection you might want to try it on a night you don't have to work the next day if possible. Good luck

I have been on Rebif 44 mcg for 4 years now. I always take the injection at night and then take two tablets of Panadol afterwards (500mg of paracetamol per tablet). It kinda helps me with the flu like symptoms

Hi, obviously it's different for everyone, but I find that if I do the injection last thing then take some paracetamol and go to bed, I'm fine. Sometimes I wake up in the night and feel a bit fluey, so if it's four hours since the last tablets, I take some more and go back to sleep. I hope it works out OK for you.

I also forgot to tell you that I too, take my Rebif just before I go to bed. I went to the 22 dose and so far so good!

Thanks everyone! It really helps to know I am not alone. I am mostly worried about not being able to play with the kids as I do now. We are an active sports family. I know I have no control over the progression of the MS, but I really want to be able to "live" fully while on the Rebif.

As one of you say, it is all so very different for all of us. Luckily I am fine, no flu like symt.....am on 44mcg for several months and doing fine with it, take it in the eve at 10pm.....So dad23.....don't think to much abt. it, live your life, if you get fatigued take a break. the less i think abt. it, keeping myself busy, I do better......

At the beginning of last week, I started taking it at about 5 pm as I had been have some anxiety issues associated with the injection and trouble sleeping. This seems to be working better for me.

Injection Tip: Belly shots are fine but avoid the waistline - or - avoid clothes for a few days

thanks for the tips....I'll start likely Friday with the 'stuff' arrives. I'll let you know how I do!

Dad23,

Congrats on deciding to take one of the CRABS. I know the idea of having to inject yourself is daunting (I hate it when I have to resort to the dictionary). I've been there, and punched a couple of holes in the wall over it, so don't be afraid of feeling unsure about it. I took Advil before injection for the first few months, but now I don't have to and I do not have any side effects, other than red spots at injection sites. You will kinda have to play it by ear, so to speak. And do not be afraid of using your love handles. I do. They work for some, not for others. Only you can be the judge on that one. Actually, any location with enough of a fat layer to inject is game if [url]you[/url] can handle it.


Good Luck,

Jack

_________________
RRMS since 01/07.

4 injections down...no issues yet. For someone who doesn't like needles this isn't actually that bad. Next week I bump up to 22.

Talking abt. symthoms, how do you know, if you have an actually flu, or just the side effects of the mediction. The Rebif Nurse told me Tylenol would effect the liver, so I am on Motrin, if I need to take it, which is rarely. J.

Dad23, welcome! Don't feel too intimidated by this whole thing. I look back now and remember feeling so unsure about it all. You WILL be able to live a normal life once you get into the routine.

I have been on Rebif 44 for 4 years. I take 2 ibuprofen 1/2 hour before my shot which is at bedtime. Occasionally, I wake up in the morning and feel crappy (prob 4x year)....but I just take a day off and stay in bed or more ibuprofen! Yes, the needle thing is weird at first but now I swear I could do it in my sleep.

I have not had any relapses since I have been on Rebif!

My best to you!

Vicki