thoughts about long-tern efficacy of Rebif?

jazzcat · Family Member Joined: Apr 14, 2004 Posts: 30

Hi all,

I have been hearing from people I know with MS who choose not to be on a drug that Rebif and Avonex lose their efficacy with time. They are most effective the first couple of years.

I am on the net searching for information. Any links or information you have found on this topic?

Thanks in advance for your responses!
jazzcat

paul2008 · Newbie Joined: Aug 01, 2008 Posts: 4

when i first started REBIF i was relapse free for nearly 2 years but then they came back again several times a year and have been non stop ever since. the most severe attacks have not returned so it must be doing something (but then i read recently the most severe attacks tend to happen in the first 5 years so that's got me thinking again if it's all really worth it.)

carolsue · Posted: Tue Oct 07, 2008 1:36 pm Post subject:

what I've read is that some people develop neutralizing antibodies to the interferon, which is thought to diminish the drug's efficacy. These can be tested for in the blood.

I've been on rebif for 4.5 years. My only relapses were minor and occurred during the first year. I've been 100% symptom-free for quite some time now. I've chosen to believe that the drug is working for me and so I endure the pain of the shots. thankfully, no real other side effects from the drug for me.

good luck with your research.

carolsue

GeoGuy · Posted: Tue Oct 07, 2008 4:23 pm Post subject:

Jazzcat,

I agree with Carolsue about the neutralizing antibodies. Not everyone develops them and maybe you won't. I've been on Rebif almost two years and have had one mild exacerbation. I think the Rebif is the reason the why.

Jack
_________________
RRMS since 01/07.

martie · Newbie Joined: Oct 10, 2008 Posts: 1 Location: tennessee

I have been off rebif for about 3 weks now and i am starting to be me again the rebif was making me sicker than the ms at this time. I don't know what is next but i know that i will never take rebif again 1 good day is better than 3 bad days Exclamation

jazzcat · Family Member Joined: Apr 14, 2004 Posts: 30

Hi all,

Thanks for sharing. Just wondering. I've been on it for over 5 years and have been relapse and symptom free while on it. I also have chosen to believe that it is an effective drug for me.

But someome raised this question to me and I got to wondering. Plus, as new drugs move into the market, I will have to make a decision about choosing to stay on Rebif or trying something else....

I think it's usually good to gather information,
jazzcat