Controlling flu-like symptoms-beginning Rebif this week

dad23 · Post by **dad23** » Mon Apr 20, 2009 9:03 am

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...

Bubba · Post by **Bubba** » Mon Apr 20, 2009 9:41 am

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!

scoobyjude · Post by **scoobyjude** » Mon Apr 20, 2009 5:02 pm

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

siren · Post by **siren** » Tue Apr 21, 2009 6:30 am

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

Ford · Post by **Ford** » Tue Apr 21, 2009 8:45 am

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.

Bubba · Post by **Bubba** » Tue Apr 21, 2009 7:17 pm

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!

dad23 · Post by **dad23** » Wed Apr 22, 2009 8:40 am

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.

BEZALEL · Post by **BEZALEL** » Wed Apr 22, 2009 12:11 pm

dad23 wrote: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......

Karazhan · Post by **Karazhan** » Wed Apr 22, 2009 7:34 pm

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

dad23 · Post by **dad23** » Wed Apr 22, 2009 8:58 pm

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

GeoGuy · Post by **GeoGuy** » Fri May 01, 2009 5:04 pm

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 you can handle it.

Good Luck,

Jack

dad23 · Post by **dad23** » Fri May 01, 2009 8:22 pm

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.

BEZALEL · Post by **BEZALEL** » Sun May 03, 2009 1:47 pm

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.

missvicki · Post by **missvicki** » Mon May 18, 2009 9:12 am

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

carolsue · Post by **carolsue** » Tue May 19, 2009 5:52 am

dad23,
I've been on Rebif 44 for 5 years. I did, at the beginning, get flu like symptoms for a few hours after injection, and ibuprofen used to do the trick for me. I don't suffer any of those symptoms any more so I don't take anything. every so often I'll wake up in the morning (I inject around dinner time) feeling a little hungover, but 2 ibuprofen clear that up for me.

everyone's different, and it can change over time. just pay attention to your body's response, and try not to assume it will be awful. best of luck, and sorry about what I know is a difficult time of transition for you.

carolsue