Rebif

Generic Name: interferon beta-1a (in ter FEAR on BAY ta)
Brand Names: Avonex, Avonex Prefilled Syringe, Rebif

What is Rebif?

Rebif (interferon beta-1a) is a protein identical to one found in the body. Interferon beta-1a is made from human proteins. Interferons help the body fight viral infections.

Rebif is used to treat relapsing multiple sclerosis (MS). This medication will not cure MS, it will only decrease the frequency of relapse symptoms.

Rebif may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Important information about Rebif

Rebif may be harmful to an unborn baby, or may cause a miscarriage. Do not use interferon beta-1a if you are pregnant. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment.

Before using Rebif, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have liver disease, a thyroid disorder, epilepsy or other seizure disorder, heart disease, chest pain (angina), congestive heart failure, a heart rhythm disorder, or a history of depression or suicidal behavior.

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Some patients using interferon medications have become very depressed or had thoughts of suicide. Stop using Rebif if you have symptoms of depression (sadness, crying, loss of interest in things you once liked) or if you have any thoughts of hurting yourself. Do not self-inject this medicine if you do not fully understand how to give the injection and properly dispose of used needles and syringes.

To be sure Rebif is not causing harmful effects, your blood may need to be tested often. Your liver or thyroid function may also need to be tested. Visit your doctor regularly.

Before using Rebif

Do not use Rebif if you are allergic to interferons or human albumin. Some patients using interferon medications have become very depressed or had thoughts of suicide. Stop using Rebif if you have symptoms of depression (sadness, crying, loss of interest in things you once liked) or if you have any thoughts of hurting yourself.

If you have any of these other conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely use Rebif:

• liver disease;

• epilepsy or other seizure disorder;

• heart disease, chest pain (angina), congestive heart failure, or a heart rhythm disorder;

• a thyroid disorder; or

• a history of depression or suicidal behavior.

FDA pregnancy category C. Rebif may be harmful to an unborn baby, or may cause a miscarriage. Do not use Rebif if you are pregnant. Tell your doctor if you become pregnant during treatment. It is not known whether interferon beta-1a passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use Rebif without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

See also: Rebif pregnancy and breastfeeding warnings (in more detail)

Rebif is made from human plasma (part of the blood) and may contain viruses and other infectious agents that can cause disease. Although donated human plasma is screened, tested, and treated to reduce the risk of it containing anything that could cause disease, there is still a small possibility it could transmit disease. Talk with your doctor about the risks and benefits of using Rebif.

How should I use Rebif?

Rebif is available in ready-to-use, pre-measured, pre-filled syringes and requires no needle assembly. Rebif is given as an injection under the skin or into a muscle. Your doctor, nurse, or other healthcare provider will give you this injection. You may be shown how to inject your medicine at home.

Do not self-inject this medicine if you do not fully understand how to give the injection and properly dispose of used needles and syringes.

Rebif is injected into a muscle of the thigh, the outer surface of your upper arm, your stomach or buttocks. Do not use the area near your navel or waistline. Use a different site each time you inject (thigh, hip, stomach or upper arm). Do not inject Rebif into an area of your body where the skin is irritated, reddened, bruised, infected or abnormal in any way. This medication comes with patient instructions for safe and effective use. Follow these directions carefully. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.

Use each syringe only one time. Throw away used syringes in a puncture-proof container (ask your pharmacist where you can get one and how to dispose of it). Keep this container out of the reach of children and pets.

To be sure Rebif is not causing harmful effects, your blood and liver function will need to be tested on a regular basis. Your thyroid function may also need to be tested. Do not miss any scheduled visits to your doctor.

Rebif should be stored refrigerated between 2-8?C (36-46?F). DO NOT FREEZE. If a refrigerator is not available, Rebif may be stored at or below 25?C/77?F for up to 30 days and away from heat and light. You may take the prefilled syringe out of the refrigerator and allow it to reach room temperature before giving the injection. Do not heat the medicine before using.

Throw away any Rebif that has become frozen or has been exposed to light or high heat.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Call your doctor for instructions if you miss a dose of this medication. Your injections should be at least 48 hours apart. Do not use Rebif injections 2 days in a row.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

What should I avoid while using Rebif?

Avoid drinking alcohol. It may increase your risk of liver damage.

Avoid being near people who are sick or have infections. Tell your doctor at once if you develop signs of infection.

Rebif side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction to Rebif: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such as:

• depressed mood, anxiety, trouble sleeping, restlessness, or thoughts of suicide or hurting yourself;

• easy bruising or bleeding, weakness;

• seizure (convulsions);

• numbness or tingling in your hands or feet;

• pain or burning when you urinate;

• pain, swelling, or skin changes where the injection was given;

• fever, chills, body aches, flu symptoms; or

• nausea, stomach pain, low fever, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes).

Less serious Rebif side effects may include:

• headache, dizziness;

• stomach pain; or

• runny or stuffy nose.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

See also: Rebif side effects (in more detail)

What other drugs will affect Rebif?

Rebif can harm your liver. This effect is increased when you also use other medicines harmful to the liver. Many other drugs (including some over-the-counter medicines) can be harmful to the liver, such as:

• acetaminophen (Tylenol);

• cancer medications;

• tuberculosis medications;

• birth control pills or hormone replacement therapy;

• methotrexate (Rheumatrex, Trexall);

• arthritis medications such as auranofin (Ridaura);

• an antibiotic;

• HIV/AIDS medications;

• cholesterol medications such atorvastatin (Lipitor), simvastatin (Zocor), and others;

• an ACE inhibitor such as benazepril (Lotensin), captopril (Capoten), lisinopril (Prinivil, Zestril), and others;

• an NSAID (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug) such as ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil), naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn), indomethacin (Indocin), and others; or

• seizure medications such as carbamazepine (Carbatrol, Tegretol), phenytoin (Dilantin), or valproic acid (Depakene).

This list is not complete and other drugs may interact with Rebif. Tell your doctor about all medications you use. This includes prescription, over-the-counter, vitamin, and herbal products. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor.

Where can I get more information?

• Your doctor or pharmacist can provide more information about Rebif.