Rebif and Headaches: What Users Say

• hst...
• July 25, 2013

For Multiple Sclerosis "I was diagnosed in Nov 2006. Avonex did not work, so early in 2007, I started on Rebif. Six years, no relapses. I would get very bad headaches on the two-day stretch with no Rebif. I made the mistake of stopping my Rebif for about six months, and I had a relapse. Face is numb, and legs and feet tingly. I regret stopping for the six months. I should have called MS Lifelines and figured out how to manage the headaches. Regardless, I am back on Rebif and will gladly suffer a headache if I don't suffer any more relapses. If the going's good... don't quit!"

• Mar...
• July 9, 2013

For Multiple Sclerosis "I am a 31-year-old male, 200 lbs, and was diagnosed with RR Multiple Sclerosis in Feb. 2012. After losing sight in one eye and some steroid treatment, my vision returned, however, the color is still a little off. My neurologist put me on Rebif immediately. Since I have been on Rebif, I have not experienced any major relapses. Just some tremors now and then and other minor symptoms that may just be permanent nerve damage. I take the 44 mcg dose at bedtime with 400 mg of ibuprofen, it seems to help me sleep through the night. I do get headaches often, but the ibuprofen seems to help (not eliminate them). I also get flu symptoms sometimes the day after I take a shot, but not always. My liver enzymes are slightly elevated, but nothing to worry about. Thank you, Rebif."

• Anonymous
• May 17, 2009

For Multiple Sclerosis "I have taken Rebif; it has worked so well, and I have had so few side effects that there's been no reason to try out the other disease modifiers. When on a consistent dosage schedule, I never experienced a relapse. The needle is really small. I rarely use my injector anymore - just stab and go. I take it at night to sleep through any effects. I was warned very seriously about the possible side effects, but the worst that I ever have is a slight fever the morning after an injection and/or the beginnings of a headache that I nip in the bud with migraine medicine."

• Anonymous
• October 1, 2010

For Multiple Sclerosis "I was diagnosed with MS almost a year and a half ago. I was on Avonex, but symptoms seemed to worsen, so my doctor switched me to Rebif. I wish I had taken this medication from the beginning! I love, love, love this injection! I have been on Rebif for almost a month now and can already tell a difference. I have not had any symptoms in 4 days! Which is really good for me because I always have symptoms every day. I recommend this to everyone! I have had no side effects, but headache. It's been great for me. No injection irritations at all."

• Jus...
• June 10, 2015

For Multiple Sclerosis "I am 21 years old and was diagnosed with MS in 2009. I began Rebif 44 mcg in March 2015, and unfortunately, I have experienced most, if not all, of the side effects: fevers, flu, chills, numbness, joint pains, headaches, bruising, nausea, vision issues, bladder issues, etc. I am hoping this drug is for me because I really don't want to have to start over with another one. The injections started off with severe pains, so much so that I am unable to walk after an injection for the rest of the day. But as time passed, it is evident that my worst days have gotten better. No relapses so far. I'm hoping these side effects don't stay..."

• K M...
• September 19, 2015

For Multiple Sclerosis "Diagnosed with MS in April 2006 after getting double vision. Started using Rebif in August 2006. Experienced headaches and fatigue the day after a shot once I titrated up to the full dose. Was definitely more severe in the beginning but lessened with time. Ibuprofen has always worked best for me for managing the side effects. In 2013, I found out I had thyroid cancer and had my thyroid removed. I did not have to stop taking Rebif during this time. Also, the first new lesion presented on an MRI - that is 7 years with no remarkable change. In September 2015, I just found out my white blood cell count has dropped remarkably in the last 3 months (I get a Complete Blood Count and liver function done every 3 months, religiously). Probable side effect. Told to stop meds for 1 month."

• Mrs...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 23, 2022

For Multiple Sclerosis "I have only been using Rebif for about 3 months. I started on the low dose and worked my way up to a full dose. I have been on the full dose just shy of 2 months. I started to notice a sore crop up here and there in my mouth and thought it was a canker sore and it would go away after a day or two. Recently, I got a HUGE sore on my lip. Super swollen and throbbing, eventually leading to what appeared to be a blister. The doctor said to stop the meds immediately. I also have been sick for 2 months and have had 3 rounds of antibiotics and prednisone for respiratory issues. I have no idea if the meds were helping. Frankly, when you read about all of the meds, it's a bit scary. Don't know what direction I will go from here."