Rebif is a prescription medicine that is used to treat multiple sclerosis. This article from the eMedTV archives explores how Rebif works and offers more information on its dosing guidelines, effects, and potential side effects.
Common side effects of Rebif may include back pain, drowsiness, and dry mouth. Besides common side effects, this eMedTV page also lists less common but serious Rebif side effects that require medical attention, such as chest pain or seizures.
Certain side effects have been reported with Rebif (interferon beta-1a), and depression is one of them. This eMedTV article explores the percentage of people who developed depression during clinical studies and explains what treatments are available.
Rebif is used for the treatment of multiple sclerosis in people who have relapsing forms of the disease. This eMedTV Web page discusses Rebif uses in more detail and explains whether the drug is used off-label for other purposes.
The recommended Rebif dosage for treating multiple sclerosis is 22 or 44 mcg, injected three times weekly. This eMedTV segment offers more Rebif dosing information and explains when and how to administer the injectable medication.
Zidovudine, theophylline, and chemotherapy may cause drug interactions with Rebif. This eMedTV article lists various zidovudine and theophylline products that may cause Rebif drug interactions and explains the effects of these negative interactions.
As this eMedTV page explains, Rebif can cause liver damage in rare cases. Other Rebif warnings and precautions include the safety of taking the drug if you have seizure disorders or thyroid problems and the risk of low blood counts in some people.
As this eMedTV page explains, a Rebif (interferon beta-1a) overdose is unlikely because each prefilled syringe contains only enough Rebif for a single dose. This article also explains why a Rebif overdose taken by mouth is unlikely to cause problems.
Pregnant women may not be able to take Rebif (interferon beta-1a). This page on the eMedTV site provides more information on Rebif and pregnancy, and describes the effects that occurred when it was given to pregnant animals and women in studies.
It is currently not known whether it is safe to breastfeed while taking Rebif (interferon beta-1a). This eMedTV segment offers more information on Rebif and breastfeeding, and explains whether the drug is likely to cause problems in a nursing infant.
There are currently laws that prevent generic Rebif (interferon beta-1a) from being manufactured. This eMedTV page explains why generic Rebif products are not allowed to be made at this time and explores whether these laws will change in the future.
