rebif and liver

Hi beeama! I don't know what the instances of anemia and interferons are, but if you've not taken any supplements, and then go off the rebif for a week or two, then re-run the labs and they check out good you very well could be affected. It is the docs responsibility to order the labs, but have found too I have to remember to ask for the script for labs. Since it was 6 months ago - they should be run again for good measure.

Ive not had liver problems on Rebif but did have low WBC counts once - took a break from it and then all returned to normal after re-starting.

Restarted Rebif and only Rebif, stayed off the other meds, alcohol, etc, and liver enzymes shot up again after only a weeek or two. So I stopped and immediately started Copaxone. This was nearly 5 years ago. I've had no side effects other than the inital site reactions and one minor IPIR episode. On Copaxone my attacks went from 4 in a little over a year to 1 every 2-3 years on average.

I recall my neuro saying it took just a few days. Rebif if was my first DMD and it elevated my liver enzymes. I started and stopped it twice, and both times I stopped my shots, my liver enzymes returned to normal within a few days. I ceased treatment and immediately started Copaxone, no waiting period for the purpose of starting a different DMD.

I just started Rebif again this week on a very gradual titration schedule, and my liver will be monitored closely via weekly labs. If my liver enzymes elevate again, I will need to go off of it. My neuro has described my early MS as 'very active.' Last Sept, my MRI showed 1 brainstem lesion and 1 C-spine lesion. 8 months later my MRI still shows the same brainstem lesion; it does not show the previous C-spine lesion, but does show 3 new lesions on C-spine.

s good about Rebif (and the other interferons) is that risks will be monitored. i.e., liver enzymes, thyroid and blood counts. A simple blood draw before you start and then 3 months in usually does the trick. For precaution, your neuro may run them yearly after that if all seems clear. I'm on Rebif, and I'd recommend it for anyone suffering with MS. I rarely relapse and only had to pause meds once for low wbc. I've been good since then and the side affects minimize over time.

Hi there, Sorry for your diagnosis. The side affects mentioned in the literature can and do happen. I'm a Rebif user for 3 years now and do very well. My site reactions are just a warm (to touch) pink about the size of a silver dollar. I inject straight up without the autoinjector but I many people use the auto and it works very well for them. Like all meds it's important to weigh out the benefits and risks.

I have read about Rebif and and its side effects and starting to get really nervous. Any comments, pro or cons?

I have been on both Rebif and Copaxone. I was on Rebif for about 5 years, and I have been on Copaxone for two. I didn't have any problems with the Rebif except for the high liver functions. That is why I am on Copaxone. I think there is no difference in the injection pain. They both were very minimal. My worst pain was in my arms for some reason. The daily injections aren't bad, especially since you don't get sick.

I chose Copaxone and I've been on it for almost 6 months. I think that it's too soon to tell if it's working. They say maybe after about 7 months of taking it, it will be at it's full power (I think). Copaxone is very expensive, but my insurance pays just about all of it, and Shared Solutions pays the rest. It works out to about $3700/month. I don't know what the cost of the other DMDs are. My neuro wanted me to try Copaxone first.

s attractive being a pill, but still having to monitor and test for liver damage with rebif just the same - if the stats are not reducing relapse rate better than rebif why switch. The hair thinning is a bit of a vanity that I might consider compromising if there were a benefit, but ... Well, I'm just not understanding the point. Maybe there are some who are allergic to the injections that could benefit from the pill instead?

Hi Frog, i love the stuff. I have taken Avonex, Rebif, Copaxone(sp), and back on Rebif. The side effects are minimal and something tylenol can take care of. The three days a week bit is nice and I think you will like it. As much as something like that can be liked. You may have some extra perspiration at night but turn up the fan a tad. Hope it works for you well...

Other than the liver enzyme issue, I had no problem with Rebif as far as other side effects or the injections themselves. And the liver thing affects so few people, just my dumb luck I guess that I happen to be one of them.

Good luck and the only other advise I can give you is to take your shots at night and take motrin or tylenol before the shot. I have been on rebif for six months and everything seems to be going ok. I forgot to take meds before the shot Sunday and I woke up at 2am with a headache and muscle pains took motrin and I was fine 20 minutes later. My liver enzymes are elevated a little by the doctor said that is normal.

Zoe, I understand the inital uneasiness of taking an injectable DMD. I say 'initial' because I'm pretty sure this will lessen in time, as it has for so many of us. It seems strange and foreign and weird to be putting something into your body that initially may have you feeling worse than without it. Yes, it isn't 100% effective but it's not 0% effective either. When you think about it, how many meds out there in all of medicine are 100% effective? There are a few.

Hi Jen, We've not met. I'm Shelly and I'm on Rebif. You'll be contacted to receive your Rebif script, and a nurse covering your area will contact you to find a time to come visit (will also make sure you received the meds - which you'll keep in the fridge). He or she will teach you and whoever else you want to learn the injection techniques. The nurse will also talk to you about your MS, the meds and possible side affects, etc.

I suffer from depression and was on Rebif and it increased my depression as well as suicidal thoughts. After the increase in my lexapro (anti-depressant) did not help my Neutrologist took me off Rebiff and wants me to switch to Copaxone. He said Copaxone has a very low rate of increasing depression. The injections for me weren't bad and I adjusted and tolerated doing it myself with ease. I urge you to give the medication a fair shake.

Does anyone know if perhaps rebif can cause blood lymphocytes to be low (and if this is abnormally low at 0.6 why?) and if lymphocytes low in blood why an abnormal presence in urine? Seriously confused.......

I was also told I have hyper reflexes. Forgot abut that one. So many symptoms to try to keep track of. What did your neuro say about your urinary and bowel issues? Does he think these are related to your other symptoms?

Yes, the neuro gave me packets on the Rebif and Betaseron and urged I do a little research on them; of course, the forum was my first place to turn :) I am also curious as to how severe the side effects could be. Will I be able to work? How quickly after giving my decision will I actually begin the meds? So many questions!!!!!!!!

Rebif and liver

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