Going from 22 to 44mcg on Rebif
 

I just wanted to know since I am going to the full dose this Friday if there will be more side effects to come. I've already experienced some awful ones like the achyness and not feeling good at all. Anything I should know since I'm now going to the full dose?

Hi there

I was on Beta, not Rebif, but since they are both Interferons, the side effects are much the same - feeling like you have been run over by a truck, skin sensitivity, fever, chills, headache and so on. Make sure you take paracetamol to combat the 'flu symptoms, site reactions may be relieved with ice after the injection, and for longer term lumps, bumps and redness, try massaging with a good moisture cream.

Be wary of depression - and discuss it with your doc if you feel that this is a problem. That is a recognised issue with all of the interferons.

Hopefully, as with many people, these nasty side effects will abate within the first few months.

Sadly, I wasn't one of them, and I stuck it out with Betaferon (Betaseron) for eight years (because that was the best there was) until something that suited me better came along. Having said that, it kept my relapses at bay, and my MS did not progress in that time.

Good luck - there are lots of people on here who can give you great advice about this drug.

Cheers

Hi! I've been doing Beta injections since December 2012. I continue to experience aches following the injection if I don't take Advil. Moodiness is an issue as well. The injection site redness is really bothersome. Most of my sites stay red for a week or so, then turn purple for about three or four weeks. Some sites are painful to the touch. What type of side effects did you experience on Beta and is it time for me to try something different? Thanks!

Skywalker: Make sure you take a Tylenol or Motrin or Alieve.......something before the shot. Take it before you go to bed too. After a while you can stop taking a Tylenol and see how you feel.

Macksmommy: I've been taking Beta shots since 2002. I made the mad dash to try the BG12 (Tecfedera) pill. I'm still working on getting it.
My injection reactions were just like yours. My skin is kinda giving out!

Hi Macksmommy

My site reactions were much the way you are describing yours. After a few years, I started to notice that I got dents in my upper thighs that became pretty much a permanent feature. If I accidently hit a surface blood vessel, I would bleed and bruise pretty badly too.

You could try some pure Vitamin E oil (get it in the capsule that you swallow, pierce the capsule and squeeze a little onto the red areas) and massage in a couple of times a day. Ice and massage straight after the injection, and massage over the next few days may help you if they become lumpy and painful.

You may find that this all becomes more manageable over time. lots of people do.

I switched to Tysabri after 8 years on Beta - and I am very happy with my decision - even though I have found out that I am JC+ - but there are so many new treatments in the pipeline at the moment, it's hard to know which way to go.

If you find yourself thinking really black thoughts, or considering any type of self-harm, discuss it with your doctor immediately.

I peronally would switch to Tecfidera if you're able. I'm sure you feel like crap today.
For the couple months I took it (hated it since Copaxone had no side effects), took it at night before I turned out the light. 1-2 Advil/ibuprofen 1/2 hr prior a must.