Purpose:MS (Multiple Sclerosis)(Started Dec 02, 2005)
Date
Dosage
Efficacy
Side Effects
Adherence
Burden
Jan 27, 2012
3 x 44 mcg/0.5 mL
Weekly
Major
Mild
Always
Not at all
Sep 21, 2008
3 x 44 mcg/0.5 mL
Weekly
Major
Mild
Always
A little
Side effects:
Elevated blood pressure
Date
Jan 27, 2012
Advice & Tips
The slight increase in my blood pressure is a very tiny cost, compared too finally having a clear MRI (my 7th imaging session). This was my first MRI that showed NO MS progression, no new enhancing lesions and no increased cortical atrophy.
The cervical scan was also clear of new activity and most of my recently acquired new spinal symptoms also cleared up.
Cost:
$200+ monthly
Date
Sep 21, 2008
Advice & Tips
I started Rebif during a severe MS attack, to date that was my quickest resolving attack, the L'hermitte's sign totally disappeared, and it has not returned--almost three years now.
Purpose:MS (Multiple Sclerosis)(Started Jan 15, 2008)
Date
Dosage
Efficacy
Side Effects
Adherence
Burden
Jan 26, 2012
Major
Moderate
Always
A little
Oct 18, 2011
3 x 44 mcg/0.5 mL
Weekly
Major
Moderate
Always
A little
Feb 13, 2009
3 x 44 mcg/0.5 mL
Weekly
Major
Mild
Always
Somewhat
Date
Jan 26, 2012
Advice & Tips
The medicine does what it's supposed to. Prevent new lesions from forming. I have small children and I had to stop in order to feel well enough to take care of them and have fun with them.
Cost:
$50-99 monthly
Date
Oct 18, 2011
Advice & Tips
Needed to take care of and have fun with my kids, instead of lying on the couch.
Purpose:MS (Multiple Sclerosis)(Started Feb 24, 2009)
Date
Dosage
Efficacy
Side Effects
Adherence
Burden
Jul 29, 2011
3 x 44 mcg/0.5 mL
Weekly
?Can't tell
None
Always
Not at all
Jun 15, 2010
3 x 44 mcg/0.5 mL
Weekly
?Can't tell
None
Always
Not at all
May 21, 2010
3 x 44 mcg/0.5 mL
Weekly
?Can't tell
None
Always
Not at all
Oct 29, 2009
3 x 44 mcg/0.5 mL
Weekly
?Can't tell
None
Always
Not at all
Sep 23, 2009
3 x 44 mcg/0.5 mL
Weekly
?Can't tell
None
Always
Not at all
Date
Jun 15, 2010
Advice & Tips
I do my shots Sun, Tues, Thurs. After the first 6 months or so I had no more reactions at all. I can do the shot and then do whatever I had planned. I find that doing the shot freehand is much easier after the initial shock of actually sticking the needle in goes by. Now it is just something I do.
It took a little while for me to get used to the idea of injecting myself. I have never been a real big fan of needles, but now it has become a habit like taking out the trash, I don't like to do it, but I know I have to.
Headaches, Generalized muscle aches, Thickening of skin, Injection site redness
Date
Nov 10, 2009
Advice & Tips
Warm the shot up under your arm before injection, cuts down on burning.
Cost:
$200+ monthly
Date
Sep 17, 2008
Advice & Tips
All of the side effects are slight when taking Ibuprofen at the time of injection. I take the shot around 5pm so that I feel good when I wake up in the morning. I don't notice any of the side effects in the morning, unless I don't take the Ibuprofen, and then I suffer from chills and wake up sweating about 3am.
Cost:
$200+ monthly
Date
Aug 18, 2008
Advice & Tips
Rotate injection sites and take Ibuprofen at time of injection.