Rebif - first line drug for the treatment of multiple sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis is a fairly common disease of the nervous system that affects people of all ages. This pathology causes severe disruptions in the CNS, which lead to a decrease in response, memory depression, has a negative effect on mental activity and cause serious deviations in the psyche.

In these cases it is recommended to use special drugs that reduce the frequency of exacerbations and manifestations of focal symptoms. A rehab is a first-line drug in MS therapy.

Form release and constituent components

The preparation is formulated as a liquid for subcutaneous administration. The liquid has a slightly opalescent structure with a light yellow color. The liquid is contained in syringes, which are made of a colorless glass material.

The volume of the syringe is 1 ml, and the solution is 0.5 ml. Additionally there is a needle. Syringes are contained in containers of plastic base for 3 or 12 pieces. Containers are packed in a pack of cardboard material.

The composition contains:

• the main element of - interferon beta-1a human recombinant;
• additional elements - mannitol, benzyl alcohol, methionine, poloxamer 188, sodium acetate.

Pharmacological profile

The drug has an immunomodulatory, antiviral and antiproliferative effect.

The drug refers to recombinant human interferon beta-1a, which acts as the natural amino acid sequence of human interferon beta. It was obtained with the help of the genetic engineering method using the Chinese hamster ovary culture.

The whole principle of the effect of this drug in MS has not yet been fully investigated. It is known that the drug reduces the degree of damage to the structure of the nervous system, which underlies the main pathological process.

A reduction in frequency( 30% over two years) and severity of exacerbations of MS symptoms in patients with several exacerbations during the last 2 years and with EDSS 0-5 before the start of therapy were detected using the drug at the correct dose.

The proportion of patients who had a confirmed progression of disability decreased from 39%( placebo) to 30% and 27%( with the reception of the Rebif).

The level of maximum concentration of the main active substance is reached after approximately 3 hours, and it can reach 6-10 ME / ml. Removal of the medicine occurs with the help of the kidneys and liver.

Scope and contraindications

Medication Rebif is used during treatment therapy for remittent multiple sclerosis.

The use of the drug during the secondary progressive MS, if there is no exacerbation, is not effective.

Do not use the drug in the following conditions:

• in the presence of severe depressive disorders or ideas with a suicidal tendency;
• occurrence of epileptic seizures in cases of drug use;
• can not be used during the period of bearing of the child;
• should not be used by children under 12 years of age;
• in the presence of hypersensitivity to the elements of the drug.

How to use

Treatment with Rebif should be started under the strict supervision of your doctor. The solution is administered by the subcutaneous method. Injections should be conducted on the same days and the interval between them should be at least 48 hours.

For adults and adolescents older than 16 years, the required dose is usually 44 μg, it is administered three times in 7 days. If suddenly there is intolerance to the drug in this dosage, then it can be reduced to 22 mcg.

Teenagers between 12 and 16 years of age are advised to use 22 μg three times a week.

During the period of drug use, 8.8 μg should be given during the first 2 weeks, the dose is 22 μg for 3 and 4 weeks and for 5 weeks and 44 μg is injected thereafter.

How to properly make a Rebif injection - a visual video instruction:

Use of pregnant and lactating

The use of medication by pregnant women and during breastfeeding of a child is prohibited. Component components can have a negative impact on the child.

Use of drugs by women of childbearing age should be accompanied by the use of reliable contraceptives.

Overdose Symptoms and Adverse Reactions

When administering a drug at a higher dose, it is recommended that you consult a doctor immediately for further examination.

If required, an overdose of the patient should be hospitalized for observation and appropriate symptomatic treatment.

During the treatment of Rebif medication the following unpleasant symptoms may occur:

• the appearance of flu-like symptoms - headaches, febrile condition, chills, pain in the muscle fibers and joints, signs of nausea;
• phenomena with a local character - the occurrence of redness, signs of swelling, pale skin, sometimes there may be soreness, rarely there may be necrosis in the area of ​​medication administration;
• disorders of digestive organs - diarrhea, decreased appetite, nausea, vomiting;
• malfunction of the nervous system - problems with sleep, dizziness, the appearance of nervousness;
• may have an enlargement of the blood vessels, an increased heart rate;
• sometimes have problems with breathing, urticaria, a state of weakness and discomfort;
• appearance of a rash on the surface of the skin.

Specific instructions for

During the use of the rehab, the following should be considered:

• patients who arrive in a depressed state should use the drug under the supervision of the of the appropriate specialist;
• should appear immediately after the appearance of depressive states and ideas with suicidal tendencies during treatment therapy;
• is used with caution by patients who previously had convulsions or who took anticonvulsant medications;
• , if seizures occur, use of the drug should be discontinued immediately;
• it is not recommended to change the dose of the injection yourself without the help of a doctor;
• should be discontinued only after consultation with your doctor;
• during treatment, it is necessary to report all problems and unpleasant symptoms to the treating doctor.

From the practice of application of

The opinion of a neurologist about the drug Rebif and reviews of patients with MS who have taken or are taking medicine.

Overview of the doctor

Patient opinion

Cost of medication and analogues

The price of packing the drug A rehab with the number of syringes of 3 pieces costs about 5000 rubles, the packaging with 12 syringes costs about 14,000 rubles, the following analogues are also available for purchase:

• Avonex;
• Rebif 22;
• Genfaxon;
• Synnovex.