Rebif or Betaseron - Multiple Sclerosis Message Board

mspatient · 07-29-2005, 12:23 PM

Hi! My husband has Ms since 2000 he has been on Avonex for 1 1/2 yrs. then switched to Copaxone now the doctor wants to put him on a higher dose but we have to pick which one he wants Rebif or Betaseron? Can anyone give us advice on these 2 meds? Did anyone go from the other therapys to any of these and see a different between them? Just trying to pick which one will lower the episodes for him so he dont have to go for steriods all the time. He has to go again this Mon. for steriods he's been there back in Feb. 05 now again. Thats why the doc. wants to change his meds. cause he can't be getting steriods all the time. If Someone can give us some idea on the meds. I'd appreciate it. Thanks Again, mspatient

lifeishumbling · 07-29-2005, 01:54 PM

I was diagnosed 6 months ago and started Rebif two months ago. The primary reason, I chose Rebif is because everything I read indicated Rebif to be the most effective treatment (my neurologist gave me all this literature and left it up to me - I mean, he was no help none what so ever) .
The literature talked about all these double blinded clinical trial studies with high statistical confidence level that show Rebif is more effective in prolonging the progression of the disease. Eventhough, REBIF may have the worst side-effects among all, I opted to be the brave.

Now, I am hoping that all that research was non-biased and I made the right decision. Only time will tell if I made the right decision and if all that literature I read was written by a REBIF pharmaceutical rep

Also, in case you are wondering about the side effects - I don't have any. An occasional fever or back ache. However, I do have a little skin reaction (tiny iching spot near injection site - truly no big deal!).

Tobinose · 07-29-2005, 05:41 PM

I was Dx'd 4 months ago and started on Rebif with two weeks.

The only stuff I've had is night sweats - lucky I know and well it stings when it is injected - but once it is in it's over.

I am on Rebif b/c after reading everything it seems the most promising. My feelings are give me the most powerful to fight this thing. The side effects were scary but give me flu like symtons over an exac, anyday. A side note - my neuro let me give all my pro's and con's and let me pick one then gave me his thoughts. Don't be afraid to ask LOTS of questions and make sure they answer them.

Sharon Grace · 07-29-2005, 08:57 PM

I was on Avonex for three years but switched to Rebif eight months ago. From what I understand, Rebif is very effective but it does have those nasty side effects. For the first six weeks I felt awful. Lots of muscle aches and sweating and chills all the time. Now, I take an Advil just before my injection and have minor side effects but not bad at all. Chemically, the Rebif is very similar to Avonex but a much higher dose. Avonex is 30 mcg weekly, Rebif is 144 weekly! I also find the tiny needles much easier to deal with. It does burn right after I inject, but only for a few minutes. Also, I was told by a doctor at the MS clinic at Barrow Neurological Institute that Rebif is her choice for MS patients...Hope things go well for your husband. Take care - Sharon Grace