Started Rebif - Multiple Sclerosis Message Board

tarapags1107 · 04-17-2008, 05:17 AM

Hello,
I just got my autoinjector and syringes in the mail and took my first dose of rebif yesterday. I could not for the life of me press the button on injector so I had my fiance do it for me! Quite surprisingly, I felt okay after the injection. I had a few muscle aches while I was trying to sleep, but no fever or any other flu like symptoms!! However, I'm wondering if those are going to come at a later time since I am on the "titration kit" which starts me at a lower dose for the first two weeks. My hands were all clammy and sweaty, I was a wreck trying to inject on my own.... I don't know if I'll ever be able to do the injections on my own, and hopefully I won't have to do these for long since the oral DMD's are on the horizon. Can you rotate the days you give yourself the injections in a week? If I take it M/W/F one week, can I take it Sun/Tue/Th the following week? My doc also wanted me to start taking solumedrol for 5 days IV to help get over my last relapse symptoms. I have to see a local neuro first before they can start my treatment supposedly. Thanks for listening.
Tara

MSNik · 04-17-2008, 06:41 AM

hi Tara- congratulations! Big Step....as you know, Im on Rebif, too- so Im going to answer a couple of your questions...no, you should not change the days you rotate each week. Its important that the medicine builds up in your blood stream regularly and doesnt drop or increase- so stick to a schedule.
For me, Tuesday Thursday, Sunday injections work well, since I can skip Fridays and Saturdays and live like a normal person! You always want the injections to be 48 hours apart ....

Next, learn to do it yourself. The autoinjector gets easier, once you find the right place to push it...practice pushing it with a used needle, and into the air- not your skin....you never know when the day might come when your fiancee is stuck at work, cant get home, or YOU just want to go somweher without him and NEED to know how to do this...its really important and a big part of self confidence knowing you can take care of your disease all by yourself.

And lastly, it IS possible that when you hit the end of the first month on the titration pack that youll start having side effects...sorry to have to say it, but it happens...right now, you are on such a low dose- your not having them...the next dose, you might...but probably when you hit full strength, 44 mcgs- thats when it will happen. Its a good sign though, that this isnt bothering you at this dose- youll probably be able to handle it better than some people...remember, one ALEVE 1/2 hour before injecting lasts 12 hours and really helps!

Best of the best to you....keep in touch!
Nikki

april1848 · 04-17-2008, 12:13 PM

Congratulations!

I'm on Avonex, which doesn't have an auto injecter. I can't do it myself yet either. My husband still does it for me. I know I have to learn to do it myself but I'm so hesitant. Plus, I think it involves my husband more. So far at least, there haven't been any problems. He gets home from work on Friday nights at around 9:30 and we do it right away. There have been times when he had plans to go out after work, but he's always come home first for my injections without any complaining.

My shot night has become a little ritual. My best friend comes over with food and a movie. We watch the movie before husband comes home, because he can't watch one without talking the whole time! I always wear my favorite sweat pants and a goofy tee shirt. I have all the stuff, needles, shot, alcohol swab, gauze pad, and sharps container ready. He comes home, I drop my pants and show him where on my thigh I want my shot. He does it, and he always says how wonderful he did. I thank him and he says you're welcome. My best friend is amazed at how quick it is and how much it doesn't hurt.

There I go blabbing. I just like having a little fun on shot night...why not? Congratulations again, this is HUGE.

tarapags1107 · 04-18-2008, 05:53 AM

Thanks for your info gals.... I was worried that starting treatment could be a mistake since I don't have lesions, but have looked at the alternative (more disability) and the possibility of lesions in the future, which ultimately helped me make that decsion to get started. The nurse from rebif is coming this week, so maybe she can help me learn to do it myself. I seldom ever go anywhere without my fiance, but your right nikki, i should be learning how to do this on my own just in case and be able to manage my disease..... Rats.. thats exactly what I figured about the side effect thing nikki.... I definately stock up on that Aleve esp. since I allready have low grade fevers from MS.

I practiced pushing the injeftor without any syringe in it and I was still scared to death!~ Hopefully the nurse coming has alot of patience, because shes going to need it!!! April, I had to laugh at your story, you make it seem like your going out to a bar or club with the "shot night" phrase... He seems to be a really supportive guy..... I was contemplating avonex too, but cannot take it myself and my fiance will not inject me with a needle.... it was tough enough getting him to press the button on the autoinjector!!...............
Thanks again gals for your support and expertise....
Tara