Home > Drug >

Rebif

Rebif

(interferon-beta-1a)

Interferon beta-1a belongs to the group of medications known as immunomodulators. It is a form of a protein that is naturally made by our body's cells to fight infections and tumours.

Available form

Dosage

Injectable Syringe

22MCG/0.5ML

Buy Rebif Full drug details

What is Pocketpills?

As Canada's leading online pharmacy, we make sure you always have your meds on time. Use our app and website to fill prescriptions, order refills, and consult with our pharmacists. Take control of your health from home or on the go!

Easy refills, renewals, and reminders
Quick answers to your questions
Free delivery with SMS updates

Join us

We'd love to tell you more

We won't bore you with the details, but Health Canada requires you to sign in.

By proceeding you agree to our Terms of Use & Privacy Policy

Rebif information

Dosage

Side Effects

Available Form

Contraindications

Precautions

Warnings

The recommended dose of interferon beta-1a for relapsing-remitting forms of multiple sclerosis (MS) is 44 µg injected under the skin 3 times per week. Your doctor may reduce this dose to 22 µg injected under the skin 3 times per week if you are experiencing unacceptable side effects.

The recommended dose of interferon beta-1a for a single clinical event of multiple sclerosis (MS) is 44 µg injected under the skin 3 times per week.

In order to reduce side effects when first starting treatment, it is recommended the dose be gradually increased as follows:

20% of the recommended dose during the first 2 weeks of treatment,
50% of the recommended dose during the third and fourth weeks of treatment, and
the full dose from the fifth week onwards.

Many things can affect the dose of medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change the way you are using the medication without consulting your doctor.

Interferon beta-1a is used with the guidance and supervision of a doctor. Your doctor or nurse may ask you to inject the medication at home once they have instructed you and are certain that you won't have any problems with doing it at home. Do not attempt to prepare or inject Rebif (Interferon-beta-1a) on your own until you completely understand how to mix and inject a dose.

It is important that Rebif (Interferon-beta-1a) be used exactly as prescribed by your doctor. If you forget to take a dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not inject a double dose to make up for a missed one. If you are not sure what to do after missing a dose, contact your doctor or pharmacist for advice.

Interferon beta-1a should be stored in the refrigerator. If storing in the refrigerator, allow the medication to reach room temperature before injecting it. Alternatively, it may be stored for a limited period of time (up to 30 days) at room temperature.

Use a different injection site for each dose. You should avoid injecting Rebif (Interferon-beta-1a) into an area of skin that is sore, red, infected, or otherwise damaged. If you are having difficulty giving yourself injections, talk to your health care provider.

Please refer to the package insert (the written instructions that come in the medication package) for complete instructions on using Rebif (Interferon-beta-1a). Always wash your hands before preparing the medication and after you have used it.

Protect Rebif (Interferon-beta-1a) from light, moisture, freezing, and high temperatures. Keep Rebif (Interferon-beta-1a) out of the reach of children.

Do not dispose of medications in wastewater (e.g. down the sink or in the toilet) or in household garbage. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medications that are no longer needed or have expired.

Many medications can cause side effects. A side effect is an unwanted response to a medication when it is taken in normal doses. Side effects can be mild or severe, temporary or permanent.

The side effects listed below are not experienced by everyone who takes Rebif (Interferon-beta-1a). If you are concerned about side effects, discuss the risks and benefits of Rebif (Interferon-beta-1a) with your doctor.

The following side effects have been reported by at least 1% of people taking Rebif (Interferon-beta-1a). Many of these side effects can be managed, and some may go away on their own over time.

Contact your doctor if you experience these side effects and they are severe or bothersome. Your pharmacist may be able to advise you on managing side effects.

decreased appetite
Diarrhea
difficulty sleeping
dizziness
flu-like symptoms (e.g., Fever, chills, sweating, muscle aches, tiredness)
hair loss
headache or migraine
injection site reactions (e.g., skin irritation, swelling, pain, bruising, itching, bleeding)
itchiness
muscle or joint pain
nervousness
rash
nausea
skin irritation, swelling, or pain at the injection site
vomiting

Although most of the side effects listed below don't happen very often, they could lead to serious problems if you do not seek medical attention.

Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:

abdominal pain
blurred vision
rapid, pounding heartbeat
signs of blood problems (flu-like symptoms, bruises, or unusual tiredness)
signs of Depression (feeling sad, losing interest in things you used to enjoy, weight changes, changes in sleep habits, feelings of guilt or worthlessness, thoughts of suicide)
signs of heart problems (swollen ankles, shortness of breath, tightness in the chest, decreased ability to exercise, increased heart rate)
signs of liver problems (yellow eyes or skin, abdominal pain, dark urine or pale stools, easy bruising)
signs of Thyroid problems (weight changes, feeling constantly hot or cold, changes in sleep patterns)
signs of unusual infections (symptoms may include fever or chills, severe diarrhea, shortness of breath, prolonged dizziness, headache, stiff neck, weight loss, or listlessness)
signs of Urinary Tract Infections (bloody or cloudy urine, need to urinate more frequently, pain on urination, or strong urge to urinate)
weakness

Stop taking the medication and seek immediate medical attention if any of the following occur:

seizures
signs of a serious allergic reaction:

difficulty breathing
Hives
swelling of the face, tongue, or throat

Some people may experience side effects other than those listed. Check with your doctor if you notice any symptom that worries you while you are taking Rebif (Interferon-beta-1a).

Before you begin using a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or Allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should use Rebif (Interferon-beta-1a).

Allergic reactions: In rare cases, some people may develop a Anaphylaxis (severe allergic reaction) to Rebif (Interferon-beta-1a). Signs of an allergic reaction include a severe rash, hives, swollen face or throat, or difficulty breathing. If these occur, contact your doctor immediately. The needle cover on the prefilled syringe contains dry natural rubber. Before you start injections, tell your doctor if you have an allergy to rubber or latex.

Blood counts: Rebif (Interferon-beta-1a) can decrease the number of neutrophils (a type of white blood cell that helps fight infection) and platelets (which help your blood to clot). Your doctor will do blood tests to monitor this. If you notice any signs of infection (e.g., fever, chills, or sore throat) or unusual bleeding or bruising, contact your doctor immediately.

Depression: Depression has been reported by some people taking interferon medications. If you have a history of depression, discuss with your doctor how Rebif (Interferon-beta-1a) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Rebif (Interferon-beta-1a), and whether any special monitoring is needed. People with depression should be closely monitored by their doctor. If you develop symptoms of depression such as poor concentration, changes in weight, changes in sleep, decreased interest in activities, or thoughts of suicide while taking Rebif (Interferon-beta-1a), contact your doctor as soon as possible.

Heart problems: Rebif (Interferon-beta-1a) may worsen symptoms of heart disease. If you have heart disease such as Angina, Congestive Heart Failure, or arrhythmia, discuss with your doctor how Rebif (Interferon-beta-1a) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Rebif (Interferon-beta-1a), and whether any special monitoring is needed. Contact your doctor as soon as possible if you develop symptoms of heart problems such as shortness of breath, chest pain, rapid heartbeat, or swollen ankles.

Kidney failure: Interferon beta-1a may cause decreased kidney function. If you have Kidney Disease, discuss with your doctor how Rebif (Interferon-beta-1a) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Rebif (Interferon-beta-1a), and whether any special monitoring is needed.

Liver damage: Rebif (Interferon-beta-1a) may cause severe liver damage. Although rare, this side effect can be very serious. If you have a history of poor liver function, alcohol abuse, or active liver disease, discuss with your doctor how Rebif (Interferon-beta-1a) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Rebif (Interferon-beta-1a), and whether any special monitoring is needed. Your doctor will test your liver function regularly while you are taking Rebif (Interferon-beta-1a). Contact your doctor as soon as possible if you notice any of the signs of liver damage including yellow eyes or skin, easy bruising of the skin, nausea and vomiting, itching, or abdominal pain.

Seizures: Some people have had seizures while taking Rebif (Interferon-beta-1a), including people who have never had seizures before. If you have seizure disorder, discuss with your doctor how Rebif (Interferon-beta-1a) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Rebif (Interferon-beta-1a), and whether any special monitoring is needed. If you have a seizure while taking Rebif (Interferon-beta-1a), you should call your doctor right away.

Thyroid problems: Some people taking Rebif (Interferon-beta-1a) develop changes in the function of their thyroid. Symptoms of these changes include feeling cold or hot all the time, a change in weight (gain or loss) without a change in your diet or amount of exercise you get, or feeling emotional. Contact your doctor if you experience these symptoms.

Pregnancy: Rebif (Interferon-beta-1a) should not be used during pregnancy. If you become pregnant while taking Rebif (Interferon-beta-1a), contact your doctor immediately. Women who may become pregnant should use effective contraception while taking Rebif (Interferon-beta-1a).

Breast-feeding: Rebif (Interferon-beta-1a) may pass into breast milk. If you are a breast-feeding mother and are taking interferon beta-1a, it may affect your baby. Talk to your doctor about whether you should continue breast-feeding.

Children: The safety and effectiveness of using Rebif (Interferon-beta-1a) have not been established for children and adolescents under 18 years of age.

Continue with Pocketpills

All material © 1996-2024 MediResource Inc. Terms and conditions of use. The contents herein are for informational purposes only. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health providers with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

Helpful links

See these other medications
that relate to

Betaseron

Extavia

Intron A Albumin Free

Intron A Stylo

Intron A

Pegasys Syringe

FAQs

Do I need a valid prescription (Rx) to order prescription medication?

Yes, you need a valid prescription, or Rx for short, from a Canadian prescriber to purchase medication that requires a prescription. If you need a new prescription, please contact us and we can help connect you with a doctor or we will reach out to your doctor for a renewal.

How can I refill my medication?

We will gladly coordinate with your doctor and insurance company to make sure you never run out of the medication you need. Additionally, we will remind you when it's time to schedule a delivery for your refill. You can also opt into automatic refills online, in the app, or by calling us at 1-855-950-7225.

Is Pocketpills free? How much does it cost?

Yes, Pocketpills services are free! You only pay your portion of your copay, and there are no hidden delivery or service fees. We'll transfer your prescriptions from your old pharmacy, find savings, and hand-deliver your medications at no extra cost.

What insurance plans do you accept?

We accept all insurance plans and direct bill ODB, OHIP+, and PharmaCare.

How much is shipping cost For Rebif in Canada?

Shipping cost for Rebif to you in Canada is zero. Pocketpills offers FREE shipping anywhere in Canada to help you get access to treatment.

How to get Rebif delivered to my home?

You could get Rebif delivered at your doorstep from us in Canada if you ordered prescription medications with a valid prescription. If you are not sure if we deliver to your area, contact us.