About taking Rebif

[socrates2k1]

Hi, I just began my titration of Rebif, with 8.8 mcg for 2 weeks, so I moved up to 22 mcg on Friday, January 29th.
So far, my side effects were flu like symptoms and increased tremors (with 8.8 mcg).
Today, Saturday 30th, my side effects include flu like symptoms, extreme aches and pain throughout my body, all the way down to my bones, like I have been beaten severely with a baseball bat, but also I'm running a fever.
Normal body temperature for me is 96.7 degrees, however my temp at 6:40pm was 99.9, at 8:40pm was 99.2,
and my temp at 10:47pm was 99.7, which means I'm running a temperature of 3.0 degrees higher than normal.
Is this something to be concerned about?  I do have an appointment with my Neurologist on Monday afternoon.
My Q? is, is this typical for Rebif, or something to be concerned about?  Thank you for your time, consideration, and cooperation, I truly appreciate it. [Note: If I posted this in the wrong area, I apologize]

[Guitar_grrrl]

When I was taking Rebif, I always injected it at night before bed, and took Ibuprofen with it.  If I forgot the Ibuprofen, the flu-like symptoms would wake me up, and naturally, I felt &h!tty.. Anyway, with this combo, I usually felt reasonable the next morning, and able to go to work.

Good Luck,
Guitar_grrrl

[MsmsinFl]

I've taken Rebif since Sept 2009 -- I'm  one of the lucky ones with no side efx to speak of.

I always take 2 Advil & 1 Benadryl 30-45 minutes before injecting, and an addition Advil about an hour after.  Don't know for sure whether that's why I don't get the flu symptoms, but so far, so good.

Talk to your neuro about your symptoms -- it might well be unrelated to Rebif.

And ask him to keep you at 22mcg past the 2 weeks in the titration pack -- if you're having sfx, that will give you longer at the 22mcg dose for your body to get acclimated.

I'm still at 22mcg, and hope to stay there unless I have a relapse or next MRI isn't good -- even though it's half the full dose, it's very nearly as effective (according to the tiny print in the insert, and my neuro).  

Most people find that the flu-symptoms fade as their body gets used to the meds -- so stick with it as long as you can, & if Rebif doesn't work for you, don't give up -- try a different CRAB.

Let us know how things go.  We've all "been there" and are here to help.

[socrates2k1]

I'm wondering about Rebif, moving from 8.8 mcg to 22 mcg

I took my shot (22mcg) on Friday (1/30/2010)

Saturday night, I had the usual flu like symptoms
My normal body termperature is 96.7
Yesterday, my temp was 99.9 @6:40 pm, then my temp was 99.2 @8:40 pm, then it was 99.9 @10:47 pm.

Today, my temperature was 102.0 [rem: 96.7 is normal for me.]
That's a difference of 5.3 degrees
[Using the standard normal temperature of 98.6 and add 5.3 = a temp of 103.9]

I still have the sore body, aches and pains, etc. as though someone beat me with a baseball bat.  

A few days ago, I got lost in my own back yard.  I took my dogs out to run and eat, but when I looked around, for the life of me, I couldn't decide how to return to my own house, that was a very scary thought and situation.

I have an appointment with my Neurologist tomorrow (Monday), maybe he can tell me what is causing this rising fever, and why I'm having forget me knots.

[sllowe]

Hi there,

You definitely posted in the right place!  Feeling like you were beat w/a baseball bat? Sounds to me that you may have a coincidental virus.

The flu has been beaten down a bit w/the vaccines, but it's still alive and kicking. Think you should get some rest, and see how you do in the coming weeks.

Drink lots of water, lots. And, take the tylenol or advil if you are able. From my experience, I say, don't worry. Time will tell, and it's early.  

Keep w/us k?
-shell

[essdipity]

Hi, Soc. I don't use Rebif but am bumping this up for others to see.

Have no idea about the fever aspect, though together with the flu kind of symptoms it sounds pretty familiar. Hope you will discuss this in depth with your neuro.

And this is the right place to ask about this, or any other MS aspect.

Hang in there.

ess