How bad does Rebif sting?

[tammyalonzo33]

My insurance denied my claim for betaseron, as I stated in a previous post.  They would prefer I take rebif.  I have read that rebif is acidic.  How bad is it?  I've never injected myself with anything- so I'm pretty nervous about it.

[sllowe]

Hi Tammy,

Fear not - MSlifelines sends out a nurse once your script goes though. Your meds will come and you will put them into the fridge until you schedule the nurse. One from your area will call you to find out the best time for you.

They teach how to do it. You'll do your 1st with the nurse. And, it's nothing like the draws at all. So, I know you can do it. I didn't even look at mine. I put the box in the fridge and didnt pull it out until the nurse came. Your definitely not going to be alone w/your 1st and having all of us here is a given!

-shell

[Lulu54]

All of the pharmas have injection training nurses who will come to your home and do the injection training if you wish.  Don't hesitate to call the mfg  - you can find their information at

rebif.com

There is also great support information on their website so be sure to look around at their other resources.

best, Lu

[tingletingle]

Tammy,
I hope that your local MS society can offer you a support person to assist with your first injection at least. I truly would not have coped without a wonderful, caring lady to support my emotional needs more than the physical pain.

I am sorry you're in the MS club but wish you all the very best with the injections.

Blessings
Alex

[tammyalonzo33]

I don't think anyone is going to show me how to do it.  My neuro couldn't get anyone to do it.  Thanks for the advice.  I always do fine with blood draws and even IV's, so I guess my trouble is with the thought of actually doing it myself.  I will probably have to ask my pcp to help me with it.  

[kel1lost]

Hi Tammy, my nake is Kelli.  I'm 29 and was just dx in ay of 2011.  I've been on Rebif for almost 2 m now.  I have only had a teency sting like 2 or three times.  

Shell helped me out a lot to feel better about the Interfuron shot thing and she will help you too!  I use my upper thy's and my stomach and have my boyfriend inject me in the hip site.  

Shell can give you really gtreat pointers on some certain injection sites!  It is so much easier than I thot.  I never dread injection days.  I take them at night brfore I go to sleep and I have never felt any flue like symptom and I wake up the next morning well rested anf perfectly fine.  

Hope this helps you!  Nothing yo fret about!  Once you start it is so much easier!  I don't use the auto-inject, I like to do it my self.  I have actually never tried the auto inhect.  Maybe I will, but I like doing it myself just fine!  In my prayers!

Kelli

[sllowe]

Hi Tammy,

It shouldn't be more acidic than the beta. But, wow -these ins. companies are truly working against doctors orders - I'm sorry to hear this.

I'm on Rebif, and I have had some stinging, but not much. Key is to let the alcohol dry and that way you don't get sting from both. Room temps to minimize that sting possibility. The needle is super sharp, and super thin. Goes in like butter.

If you let it dry, uou probably won't get the sting while the needle is going in. So, if that thought scares you - you can reduce that chance. There are some good spots that you'll barely feel the needle.

You have someone to help w/injections? Please ask anything - I've been on it for years now and hope to help you with those nerves.
-Shell

[Joseeb]

Hi....I recently started Rebif. My injection sites are not that pretty. They are all red and itchy. It does not hurt when the needle goes in but I sure feel it when the meds start going in. Is that normal does it happen to you

[HVAC]

I think the real scary thing about is injecting is it means this thing is real and serious enough I have to give myself shots. I did Copaxone and got used to the shots everyday. Thinking about the first injection and waiting for the nurse was the hardest part. I am not bad about needle but I thought I would faint. It is very emotional.

Alex