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1710955 tn?1309446473

making the switch from copaxone to rebif

In a couple of weeks I'm making the switch.  Not looking fwd to the flu like sx.  Any Rebif users out there that have a few tricks to the trade?

Thanks,
Laura
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2063887 tn?1337829746
I found that the copaxone was causing my migraines.  I was off of it for 2 days and they never came back!  I really hope that's what is causing yours too.  Nothing helped the pain from them!!!  They were worse than any migraine I've ever had and boom!  Just stopped.  I haven't had a headache since.

Chris
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1710955 tn?1309446473
The problem with the migraines after 3 mos is that I take Meloxicam in the am.  It's a super strong anti inflammatory that I can't take anything else with it, except a baby aspirin in the evenings.  **sighs** I'll just pray that I don't get the migraines, because this will be a major problem.

I also found out from my rheumy that my parathyroid test came back slightly low.  He said it was of no clinical significance, but he'd be keeping an eye on it...no clinical significance but he's going to keep an eye on it?  Hmmmm

Laura
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Avatar universal
Hi my name is Inez;
  
  Question why aren't you taking  medication for migraines? Is Advil working?
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Avatar universal
Hi, from one Sheila to another!

I pray both of our migraines ease off soon.

(((HUGS)))

Sheila
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Avatar universal
My name is Sheila as well, i have been on Rebif for about 3 months and I also just have the migraines after the shots.  My doctor stated they should ease up after a few more months.



Sheila W
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Avatar universal
Hi, Laura.

I feel that it will go well. My 1st 3 & 1/2 months were very easy. The morning after my 1st injection, I did feel achy, but I took an Advil Liqui Gel, a shower and went out with my DH.

I felt that getting moving helped me a lot.

My MS Lifelines nurse, advised me to place an ice pack on the site I was going to inject for two minutes. And then, wipe the area with an alcohol wipe, allow it to dry completely, inject, and then, use a soft warm, damp washcloth and massage the injection site in a circular motion, to disperese the medication. (And I took Advil Liqui Gel half an hour before I injected.)

I  have  not had any site reactions, at all.

It really wasn't until 3 & 1/2 months, before I had any major side effects. I developed severe migraine headaches.

But another member, explained to me, that at 3 months, the Rebif is fully in our systems, and therefore the side effects.

Now, I take Advil Liqui Gel for Migraine half an hour before I inject. I still get the migraine, but it isn't as bad as it was at first.

I read that after 6 months, the side effects go away. I hope that happens for me. And, for you, as well, since you have 2 small children.

Sheila
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1710955 tn?1309446473
Thanks for your input everyone. I still have a couple of weeks before I start. Still praying it goes smoothly, especially with 2 small kids!

Laura
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Avatar universal
I've been on Rebif 22mcg (not 44) for almost 3 years -- no relapses.

The "flu-like" symptoms are really mild, & I rarely get them.  Mostly a morning-after headache occasionally.  Once or twice a major episode with chills, joint pain, etc for a few hours.

I also take Advil an hour or so before, and I warm the injection site;  make sure the syringe is at body temp.

I DO get big red spots that last for weeks, but no pain, itching, etc.

My best tip is to really choose your shot site carefully -- FAT is your best friend!  For me, my belly is easiest -- I don't use my arms at all -- I'm pretty thin. I use autoinject, set at "2" ( >> ).

Good luck -- and don't worry, it's not really as bad as you expect!

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Avatar universal

    Hi there,

      I take copaxone, however I'm switching to avonex in a few weeks. That alsb has flu like symptoms....I CAN'T WAIT FOR THAT.....;

    So needhelp16 I'll keep you posted on the avonex. I'll stay posted to see how everything goes with you....good luck!!!!!









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Avatar universal
Hi, Laura.

I've been on Rebif, 4 and 1/2 months. I started on Copaxone, but after 6 and 1/2 weeks, we found out that my "side effects", were actually a severe allergy to it,

The Rebif auto-ject is easy to use, and has the finest needle. I don't even feel it go in.

And that is saying something, because I am 5'2 and weigh 77#s.

I take an Advil for Migraines 1/2 hour before I inject.

(I didn't get them until I was on it for just over 3 months.)

I put an ice pack on my injection site for 2 minutes, then, wipe my skin with an alcohol wipe, wait for it to completely dry, then, inject.

Immediately after injection, I take a very soft, warm wash cloth and gently rub my injection site in a circular motion to disperse the medication.

I've never experienced any site reactions. And I haven't had any burning, at all.

On Copaxone, I burned for an hour, and I had huge welts, that itched like crazy!

Hope that helps.

I'm sure members that have been using Rebif longer than I have will give you more advice.

Good Luck!

Sheila
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