rebibs

  what can you tell me about this drug refibs?  has it been approved for use in the united states?  how well does it work on people with ms, and what are the side effects?
  i'd appreciate any information you can give me on it
Dear Barbarah,
Thank you for your question. I think the drug your are referring to is Rebif, which is currently used as a treatment for MS in Europe and Canada. As far as I know, its FDA approval in the United States is pending.
Rebif belongs to the family of the interferons (Avonex and Betaseron, which are used in the US, are in the same family). It is interferon beta-1a (Avonex is interferon beta-1b). Globally, Rebif has the same efficacy and side effects as the other interferons. It decreases the frequency and severity of relapses in some patients, and may slow down the progression of disability over time. Its main side effects are flu-like symptoms, usually during 1 - 2 days following the injections, which usually get better as the injections are repeated, and which can be treated with Tylenol or Advil. Another side effect is the risk of depression, which remains rare. Also, some mild skin reactions have been seen around injection sites. In summary, this is a partially effective medication for MS with usually mild side effects, which is not currently available in the US, but other interferons of comparable efficacy and tolerance are available.
I hope this helped. Remember that this information is disclosed only for the purpose of general medical information.