Rebif - side effects on the 8.8mcg dose?

[Footsie3110]

I've only had two 8.8mcg doses of Rebif so far. The first one I took paracetamol beforehand. The second one, last night, I forgot. Woke up two hours later with incredibly sore muscles and joints, chills, fever, soaked my bed in sweat and my teeth were chattering. It lasted a few hours (I took paracetamol as soon as I realised what was happening).

My question is, is this usual on the smallest dose after only two shots? It served as a good reminder to always take pain relief before the shots but I'm a bit worried that such a reaction on only the small dose doesn't bode well for the rest of them. :(

Can someone ease my mind?

[Mike_Shuswap]

Seems to me I had side effects on the lower dose when I first started taking Rebif. I still get them but to a lesser degree.

I take 2 Tylenol extra strength 1/2 hour before injecting. I skip the Tylenol every so often, but usually wake up in the night with a headache and end up taking them anyway.

Like Shell says, your body will adjust to the med in time.

Mike

[Footsie3110]

Thanks for the reply Shell,

Yes, I'm injecting before bed. The first one was during the day at the clinic and I took paracetamol first and was absolutely fine afterwards. Tonight I'm due for my third one, and will take this before bed, but will also take paracetamol first (while the meds are warming up to room temp) and hope for the best.

I've had the real flu only once in my life and I hope never to have it again - felt like a Mac truck had hit me and couldn't even get out of bed to care for my baby. The reaction I had from the Rebif was about 70% of that. Hopefully tonight will be better.

It's so nice to have this wonderful community of people who understand what I'm dealing with, and are happy to pass on the benefit of their experience. You guys rock!

Footsie XOXO

[sllowe]

Hi Footsie,

Mild flu-like will pass in time. It is common to experience the side affects (I'd have to review the literature if you wanted stats). Are you injecting before bed? If so, I'd recommend taking the ibuprofen, or acetaminophen like you did. And, if you forget, go ahead and take it when you wake up.

It should not rise to the magnitude of the actual flu virus. If you've had the flu then you know what I'm talking about.

If it continues, it could be coincidental with a virus, or natural fluctuations with hormones. I know in the states we are in the thick of the season now, and it's brutal. I thought the same of Australia from the news.

Do keep us posted, and hang in there. It's a good med for MS. You'll adjust with time. Hope that provides you some comfort.
-shell