Rebif is the brand name for the drug interferon beta-1a, a medication used to treat relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis (MS), states Drugs.com. Rebif can help slow some symptoms of MS that make life difficult. It can also reduce the number of relapses an individual experiences with MS. Drugs.com also notes that Rebif may be used for the treatment of genital warts. The drug is administered via injection, and carries the risk of potential side effects.
Common Side Effects
The most common side effects of Rebif occur at the site of injection, according to eMedTV.com. These include redness, pain or other discomforts caused by the injection itself. Other common side effects include headaches, fatigue, muscle pain or back pain. Drugs.com suggests that flu-like symptoms, including muscle aches, chills, fever, joint pain or nausea, can also occur. Common side effects should be discussed with your doctor, but are not usually a cause for concern. Treatment of such side effects is usually done with acetaminophen, or other pain and fever relievers.
More Serious Common Effects
There are several side effects that occur in up to 20 percent of cases that should be discussed with a doctor promptly, according to eMedTV.com. These include abdominal pain, feeling ill, coordination problems, dry mouth, pain in the bones, drowsiness, increased urination, trouble controlling the bladder or vision problems.
Serious Side Effects
Drugs.com notes that Rebif can cause or escalate liver problems. Symptoms of this include the yellowing of the eyes or skin, pale-colored stools or darkened urine. Other serious effects include changes in mental status (like depression or suicidal thoughts), unusual bleeding, abnormal bruising, seizures, chest pain, heart irregularities or signs of an allergic reaction (rash, itching, swelling, wheezing or trouble breathing). EMedTV.com suggests that these serious effects do not occur very often.
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