Greetings, if you have changed from Rebif to Plegridy, I would greatly appreciate your feedback. I welcome thoughts from all others as well. Sincere thanks just for reading my post below.
I have been on Rebif since May 2010. I'm considering switching to Plegridy. I was terrified of needles at first, but that has improved considerably. I have done well in many ways on Rebif. My last two annual MRI's have been free of new lesions. I've had approximately 3 or so new lesions since I was Dx'd. I do not have any disability or functional limitations. I feel extremely lucky. Here are the reasons I am considering the switch:
1. Flu-like symptoms, including aches/pains, headache, fatigue, occasional low-grade temps.
2. Injection site reactions. These are mostly tolerable but in a couple of spots on both thighs I've developed hard spots under the skin.
3. Reducing the frequency of dosing. Even if 1 and 2 above remain the same with Plegridy as with Rebif, the reduced frequency of dosing could mean I spend less time encumbered by the side effects.
I am working full time and then some. The side effects often knock the wind out of me. Rebif side effects are worse when I take the shot in abdomen. For this reason, I do that on Friday night so that I can use my weekend for recovery. I must tolerate my symptoms and play through the pain on the job.
If I could reduce the number of times per month that I suffer the side effects, this could improve my quality of life at home and at work. It would be nice to travel without taking my shots along for the ride. On the other hand, I feel lucky that my MS is under control for the time being. Needless to say, I would not want worse symptoms or MS progression due to switching. I'm leaning towards changing to Plegridy. Yet, part of me worries it's a mistake to change now.
Questions:
Have any of you made the switch from Rebif to Plegridy?
If so, how do the side effects compare for you?
How does Biogen support compare to that of EMD Serono/MS Lifelines?
Do you have any other advice for me?
Thanks again for reading!
I have been on Rebif since May 2010. I'm considering switching to Plegridy. I was terrified of needles at first, but that has improved considerably. I have done well in many ways on Rebif. My last two annual MRI's have been free of new lesions. I've had approximately 3 or so new lesions since I was Dx'd. I do not have any disability or functional limitations. I feel extremely lucky. Here are the reasons I am considering the switch:
1. Flu-like symptoms, including aches/pains, headache, fatigue, occasional low-grade temps.
2. Injection site reactions. These are mostly tolerable but in a couple of spots on both thighs I've developed hard spots under the skin.
3. Reducing the frequency of dosing. Even if 1 and 2 above remain the same with Plegridy as with Rebif, the reduced frequency of dosing could mean I spend less time encumbered by the side effects.
I am working full time and then some. The side effects often knock the wind out of me. Rebif side effects are worse when I take the shot in abdomen. For this reason, I do that on Friday night so that I can use my weekend for recovery. I must tolerate my symptoms and play through the pain on the job.
If I could reduce the number of times per month that I suffer the side effects, this could improve my quality of life at home and at work. It would be nice to travel without taking my shots along for the ride. On the other hand, I feel lucky that my MS is under control for the time being. Needless to say, I would not want worse symptoms or MS progression due to switching. I'm leaning towards changing to Plegridy. Yet, part of me worries it's a mistake to change now.
Questions:
Have any of you made the switch from Rebif to Plegridy?
If so, how do the side effects compare for you?
How does Biogen support compare to that of EMD Serono/MS Lifelines?
Do you have any other advice for me?
Thanks again for reading!
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