What if you stop taking your medicine Rebif?

Stopping Rebif can lead to a relapse of your multiple sclerosis (MS) and worsen disability.

Rebif (interferon beta-1a) is a disease-modifying therapy for relapsing-remitting MS. It works by reducing the activity of the immune system and preventing inflammation in the brain and spinal cord.

If you stop taking Rebif, your immune system may become overactive again and start attacking the myelin sheath that surrounds the nerves in the brain and spinal cord. This can lead to a relapse of your MS symptoms, such as:

* Numbness or tingling in your arms or legs

* Weakness in your arms or legs

* Problems with balance or coordination

* Difficulty speaking or swallowing

* Vision problems

* Fatigue

* Pain

* Cognitive problems

In some cases, stopping Rebif can also lead to permanent worsening of your disability. This is why it's important to continue taking Rebif even if you're feeling well.

If you're thinking about stopping Rebif, talk to your doctor first. They can help you weigh the risks and benefits of continuing treatment and decide the best course of action for you.

Here are some additional things to keep in mind if you're considering stopping Rebif:

* You should not stop taking Rebif abruptly. This can cause a serious side effect called rebound, which is a sudden worsening of MS symptoms.

* If you need to stop taking Rebif for any reason, your doctor will likely recommend that you taper your dose gradually over several weeks.

* You should continue to see your doctor regularly for monitoring even after you stop taking Rebif. This will help ensure that your MS is stable and that you don't experience any side effects from stopping treatment.