Sign in

or Register now

MultipleSclerosisCentral.com

See all of our health sites at www.HealthCentral.com
  • Font size
  • Bookmark
  • Save
Receive a FREE Osteoarthritis of the knee pamphlet. Start here.

Rebif SubQ

Precautions and Side Effects


Generic Name: INTERFERON BETA 1A INJECTION - SUBCUTANEOUS
Pronounced: (in-ter-FEER-on bay-tah)

Rebif SubQ Side Effects

Table of Contents

Pain/redness/swelling at the injection site and drowsiness may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor promptly.

Flu-like symptoms such as headache, nausea, fever, chills, tiredness, and muscle aches/pain may occur, especially when you first start this medication. You can reduce these side effects by injecting this medicine at bedtime and using fever reducers/pain relievers such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.

Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur:

  • mental/mood changes (e.g., depression, rare thoughts of suicide)
  • vision changes
  • gradual change in weight
  • intolerance to cold or heat
  • increased urination


Tell your doctor immediately if any of these rare but very serious side effects occur:

  • signs of infection (e.g., fever, persistent sore throat, cough)
  • easy bruising/bleeding
  • fast/irregular heartbeat
  • sudden increase in weight
  • swelling hands/legs/feet
  • severe stomach/abdominal pain
  • yellowing eyes/skin
  • dark urine


Seek immediate medical attention if any of these rare but very serious side effects occur:

  • chest pain
  • seizures


A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, seek immediate medical attention if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including:

  • rash
  • itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat)
  • severe dizziness
  • trouble breathing


This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. In the US, you may report side effects to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) at 1-800-FDA-1088.

In Canada, you may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

  • Font size
  • Bookmark
  • Was this helpful? Yes
  • Save

Ask a Question

Get answers from our experts and community members.

View all questions (1031) >
Free Newsletter
Get weekly updates, news alerts and more on Multiple Sclerosis and related health conditions.