Hi, I’ve just had my first pack of Rebif delivered with the Rebismart etc. Got a couple of questions. The Reif nurse is coming on Thursday, does Rebif have to be warmed up to room temperature before you inject ( i have been used to Copaxone and that was kept out of the fridge for at least a couple of hours before I injected ) I suppose I should ask is Rebif best for the least amount of stinging if it is room temperature. Also regarding the Rebismart…is it best to get the batteries put in and everything set up before the nurse comes or did people let the nurse do it all for you? Also ( sorry to appear a bit thick ) is the square green bag a cool bag or a travel bag to be used when you haven’t got a fridge or is it to keep your rebismart in. Really sorry if it should all be obvious but Copaxone seemed a lot more straightforward for some reason Thanks Anne-Marie xxx
I started on rebif 4 weeks ago, first pack had to be kept in fridge as it was a lower dose at first so the cartridge lasted longer than two weeks, which is how long it is ok out of the fridge for. I didn’t notice any problems injecting cold - I don’t keep it in the fridge now I’m on the full dose and I can’t say I’ve noticed any change.
I didn’t set it up at all - just left it all in the box and the nurse went through it all when they were here.
The green bag is a cool bag for travelling, it only really keeps cold for 12 hours so not practical for all the time - just keep the cartridges in the fridge. I’ve not used the green bags at all, and with a 2 week period for out of the fridge, I don’t think I’ll need to.
The rebismart is quite bit in its case, but you only keep it in the fridge for the first three weeks, after that it’s fine out of the fridge. As soon as you change the first cartridge you can keep it out (unless you go straight on full dose, in which case it can stay out anyway).
Hope that helps.
I started on rebif 4 weeks ago, first pack had to be kept in fridge as it was a lower dose at first so the cartridge lasted longer than two weeks, which is how long it is ok out of the fridge for. I didn’t notice any problems injecting cold - I don’t keep it in the fridge now I’m on the full dose and I can’t say I’ve noticed any change.
I didn’t set it up at all - just left it all in the box and the nurse went through it all when they were here.
The green bag is a cool bag for travelling, it only really keeps cold for 12 hours so not practical for all the time - just keep the cartridges in the fridge. I’ve not used the green bags at all, and with a 2 week period for out of the fridge, I don’t think I’ll need to.
The rebismart is quite bit in its case, but you only keep it in the fridge for the first three weeks, after that it’s fine out of the fridge. As soon as you change the first cartridge you can keep it out (unless you go straight on full dose, in which case it can stay out anyway).
Hope that helps.
Sorry, don’t know why that posted twice - is there a way of deleting one?
P.s. - rebismart is a doddle to use I’m finding.
Interested in your responses…I’m due to start rebif mid May so this is all interesting for me. Hope your first app goes well. I wish the nurses came out in our area, feel.more comfortable being in my own home esp as I’m needle phobic. Good luck x
Interested in your responses…I’m due to start rebif mid May so this is all interesting for me. Hope your first app goes well. I wish the nurses came out in our area, feel.more comfortable being in my own home esp as I’m needle phobic. Good luck x
Is there an echo around here??? (bet mine will post twice now)
I was on REBIF for a while and I just kept new cartridges in the fridge, the one that was actually in the machine was always out of the fridge (on smaller and higher doses) - i dont think it matters if you inject it cold it can just sting a tiny bit. It all came in a huge box with loads of other stuff that I never used. I used the ice packs in my beer fridge for a while…the nurse will defo go through everything with you so dont worry.xx
Good luck - once you get the hang of it you will find it easy peasy although i know its daunting at first.xx
The only difference I’ve ever noticed with using it straight out of the fridge is that it stings a bit more so I usually warm the cartridge up by rolling it in my hands a bit if I have to use one out of the fridge.
As this is your first time, I would leave it all alone and set it up with the nurse for the first time. It is really easy actually and the Rebismart tells you what to do and an on-screen guide shows you what to do. There is also a full manual with what I call an ‘idiot guide’ of clear pictures so you can’t really go wrong. I’m useless at technological stuff normally and even I have found my way round it easily. In fact, I was correcting the nurse the first time as she was worse than me!!
The cool pack and ice packs are for use when travelling so you can keep everything cold but your nurse will explain it all to you properly, I’m sure. I also take the cool pack to work with me as I have my Rebif delivered there and it can be quite hot in the office so I prefer to make sure my Rebif doesn’t warm up.
Good luck, it isn’t as bad as you think.
Tracey x