Key takeaways
Mavenclad (cladribine) and Rebif (interferon beta-1a) are both used to treat relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis (MS), but they have some key differences. Mavenclad is an oral medication that you only take for a 10 days each year, while Rebif is an injection under the skin three times a week. The exact mechanism for both medications is not fully known but it is thought that Mavenclad works by killing certain white blood cells that attack the nerves and cause inflammation, whereas Rebif attaches to specific proteins in the body and affects cell processes. Mavenclad can cause serious side effects like cancer and liver injury, and it requires regular lab tests to monitor your health. Rebif, on the other hand, often causes flu-like symptoms and injection site reactions. It can also affect you mental health and, like Mavenclad, can also cause liver damage. Both medications are only available as a brand-name medication.
