Key takeaways
Rebif (interferon beta-1a) and Lemtrada (alemtuzumab) are both used to treat relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis (MS), but they have several key differences. Rebif is a biologic medication that you inject under the skin three times a week, while Lemtrada is an anti-CD52 monoclonal antibody given as an infusion through the veins once a year. Both medications can cause flu-like symptoms, headache, and fatigue, but Rebif can also cause and injection site reactions. Lemtrada is typically used only when other MS treatments haven't worked well, and it requires enrollment in a special REMS program due to its risks. In contrast, Rebif is one of the first disease-modifying therapies for MS and has a long history of use. Rebif can be self-injected at home and can be stored at room temperature for up to 30 days. On the other hand, Lemtrada is only given by a healthcare provider, and requires careful monitoring and pre-treatment with corticosteroids to manage infusion reactions.
