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Compare Rebif vs. Tecfidera

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.

Key takeaways

Rebif (interferon beta-1a) and Tecfidera (dimethyl fumarate) are both used to treat relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis (MS), but they have some key differences. Rebif is an injectable biologic that you need to inject under the skin three times a week, while Tecfidera is an oral medication taken as capsules twice a day. Rebif can cause flu-like symptoms and injection site reactions, whereas Tecfidera commonly causes indigestion and flushing. Tecfidera is available as a lower-cost generic, but Rebif does not have a generic form. Both medications can lower your white blood cell count and affect your liver, so regular blood tests are needed. Additionally, Rebif might not be suitable for people with a history of mental health conditions, while Tecfidera can cause serious allergic reactions and stomach problems.

  • Rebif (interferon beta-1a)
    Dimethyl fumarate (Tecfidera)
  • Rebif (interferon beta-1a)
    Dimethyl fumarate (Tecfidera)

  • Summary of Rebif vs. Tecfidera

    Summary for Biologic
    Prescription only

    Rebif (interferon beta-1a) is an injectable biologic used for the treatment of relapsing multiple sclerosis (MS). However, it can cause uncomfortable flu-like symptoms as a side effect.

    Summary for Fumaric acid derivative
    Prescription only

    Dimethyl fumarate (Tecfidera) is used to treat adults with certain types of multiple sclerosis (MS), a condition that affects your nervous system. This medication is a disease-modifying therapy (DMT) that belongs to the drug class called fumaric acid derivatives. Dimethyl fumarate (Tecfidera) is available as a brand-name medication and a lower-cost generic. The capsules are taken by mouth twice per day. The most common side effects are stomach upset and flushing (e.g., facial warmth, redness, burning sensation).

  • Indications of Rebif vs. Tecfidera

    Indications for
    •Relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis (MS)
    Indications for
    •Relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis (MS)

  • Pros and Cons of Rebif vs. Tecfidera

    Pros and Const for Biologic
    Pros
    •A disease-modifying therapy (DMT) that prevents worsening MS
    •One of the first DMTs approved for MS, so theres a lot of research and experience
    •Comes as an autoinjector pen and prefilled syringe for easy at-home injections
    •Can be stored at room temperature for up to 30 days
    Cons
    •Needs to be injected 3 times a week (more often than alternative medications like Avonex)
    •Not a first-choice treatment option for relapsing MS
    •Has many unpleasant side effects
    •Might not be a good option for people with a history of mental health conditions
    Pros and Const for Fumaric acid derivative
    Pros
    •Works well to lessen MS relapses
    •Can take with or without food
    •Available as a lower-cost generic medication
    •No known interactions with other medications or supplements
    Cons
    •Need to take twice a day
    •Might need MRI scans to see whether the medication is working for you
    •Might need to have regular blood work done to make sure the medication isn't causing any liver problems
    •Can cause more bothersome stomach-related side effects than Vumerity (diroximel fumarate)

  • Common Side Effects of Rebif vs. Tecfidera

    Common Side Effects for
    •Injection-site reaction (89%)
    •Headache (65%)
    •Flu-like symptoms (56%)
    •Fatigue (33%)
    •Fever (25%)
    •Muscle pain (25%)
    •Stomach pain (22%)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Flushing (40%)
    •Stomach pain (18%)
    •Diarrhea (14%)
    •Nausea (12%)
    •Vomiting (9%)
    •Itchiness (8%)
    •Rash (8%)

  • Warnings of Rebif vs. Tecfidera

    Common Side Effects for
    •Mental health
    •Liver damage
    •Injection site reactions and infections
    •Lower blood cell counts
    •Seizures
    Common Side Effects for
    •Severe allergic reactions
    •Serious infections
    •Low white blood cell counts (lymphopenia)
    •Liver damage
    •Flushing
    •Serious stomach and intestine problems

  • Prices with our coupons for Rebif vs. Tecfidera

    Learn more about Rebif
    Learn more about Dimethyl fumarate

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