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Compare Zeposia vs. Rebif

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

Key takeaways

Zeposia (ozanimod) and Rebif (interferon beta-1a) are both used to treat relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis (MS), but they have some key differences. Zeposia is taken orally once a day, while Rebif is an injectable medication that you need to take three times a week. Zeposia is a synthetic medication that works by blocking white blood cells from leaving your lymph nodes, which helps reduce inflammation. On the other hand, Rebif is a biologic that affects cell processes, though its exact mechanism for treating MS isn't fully understood. Zeposia can also treat moderate-to-severe ulcerative colitis (UC), whereas Rebif is only approved for MS. Common side effects of Zeposia include infections and changes in liver tests, while Rebif often causes flu-like symptoms and injection site reactions. Both medications can increase the risk of liver damage and serious infections. Zeposia can also cause dangerously slow heart rate, high blood pressure, and breathing problems, while Rebif can increase the risk of seizures. Both medications are only available by brand name.

  • zeposia (ozanimod)
    Rebif (interferon beta-1a)
  • zeposia (ozanimod)
    Rebif (interferon beta-1a)

  • Summary of Zeposia vs. Rebif

    Summary for Sphingosine 1-phosphate receptor modulator
    Prescription only

    Zeposia (ozanimod) is a sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P) receptor modulator that's used to treat adults with ulcerative colitis (UC) or relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis (MS). It's a capsule that's taken by mouth, usually once per day (or as directed by your provider if you have certain liver problems). There are starter packs of the medication that help you slowly raise the dosage to a maintenance dosage over a week. Side effects typically depend on your medical condition, but generally include infections and changes in liver tests.

    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.

  • Indications of Zeposia vs. Rebif

    Indications for
    •Relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis (MS) in adults
    •Moderate-to-severe ulcerative colitis (UC) in adults
    Indications for
    •Relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis (MS)

  • Pros and Cons of Zeposia vs. Rebif

    Pros and Const for Sphingosine 1-phosphate receptor modulator
    Pros
    •Only need to take up to once daily
    •7-capsule starter pack available to help make it easier to know what dose to take at the beginning of treatment
    •Can start to work within a couple weeks to improve UC symptoms
    •Many people with MS are relapse-free after taking this medication for 1 year
    Cons
    •Must raise your dose slowly over the first week of treatment, which can be confusing
    •Might raise your risk of infections
    •Unknown if it works well or is safe to use for children under 18 years of age
    •Not recommended for use in people with severe liver problems
    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

  • Common Side Effects of Zeposia vs. Rebif

    Common Side Effects for
    •Upper respiratory infection (26%)
    •High liver enzyme tests (10%)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Injection-site reaction (89%)
    •Headache (65%)
    •Flu-like symptoms (56%)
    •Fatigue (33%)
    •Fever (25%)
    •Muscle pain (25%)
    •Stomach pain (22%)

  • Warnings of Zeposia vs. Rebif

    Common Side Effects for
    •Serious infections
    •Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML)
    •Dangerously slow heart rate
    •High blood pressure
    •Liver damage
    •Harm to unborn babies
    •Breathing problems
    •Eye problems
    •Brain problem called posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Mental health
    •Liver damage
    •Injection site reactions and infections
    •Lower blood cell counts
    •Seizures

  • Prices with our coupons for Zeposia vs. Rebif

    Learn more about zeposia
    Learn more about Rebif

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