Mavenclad vs. Rebif

Mavenclad (cladribine) and Rebif (interferon beta-1a) Injection used to treat relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis (MS).

Because of its safety profile, use of Mavenclad is generally recommended for patients who have had an inadequate response to, or are unable to tolerate, an alternate drug indicated for the treatment of MS.

Mavenclad and Rebif belong to different drug classes. Mavenclad is a purine antimetabolite and Rebif is made from human proteins.

Side effects of Mavenclad that are different from Rebif include upper respiratory tract infection, headache, low white blood cell count (lymphopenia), nausea, back pain, joint pain, and insomnia.

Side effects of Rebif that are different from Mavenclad include injection site reactions (pain, swelling, or redness) and flu-like symptoms (headache, dizziness, fatigue, fever, chills, stomach pain, runny or stuffy nose, and muscle aches). Some patients using interferon medications such as Rebif become depressed or have suicidal thoughts.

Mavenclad may interact with immunosuppressive drugs, hematotoxic drugs, antiviral and antiretroviral drugs, ritonavir, eltrombopag, curcumin, cyclosporine, dilazep, nifedipine, nimodipine, cilostazol, sulindac, dipyridamole, reserpine, interferon-beta, corticosteroids, rifampicin, St. John's wort, and hormonal contraceptives.

Rebif may interact with other drugs.

Common side effects of Mavenclad include:

• upper respiratory tract infection,
• headache,
• low white blood cell count (lymphopenia),
• nausea,
• back pain,
• joint pain, and
• insomnia

Common side effects of Rebif include pain, swelling, or redness at the injection site. Flu-like symptoms such as headache, dizziness, fatigue, fever, chills, stomach pain, runny or stuffy nose, and muscle aches may occur when you first start Rebif. These symptoms usually improve or go away after a few months of continued use of Rebif. Some patients using interferon medications such as Rebif become depressed or have suicidal thoughts. Tell your doctor immediately if this occurs. Tell your doctor if you have serious side effects of Rebif including:

• mental/mood changes (e.g., depression, rare thoughts of suicide),
• vision changes,
• gradual change in weight,
• intolerance to cold or heat,
• increased urination,
• pus or change in skin color at the injection site,
• signs of infection (e.g., fever, persistent sore throat, cough),
• easy bruising or bleeding,
• fast or irregular heartbeat,
• sudden increase in weight,
• swelling hands/legs/feet,
• severe stomach or abdominal pain,
• yellowing eyes or skin, or
• dark urine.

Mavenclad (cladribine) is a purine antimetabolite indicated for the treatment of relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis (MS), to include relapsing-remitting disease and active secondary progressive disease, in adults. Because of its safety profile, use of Mavenclad is generally recommended for patients who have had an inadequate response to, or are unable to tolerate, an alternate drug indicated for the treatment of MS.

Rebif (interferon beta-1a) Injection is made from human proteins and is used to treat relapsing multiple sclerosis (MS). Rebif will not cure MS; it will only decrease the frequency of relapse symptoms. Common side effects of Rebif include pain, swelling, or redness at the injection site. Flu-like symptoms such as headache, dizziness, fatigue, fever, chills, stomach pain, runny or stuffy nose, and muscle aches may occur when you first start Rebif. These symptoms usually improve or go away after a few months of continued use of Rebif. Some patients using interferon medications such as Rebif become depressed or have suicidal thoughts. Tell your doctor immediately if this occurs.

Mavenclad may interact with immunosuppressive drugs, hematotoxic drugs, antiviral and antiretroviral drugs, ritonavir, eltrombopag, curcumin, cyclosporine, dilazep, nifedipine, nimodipine, cilostazol, sulindac, dipyridamole, reserpine, interferon-beta, corticosteroids, rifampicin, St. John's wort, or hormonal contraceptives. Tell your doctor all medications and supplements you use. Mavenclad is not recommended for use during pregnancy; it may harm a fetus. Pregnancy should be excluded before the initiation of each treatment course of Mavenclad. Females of reproductive potential should prevent pregnancy by use of effective contraception during Mavenclad dosing and for at least 6 months after the last dose in each treatment course. Males of reproductive potential should take precautions to prevent pregnancy of their partner during Mavenclad dosing and for at least 6 months after the last dose in each treatment course. Because of the potential for serious adverse reactions in nursing infants, Mavenclad is not recommended for use while breastfeeding.

Rebif may interact with other drugs. Tell your doctor all medications and supplements you take. Talk to your doctor about how to drink alcohol safely while using this medication. Rebif should not be used during pregnancy. Talk to your doctor if you are pregnant or think you might become pregnant during treatment. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.

The cumulative dosage of 3.5 mg/kg Mavenclad is administered orally and divided into 2 treatment courses (1.75 mg/ kg per treatment course). Each treatment course is divided into 2 treatment cycles.

The recommended dosage of Rebif is 22 mcg to 44 mcg injected subcutaneously three times per week. Rebif is intended for use under the supervision of a physician. Patients may self-inject only after proper training.