User Reviews for Tecfidera oral

I came out of remission on Tysabri after 4 yrs, so went to Tecfidera. I was thrilled to have an oral and was determined to stick through the side effects and I did. The flushing and stomach problems bothered me for about 2 months but I kept reading forums to see how other people were handling the drug. Unfortunately Tecfidera is not strong enough to put me back in remission so I have mini relapses. I was saddened to see the PML death of an MS patient on Tecfidera. I thought I was getting away from that after leaving Tysabri but I see Gilenya has it too. I tested positive for the JC virus during my time on Tysabri so am very aware of the dangers. But I like getting up each day feeling "almost" normal. I'm regulating the relapses with rest and I have learned to ask for help and to say no. Very hard for a farm girl from Montana . Stick through the side effects...Tecfidera is an easy drug to take. And MS drugs are not easy. Understand what you are taking and know how to spot side effects. Keep a journal if something odd keeps coming up...burning down a leg...even headaches. Discuss everything with your Dr. If he doesn't have time to listen or waves them off as "everyone has that"...get a different Doctor. Mine listens to me, because he says it's happening to me and if it bothers me it bothers him. We find solutions together. Make sure you keep moving. I don't care what type of mode of transportation you use, cane, wheelchair, walker or two legs keep moving. So I have MS. I can take the pity road...the victim stance...or I can grin and bare it and realize how blessed I am to have a drug I can take. The words "look what I can do!" to those of us with MS means strength, fight, and perseverance. Read More Read Less

Switched from Avonex. Horrible side effects for first 6 ish weeks, really bad stomach cramps and intrusive diarrhoea (see look up giardia and it mimicked this exactly for a few weeks. NEED to eat with it but for me nopt necessary carbs or protein - just have something in your stomach. These resolved completely after the first few months. REemegence of old MS sensory symptoms which neruiologist says is a good thing - he sayd its indicative that the systemic infmamarion has reduced adn therefore my nerves are conducting better - hence I'm feeling the sesnory impairment. Makes sense but freaks me out a bit - just got to hold the faith. I am a bit scatty (MS syymptom) and I do kepp forgettign my pills (I used phone alarm and have brought a side section pill box wshich I keep on the table to alert me - works well!). Read More Read Less

I was on tecfidera for 18 months. I flushed about 1-2 times per month & had a terribly runny nose, which did get better after the first few months. My mri was great with no new lesions & I didn't have any exacerbations while on it. I just stopped taking it due to a severely low lymphocyte count of 260. (Under 500 is bad) With the help of my low lymphocytes, I now have shingles. Not fun! All that said, I wish I could have stayed on the med & would have if my blood counts hadn't plummeted.

I've been on Tecfidera since early November 2014. I was diagnosed in September of 2014. I had a bit of flushing in the first couple of months. It typically occurred about 30-45 minutes after taking a pill. I also experienced some stomach discomfort early on as well. It always helped to take the medication with a high carb meal. Now I can take it on an empty stomach if necessary and have zero side effects. I have yet to get an MRI to see if there has been any new lesion activity since the neuro won't refer me until 12 months into treatment. I haven't had a relapse since being on this medication and keep my fingers crossed that it will slow if not stop progression until we can beat this disease completely.Read More Read Less

While on the medication I had no issues, very easy to use. However, now requires JCV testing in order to use safely which at the time prescribed was unknown.. meaning this drug could have killed me faster than any MS attack itself. Still too much unknown about it as it's quite a new treatment.

I've been on Tecfidera since I was diagnosed with MS, and although the side-effects can be unpleasant at times, the medication has worked very well for me.

No side effects from drug itself. Do have to take 2ce daily so have to remember to take it. After a yr on drug, no new lesions.

I am about to start this med. As I read the reviews, I was looking for some patterns or trends. Since we each experience MS differently, it would be helpful if reviewers would give a brief characterization (i.e. started with optic neuritis,no eye issues,started with dragging leg, started with weakness on the right side of my body, started with numbness and tingling,primary progressive, relapsing-remitting, secondary progressive, in a wheelchair, etc.) of their ms in addition to evaluating drug or describing response to it.Read More Read Less

I have had no new lesions and one healed one since taking this drug. MS has been stable since taking it for the past 12 months. It is great for me, but I know that everyone is different.

I am just now getting off of this drug. It had minor side effects that were inconsequential to me, but to be taking prednisone 5 months of the 10 I've been on it, it does not seem to be working for me.

I was diagnosed in 2012 and on needle. I began taking this medicine May 2013. I was concerned regarding possible side effects. Overall I am pleased. In the beginning I had slight flushing. Then a month or two into the medicine I had stomach cramps. However if I ate something light about 30 minutes before I was ok. As for results so far so could. My MRI showed not only no active lesions but also some lesions have began to heal. My blood count level only change slightly dropped by one number. In addition I am on vitamin D and a multi or B vitamin once a day. I have to do regular blood draws which I hate but the results are still very good.Read More Read Less

11 months taking. First 4 months miserable with nausea, flushing, crawly skin. Nausea went away, flushing continued but less intense, crawly skin continued. Blood counts down. Tested positive for JC virus. Off med given JC>PML link. Had one major relapse while on Tec. Would have continued but for new FDA warning about PML.

I started on Tec almost a year and half ago. I wasn't happy the first few months. Hot isn't he word. I felt like my head was going to explode...but I went on...now..I barely really barely have any side effects..and I feel so much better than when I was on Avonex I didn't realize that when on Avonex I felt sluggish...not clear headed at all...it wasn't until I stopped taking it in order to take Tec that I realized how much clearer I felt. I have significant hair loss that I attribute to Avonex. I am very glad I stuck it out. I'm more of a person on TecRead More Read Less

Initial side effects were worsening of MS symptoms and depression as Rebif wore off and Tecfidera kicked in. Able to ride out GIT side effects and flushing. Busopan eased GIT cramps. All settled after 6 weeks including depression/anxiety. Main concern now is hair loss and occasional flushing. Remaining symptom is altered sensation in L) leg.

Because of needle fatigue, I switched from Rebif to Tecfidera. At the higher dose I experienced stomach discomfort, eating takes care of that. Flushing is minor. I use my phone alarm to remind me to take the evening dose. But, my feet are back to pins & needles. I am unsure if I will continue this medication.

Mild flushing on first dose, and more on first 240 dose. Just rode out the heat, like a sunburn or pepper spray, last 20 minutes. No other issues, food just delays the reaction, take it right before you eat, especially fats. No other meds taken, just vitamins, and probiotics, no beef, no sugar, no sat fat.

After 20 yrs of injections, I had to take an oral. Had several issues but they went away. It took me about 5 weeks to stop vomiting which happened at a different time everyday. This made it difficult to work. Still have minor flushing problems but nothing I can't handle.

i have been on this med since july and i have severe burning and itching. i takes 2 benedryl to help with these side effects.it has lowered my white blood count making me vulerable to every little cold, flu, ect. i have also been losing great deal of hair. think im going back to avonex

From the start I have experienced stomach pain but I try not to let it bother me. The flushing wasn't bad at first but has become unbearable. My sleep has been interrupted by excessive sweat for a few months. I awake tired and in pain. I get rashes on my face and legs which come and go with no warning and nothing seems to help.

I have been using tecfidera for over a year, and love it. The first couple months I had flushing a couple times aweek, now maybe once a month. Much better than avonex and I have had no relapses.