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Dimethyl fumarate User Reviews & Ratings (Page 3)

Brand names: Tecfidera

Dimethyl fumarate has an average rating of 6.5 out of 10 from a total of 109 reviews on Drugs.com. 51% of reviewers reported a positive experience, while 25% reported a negative experience.

Reviews for Dimethyl fumarate

  • tigers
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • October 24, 2017

Tecfidera (dimethyl fumarate) for Multiple Sclerosis "I was diagnosed with Relapsing-remitting Multiple sclerosis (RRMS) in August 2017. This is the only one I tried and started taking about 2 months ago. Only have minor side effects that is itching what comes and goes which told that is a side effect. I take it with food so it doesn't upset my stomach. So far don't have any problems."

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  • WRock
  • August 3, 2022

Tecfidera (dimethyl fumarate) for Multiple Sclerosis "We all have different experiences and I'm happy for those that like this drug but I had a terrible experience. I was ok on the starter dose, the first day I had flushing but really none after that even not taking with food. Once I got to the full dose though, like many, fatigue, aches, burning in my torso, and I started to have MS flares, face froze and now issues walking after 2 months (stayed on bc neurologist said to. I was diagnosed 15 years ago with MS and was wondering if I really had MS since no issues beside vision to get the diagnosis, until I started this med. I just stopped despite Neurologist saying to stay on it. I wish I hadn't started it."

1 / 10
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  • KJano
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • June 16, 2020

Tecfidera (dimethyl fumarate) for Multiple Sclerosis "I was diagnosed with MS in February 2018. I started taking Copaxone but after the first year, an MRI showed a new lesion so I stopped. I did not enjoy injections three times a week, but I had very few side effects. I stayed off of medication for about a year and again had one new lesion. I started Tecfidera three weeks ago today. Day two of the starter dose had mild GI troubles. Then day four got a little worse but not horrible. I started the full dose and had slightly worse GI symptoms. Sadly day six on the full dose I was bad. I have terrible diarrhea and stomach cramps. Now my heart rate is elevated, I have a low grade fever, and I’m on day three of very bad GI symptoms. I’m trying to stay hydrated and am hoping this will be short lived."

6 / 10
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Frequently asked questions

  • LG23
  • Taken for 2 to 5 years
  • June 18, 2018

Tecfidera (dimethyl fumarate) for Multiple Sclerosis "I started Tecfidera in May 2016 and in the beginning I had flushing, itching, burning sensation that lasted about 2 weeks. I tolerate the drug well and have had no progression. However one side effect not listed is weight gain... I have gained 35 pounds and cannot lose it. Others have complained of the same thing, hopefully it wills soon be listed as a side effect."

9 / 10
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  • RMW
  • Taken for 2 to 5 years
  • March 25, 2016

Tecfidera (dimethyl fumarate) for Multiple Sclerosis "I had been on it for two years. My insurance didn't cover it, the company provided it for me free (thankful) until recently when my dh got a raise (also thankful). The first year was really good, some flushing but tolerable. However, in the past year, it seemed to stop working and I wasn't feeling any better - I know that is vague. But, I began falling for the first time, fatigue really returned. At this same time, I developed a rather large rash and unbearable itching centered around my neck and back of head, around ears. The company nurse said this would be a 'serious side-effect' so while I dread doing any needles, the itching is unbearable, the drug too expensive w/o insurance, so I've stopped taking it."

4 / 10
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Are you taking this medicine?

  • Fed...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • December 31, 2020

Tecfidera (dimethyl fumarate) for Multiple Sclerosis "Dx in 2014. Started on copaxone but taken off 6 months after because it failed. Started on rebif. Was on rebif for 5 years. Flu like side effects initially but then nothing. For 5 years I was great. Didn't mind the injections at all. Was changed to tecfidera this year because of one new lesion. First week of low dosing was fine. I'm on the first week of the full dose and I'm ready to quit. AWFUL STOMACH PAINS, BLOATING, NAUSEA, DIARRHEA, FLUSHING. The treatment is worse than the disease. It's embarrassing that in this century, there isn't a decent drug for MS. And the docs don't care. They prescribe from behind the desk. Will look for naturopath for help. Nature has a cure for everything. And we all know there will never be a cure for any disease, including MS, because there is no money in cures!! I wish you all a health new year 2021!"

1 / 10
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  • Plb
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • June 1, 2019

Tecfidera (dimethyl fumarate) for Multiple Sclerosis "I was diagnosed with MS 3 months ago, I am 30 and my doctor put me on Tecfidera as my first MS drug. After 1 month I got VERY stomach sick and vomiting for days. Turns out it was gastroenteritis and they say it is not related to my medication. Probably because I had low defences at that moment (?). Other than that, I have had the usual side effects like flushing, but only when I eat small meals. Will be posting more in the future. Wish you all the best!"

8 / 10
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More FAQ

  • Anonymous
  • Taken for 2 to 5 years
  • July 27, 2021

Tecfidera (dimethyl fumarate) for Multiple Sclerosis "I think Tecfidera is one step away from pure poison. I've been on it for a few years with all kinds of side effects that the medical system couldn't explain. One day I googled side effects of Tecfidera and there it was, everything I was experiencing. I have no faith in these drugs. I think they are all experimental and about money. Why else would they charge 2500 dollars a month for this stuff? I have had MS for 10 years and I'm 99 percent sure living a clean and healthy life with a good diet is the best thing you can do. I have lost complete faith in the medical system. Unbelievable."

1 / 10
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  • Ror
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • April 16, 2018

Tecfidera (dimethyl fumarate) for Multiple Sclerosis "Have been on Tecfidera for 6 weeks now and the joint pain is almost unbearable. I've never had the side effects that were described when reading up. My legs get rigid and are unbendable at times. I can barely walk. I really don't believe the MS diagnosis but thought "maybe" and hoped it would help. Doctor only worried about vitamin D count. What do I do now?"

1 / 10
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  • NoElle
  • November 11, 2019

Tecfidera (dimethyl fumarate) for Multiple Sclerosis "I have been on Tecfidera since it was approved in 2013. It has been a god-send as it kept all the lesions away for 6 years (with little to no side-effects), but now I find myself having to search for another medication as I have had 2 lesions just this year. My old Neuro had been pushing Tysabri, so I went searching for another Neuro ( also found my old Neuro on Dollars for Docs, she made $180,000 from big Pharma last year!! and that did not include her normal doctor salary) Now my new Neuro is looking to get me on Tysabri as well, but I am having lots of concerns on the side-effects and the black-box label. (plus reading the reviews..) I starting in 2010 with Copaxone (9 months) and probably would have stayed on it but it almost sent me to the emergency room (twice). Switched to AVONEX (2 years) but the side-effects of flu left me out of commission for 2~3 days after. Switched to Tecfidera when it came available. Now it looks like I will have to make another switch."

9 / 10
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  • Brill...
  • Taken for 5 to 10 years
  • October 31, 2019

Tecfidera (dimethyl fumarate) for Multiple Sclerosis "I was told I had MS in 2004. Doctor started me out with taking Avonex weekly. I hated injecting myself and the flu like feeling after taking it. That was 8 years. Doctor suggested Tefidera so I decided to try it. I have found that taking it with food helps the flushing and itching. Also it helps to take the medicine at the same time each day. Missing a dose will usually cause the flushing and itching to return. Also find that taking without food causes stomach issues. MRI results show that it is indeed working with no new signs of MS showing."

10 / 10
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  • Anonymous
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • January 30, 2021

Tecfidera (dimethyl fumarate) for Multiple Sclerosis "Have had MS for over 15 years. Started with betaseron..which was like having the flu for 8 years straight. Switched to Tysabri, which I loved. I had no side effects, but sadly got JC virus so switched to Tecfidera. Been on it for 3 months and I have to quit. The constant itching and joint pain is bad, but the burning and sharp stomach and intestinal pain is too much on top of the nausea and vomiting. I don't know what I'll be on next but it can't be worse."

1 / 10
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  • North...
  • July 8, 2015

Tecfidera (dimethyl fumarate) for Multiple Sclerosis "I live in northern ireland i have been on tecfidera since 2014 first 2 months hot flushes itchness fine since then 1 of the best slow down tablet or injection every i hate needles super tablet wud recomend thank god i live in the uk as these tabs are FREE i just cudnt afford them "

10 / 10
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  • Shell...
  • Taken for 2 to 5 years
  • January 13, 2016

Tecfidera (dimethyl fumarate) for Multiple Sclerosis "I get flushing Every time I take this medicine. I was diagnosed March 2013 and this is the only thing I have been on. I SUCK at taking the pills and on the weekend I almost ALWAYS forget my morning dose, I pay for it every Monday with increased Flushing and incredible itching. I have not been on an injectable yet and this medication has the best statistics, minus the new PML concept which was NOT a thing when I started taking it. But once every two weeks HAS to be better than twice a day. But for now I will stick to it because I have not had a full relapse since I was diagnosed."

8 / 10
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  • Multi...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • August 5, 2017

Tecfidera (dimethyl fumarate) for Multiple Sclerosis "Today is first day I've taken it. 2hr after I took I was woken up by feeling like I was on fire and itching. I look like I have sunburn and itch and very hot! This is only 1st pill. Feel concerned so I checked side effects and sure enough this is one of them."

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  • Belief
  • Taken for 6 months to 1 year
  • January 2, 2019

Tecfidera (dimethyl fumarate) for Multiple Sclerosis "I am taking Tecfidera now for 9 months as my first MS drug. It started well but the last 2 months I experienced a terrible back pain changing location daily. Painkiller help a bit but not an alternative for each day. No new lesions but is this the price to pay? "

7 / 10
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  • Coops...
  • August 3, 2017

Tecfidera (dimethyl fumarate) for Multiple Sclerosis "I was diagnosed in 8/13 was originally on Fingolimod with no relapses or new lesions until my bloods (liver enzyme) went out of whack. Have been on Tecfidera for 8 months and am experiencing horrible itching that has led to sleepless nights and broken skin. Extremely frustrating to say the least."

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  • DRW
  • Taken for 10 years or more
  • November 26, 2023

For Multiple Sclerosis "It's been fine. I do have occasional flushing, which is unpleasant but not long-lasting. Taking a tablespoon of peanut butter 15 minutes before taking the pill usually prevents the flushing. My MRIs have shown new lesions for 10 years, so that is an indication that it's working. I have no side effects besides occasional flushing."

8 / 10
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  • Karen
  • Taken for 6 months to 1 year
  • November 16, 2019

Tecfidera (dimethyl fumarate) for Multiple Sclerosis "I've been on Tecfidera for 8 months. Been having stomach issues, thought it was my pancreas which I do have a cyst on. The pain after taking this medication is terrible!!! The flushing is getting worse not better!! Now because of aspirin and the meds, I am having severe gastrointestinal issues!! I would rather deal with the side effects of of Injections, much easier to deal with!! Seeing my doctor in 2 weeks and am going off of it!!"

2 / 10
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  • Norse
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • April 12, 2020

Tecfidera (dimethyl fumarate) for Multiple Sclerosis "After 4 months on this I dropped it. I experienced brain fog, heavy headedness and tiredness right after taking always. Occasionally, it would leave me with a bad headache, again right after taking. Followed by an annoying flushing and runny nose throughout the day. It was interrupting my life, and as soon as I stopped, these symptoms stopped too."

2 / 10
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  • Kaye
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • March 23, 2018

Tecfidera (dimethyl fumarate) for Multiple Sclerosis "Started 2 months ago on tecfidera after being on shots for 15 years. Nausea and extreme flushing and itching after pill. Seemed to subside somewhat. Having trouble with holding bladder which I never had on shots. Also a light cough every hour on the hour. Anyone else have these side effects?"

7 / 10
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  • Dreu
  • Taken for 6 months to 1 year
  • September 6, 2021

Tecfidera (dimethyl fumarate) for Multiple Sclerosis "Absolutely the worst thing I ever took. I was experiencing diarrhea, abdominal pain, depression, fatigue, itchy skin and insomnia. I've been on this medication since September 2020 and quit on September 2021 after previously complaining to my neurologist, who did not take my concerns seriously. Looking for a new neurologist now to hopefully be placed on something that won't make me suffer."

1 / 10
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  • SGano
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • November 21, 2020

Tecfidera (dimethyl fumarate) for Multiple Sclerosis "I was diagnosed in June with MS and started my Tecfidera medication in September. It has been two months and I have not had a single side effect or relapse. Only time will tell in terms of progress when I have my first MRI since starting on medication to see if there are any new active lesions. Since being diagnosed, I changed my diet by no longer having any Dairy or Gluten. I believe this diet change has helped me and helped not having any side effects once I started my medication."

10 / 10
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  • Bassey
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • April 16, 2021

Tecfidera (dimethyl fumarate) for Multiple Sclerosis "I am into my 3rd week taking Tecfidera. Was on low dose (120 mg 2 x a day) for week. Into 2nd week of 240 mg 2 x a day. Joints stiff and sore but legs very painful - back (hamstring) & front (quads) & sides of legs (around IT band), calves. Feel shooting sensations down right leg mainly. Walking become very painful. I wonder if anyone else has experienced these symptoms - not sure if it is a side effect, MS or sciatic-type issue. Anyone with thoughts on this?"

5 / 10
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  • Carpy
  • Taken for 2 to 5 years
  • June 1, 2020

Tecfidera (dimethyl fumarate) for Multiple Sclerosis "Been on Tecfidera since 2017 for MS have found out recently that my white blood cells count are low which has placed me on the at risk list, but on the good side my MRI scan results show that they are working, down side still continue to get bad flushing"

9 / 10
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Reviews may be edited to correct grammar/spelling or to remove inappropriate language and content. Reviews that appear to be created by parties with a vested interest are not published. This information is not intended to endorse any particular medication. While these reviews may be helpful, they are not a substitute for the expertise, knowledge, and judgement of healthcare professionals.