Dimethyl fumarate for Multiple Sclerosis User Reviews (Page 3)

• Anonymous
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• September 11, 2022

"I have been on Tecfidera for eight years. I have not had any relapses or many problems, some flushing, which I figured out was caused by what I ate. I have been very active, including speed skating at 60."

• EMa...
• August 21, 2018

"Taking Tecfidera as part of a trial for radiologically isolated syndrome in hopes of preventing MS, I have brain lesions, found inadvertently. At the intake appointment, 6/18, I felt fit, energetic, healthy, and agile. I started Tecfidera then. Here I am in 8/18. I now have weird sensations that migrate daily, like a padded foot, weird feeling toe, tingly pinky, and extreme back pain. It changes location daily! This is aside from the extreme fire-face burning, runny nose, and watery mouth when the drug hits me, followed by exhaustion for about an hour! I find eating applesauce helps the 'fire face' as well as white wine. Maybe the acidity counteracts the drug? All I know is, I feel awful, not myself, and felt normal before! The dangling carrot is, taking it will apparently prevent MS! I am in a tough spot. What should I do? Docs say I can still be in the study without the pills, with free MRIs, blood tests, and a close watch on things."

• RMW...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• March 25, 2016

"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 my head, around my 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 without insurance, so I've stopped taking it."

• Gin...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 25, 2018

"I just started Tecfidera. Aside from the expected nausea and loose stools, I immediately noticed that my joints hurt in my fingers, knees, and ankles. Then I began to experience issues with my balance."

• NOM...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• July 24, 2019

"Say no to this one! I tried this, and the side effects were horrible-very severe hot flashes, burning and itching sensation over my entire body. I stopped it 2 and a half years ago, and those hot flushes won't go away."

• KJa...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 16, 2020

"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."

• Plb...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 1, 2019

"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 vomited for days. Turns out it was gastroenteritis, and they say it is not related to my medication. Probably because I had low defenses 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!"

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

"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 I 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."

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

"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 a 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 healthy new year 2021!"

• Mul...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 5, 2017

"Today is the first day I've taken it. Two hours after I took it, I was woken up by feeling like I was on fire and itching. I look like I have a sunburn and itch and feel very hot! This is only the first pill. I feel concerned, so I checked side effects, and sure enough, this is one of them."

• Coo...
• August 3, 2017

"I was diagnosed on 8/13, was originally on Fingolimod with no relapses or new lesions until my blood (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."

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

"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?"

• NoE...
• November 11, 2019

"I have been on Tecfidera since it was approved in 2013. It has been a godsend 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 about the side effects and the black box label (plus reading the reviews...). I started in 2010 with Copaxone (9 months) and probably would have stayed on it, but it almost sent me to the emergency room (twice). I switched to AVONEX (2 years), but the side effects of flu left me out of commission for 2 to 3 days afterward. I switched to Tecfidera when it became available. Now it looks like I will have to make another switch."

• Bri...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• October 31, 2019

"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 Tecfidera, 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. I also find that taking it without food causes stomach issues. MRI results show that it is indeed working, with no new signs of MS showing."

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

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

• Nor...
• July 8, 2015

"I live in Northern Ireland. I have been on Tecfidera since 2014. First 2 months: hot flushes, itchiness. Fine since then. One of the best slow down tablets or injection. I hate needles. Super tablet. Would recommend. Thank God I live in the UK as these tablets are free. I just couldn't afford them."

• Dre...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• September 6, 2021

"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 in 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."

• Kar...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• November 16, 2019

"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 injections, much easier to deal with! Seeing my doctor in 2 weeks and am going off of it!"

• She...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• January 13, 2016

"I get flushing every time I take this medicine. I was diagnosed in 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."

• SGa...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 21, 2020

"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."

• Nor...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 12, 2020

"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."

• Bas...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 16, 2021

"I am into my 3rd week taking Tecfidera. Was on a low dose (120 mg 2 x a day) for a week. Into the 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 became 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?"

• Car...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• June 1, 2020

"Been on Tecfidera since 2017 for MS. Have found out recently that my white blood cell count is low, which has placed me on the at-risk list. But on the good side, my MRI scan results show that they are working. Downside, still continue to get bad flushing."

• 130...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• March 25, 2023

"I had no problem switching from Rebif (taken from 1994-2016). I was hesitant because of the gastro side effects. I always have a large breakfast when I take the first dosage consisting of sugar-free 0% fat Greek yogurt and other healthy fruit and grains. I think the yogurt helps. I never have had a stomach ache or diarrhea taking this drug. It is easier and has fewer side effects than the newer, harsher B cell infusion drugs like Ocrevus or Rituximab, but maybe these are more effective depending on their latest MRI scans and disability?"

• Kay...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 23, 2018

"Started 2 months ago on Tecfidera after being on shots for 15 years. Nausea and extreme flushing and itching after the 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?"